The Q Letters: True Stories of Sadomasochism

Rating:
Summary: This man is dangerous
Review: "The Q Letters" is a moderately interesting book that I would recommend to anyone who does not have a strictly rationed amount of time to read. It details a series of sexual liasons between a man and numerous woman hoping to find gratification through practices commonly described as BDSM.

People may complain that this book is not a "how-to" book. If this is why you bought it, you are silly or borderline illiterate. A quick perusal of the book, or comparing its table of contents to any number of adequate "how-to" books will show that it is nothing of the sort.

We're talking sex here, perhaps the strongest motivating force in human relations. Certainly the most polyvalent! It is possible to complain about how "Sir John" (yes it's a silly name) played with "emotionally damaged" or self-destructive woman and thus condemn the book for that reason. This misses the point of the book. It is a memoir. Certainly by the cosseted standards of the late 90's/early 00's the author was "unsafe", both physically and emotionally. But this was before the internet, Madonna, and confesional talk TV; and long before the current "safe, sane and consensual" mantra worked it way into dogma.

Also ... what of the author's own emotional damage, what drove him to expend so much time, energy and karma on whipping, ect. women he barely knew? Why couldn't he marry (attract) a woman who would also accept that aspect of him?

The author is flawed, and thus like 99.99% of humanity. But he recognized himself and did not flinch. How many are as comfortable with their sexuality? He found partners and tried to make their experience as fun as his (albeit we have only his word). He also cheated on his wife. He's no saint, but he is an honest author. Maybe you wouldn't find gratification the same way he would, maybe you're not as emotionally chaotic as him, or maybe more so. The fact is he put the experiences on display and that took courage. He did so with writing that was cogent and competent.

So you can read the book and say "yeah that's for me!" or "what a neanderthal, eeeck!" The point is simply a series of vignettes, one person's experience, lacking even a summation or some coherent thread other then sexual gratification. I think if most people tried that sort of writing it would be incredibly tawdry or incredibly boring; probably both. This book is neither. He does not advocate <anyting>, he simply states what happened to him and his lovers. The human condition is too broad for any one philosophy to encompass, thus he does not try. Simple description is enough.

So. Read this book if you want a view of statistically neglicable description of one man's sexual practices. If you are looking for a "how-to" book there are plenty. But first ask yourself "What is more important -- sex or love?" The author shows what could happen when one chooses the former.

Rating:
Summary: Too good to be true?
Review: An amazing book, with a Dom "too good" to be real...to be honest, it's as if a woman wrote this book because the Dom is just as most submissive women would want him to be. If this John Q is real, I'd love to meet him...he's what I've always been looking and waiting for. In any case, a great read, thanks to the author whatever his/her sex.

Rating:
Summary: Too good to be true!
Review: I agree with another review that said "The Q LEtters is the best book about S/M since the "Story of O". Even better because it's true!!! It is not just that it's so informative about BDSM it's incredibly sexy and exciting! I have read a number of "fantasy books" about BDSM, and this one tells it like it is. Really is!! Sure, parts of the book are Scary, but after reading some of the letters in the book that Sir John got from his "SLAVES", it's obvious that they were sometimes "pushes" a little, but they made it clear that was Exactly what they wanted! wow..> He made them SO happy. I can only hope to have such a Master! Read this book if you have ever wondered about S/M. Very Satisfying..

Rating:
Summary: collection of S&M experiences
Review: I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. The content was intense, erotic and emotionally compelling. It is not intended to be a "how-to" book, nor should it be viewed as such, there are other books to that end.

It is in fact, a powerful biography of one Masters experiences in the Lifestyle. Reality, fantasy, or literary license, regardless of the origin, this book explores the darkest corners of the writer's sexuality and imagination, exposing the reader to mental images that are advanced by any standard. BDSM is considered advanced foreplay, and John Q, has certainly taken it to its deepest levels. It is extreme reading.

Does it depict forced cruelty towards women, No. WHY, because as you read the book, you see that at no time did he ever perform any SM act that was beyond the scope of the female submissives desires, which although not mentioned specifically, does deal with the safety issues. It was his knowledge and control of the scenes and understanding of their limits that provided the safety, and in some cases, protected these women from themselves. Evidenced by the letters from the lovers he has had, they all enjoyed themselves and loved him very much.

One final thought; the scenes depicted in this book are quite advanced, and should not be attempted by the novice or even the intermediate level Dom. The lifestyle is many things to many people and advocates safety above all. What did I get from the book, a greater understanding of the lengths and scope of creativity that make the sexual experience between two consenting adults invigorating and exciting.

Rating:
Summary: One Dominant's ego trip
Review: Unfortunately I was not as impressed with 'Sir John' as he obviously is with himself.

He may or may not be describing real events, but it seems he has a talent for finding unstable and damaged women and treating them unsafely with little real emotional connection to most of them.

He may seem like the Dom of some people's dreams, but the reality is this collection of tales lacks depth and while he expects the reader to be impressed, he falls short of what most responsible Dominants are.

Rating:
Summary: Too good to be true!
Review: While an interesting read to anyone familar with sadomasochism from the inside, this book realy offers more to those who are curious from either a psychological or a sexual interest. Far from being scary or unrealistic fantasy, it's frank and honest about a subject still too often considered taboo by a part of "polite" society which then goes on to ineptly try to practice it.