Rating: 
Summary: Outstanding BDSM Novel
Review: At the outset, I should say that once you have read Carrie's Story you will probably want to read the sequel "Safe Word". This book is outstanding as an exploration of BDSM. Told from the submissive's viewpoint (ie as a first person narrative) it affords us a marvellous insight into the mind of someone who would place themselves at the mercy of another person, fully understanding of the pain and suffering that might result. But of course it also provides the answering motivation, the intensity of experience, the absolution from decision, the pleasure obtained from subordinating one's own desires to those of another.It is the self-critical (what other reviewers have termed sassy) self-awareness of the central character that carries throughout this novel that makes it so special. This is delivered in a light-hearted, but brutally honest manner. No question it is highly erotic. But there are many other novels that achieve that. This one transcends the mere erotic and captivates the reader. The author generates a tension that draws the reader on and enfolds you in the story. I have not found that in an erotic novel since reading The Story Of O - and I can give Carrie's Story no better praise than that comparison. If you enjoyed The Story Of O then Carrie's Story and the sequel Safe Word will enthrall you.
Rating:
Summary: The Alternate World
Review: Carrie is an attractive, young graduate student in Comparative Literature at Berkeley. She meets Jonathan, a somewhat older, very successful architect at a party in San Francisco, where he invites her to become his slave. After a period of disbelief, Carrie ultimately accepts his offer and enters the world of "porntopia" in which the rules of Domination and submission hold sway. Her story of the training of a submissive, of the canings, whippings, bondage, anal dildos and ownership papers, describes clearly a world of which the average person is completely unaware. For those in the D/s lifestyle, this is an erotic and well told story of that secret world that stretches from exhibitions and ponygirl training in Marin, to the auction block in some northern European city, where Carrie is auctioned off to a new owner for one year of service. The book is highly recommended to those who are curious about this alternate world.
Rating: 
Summary: Dull and unrealistic
Review: Carrie's Story is an interesting book, and well written, but I found it to be rather dull and extremely unrealistic about bdsm. Firstly, the character never seems to explain why she wants this lifestyle. It almost seems like she says "Hey, I don't have anything to do this afternoon; how about becoming a sex slave?" I never really felt a connection with her, or any understanding of what motivated her to do this.
The book is also very unralistic about bdsm. I do not recall any mentioning of safe words in the entire book. (One of the ways to tell the posers from the real lifestylers is the use of safe words. It's generally accepted that those that don't use them, don't know what they're doing and are dangerous.) I doubt that there are groups of rich people running large parties and salve auctions. Bdsmers run the entire economic gambit. There's a mention of slave contracts and auctions, and the assertation that they are legally binding. If you want to make a judge laugh suggest that.
I have to say that book will appeal to many that are either new to bdsm, or desire a romantic book over a realistic one. But it should not be considered a true introduction to the lifestyle.
Rating:
Summary: Carrie's Story
Review: Carrie's story is well written, a fairly quick read and is not as quite disturbing as The Leash (which is another book I recommend.)
Molly Weatherfield, the author, grabs your attention from the beginning. She uses bold and unpretentious language, particular situations (sometimes grippingly exotic, sometimes routine) to detail the journey of Carrie into the world of BDSM.
I really liked the mental gymnastics that Carrie undergoes in almost every scene/situation. The author uses these mental workouts to show how Carrie progresses as a novice in the culture to a submissive that embraces what she is.
Nothing that the author writes is outside the realm of possibility or even imaginative probability. She is even able to weave some of the insight into the mind of the Dominant into the story as well (although that is a small part, and I believe, only present in order to assist in telling Carrie's story of submission.)
I recommend, not only for those who are involved in BDSM, but also those who might have a passing interest; or someone who wants a little more than routine erotica.
Rating: 
Summary: entertaining
Review: Entertaining and readable (I think I actually read just about every word, wiich considering the genre, is saying something). Oh yeah, and fun, which after all is the point. The jokes about Pynchon are maybe a bit laboured, but maybe I only think this because I was reading it as light relief from a parallel assault on Mason and Dixon. Part two (Safe Word) is also good. It would be nice to get some more.
Rating:
Summary: SM for smart girls
Review: I discovered the world of bdsm a mere three months ago (I'm 34) and can't quite believe how much I didn't know about myself before this. Let's just say I'll never go without it again. Anyway, since this discovery I have been reading everything I can get my hands on, from really bad stuff like Laura Reese's 2 books to stellar short stories like Mark Pritchards' "Lessons in Submission" to all of Roy Stuart's erotic photography. Carrie's Story is my absolute favorite for so many reasons. Not only is it not over-romanticized, not only is the sex fascinating and hot, but Carrie's smartass internal monologue sounds so much like my own! On the surface she is compliant and submissive, yet inside she is wry and cynical and sort of astonished at the irony of what she's doing -- and she tells the story with that voice. And the story is just so... believable; the author got all the details right, from her bike messenger outfits to the punk rock references. I actually read the book a second time and marked all the places where I exclaimed out loud at how exactly it expressed something I felt. Like when Carrie admits how much she loves the *exquisite unfairness* of the arrangement, and when she wonders how -- without clear instructions and commands -- people having vanilla sex *ever* get it right, and when she begins to understand the peculiar logic and integrity of their arrangement -- how it's about him expressing his wishes and her simple obligation to fulfill them exactly. If you are thinking about engaging in power exchange sex, read this book! Carrie's Story will show you how a smart[minded] girl does it, and she'll make you want to.
Rating:
Summary: SM for smart girls
Review: I discovered the world of bdsm a mere three months ago (I'm 34) and can't quite believe how much I didn't know about myself before this. Let's just say I'll never go without it again. Anyway, since this discovery I have been reading everything I can get my hands on, from really bad stuff like Laura Reese's 2 books to stellar short stories like Mark Pritchards' "Lessons in Submission" to all of Roy Stuart's erotic photography.
Carrie's Story is my absolute favorite for so many reasons. Not only is it not over-romanticized, not only is the sex fascinating and hot, but Carrie's smartass internal monologue sounds so much like my own! On the surface she is compliant and submissive, yet inside she is wry and cynical and sort of astonished at the irony of what she's doing -- and she tells the story with that voice. And the story is just so... believable; the author got all the details right, from her bike messenger outfits to the punk rock references. I actually read the book a second time and marked all the places where I exclaimed out loud at how exactly it expressed something I felt. Like when Carrie admits how much she loves the exquisite unfairness of the arrangement, and when she wonders how -- without clear instructions and commands -- people having vanilla sex EVER get it right, and when she begins to understand the peculiar logic and integrity of their arrangement -- how it's about him expressing his wishes and her simple obligation to fulfill them exactly.
The book is flawlessly written, intelligent, and never talks down to its readers. So, if you are thinking about engaging in power exchange sex, read this book! Carrie's Story will show you how a smart(-...) girl does it.
Rating: 
Summary: Very Entertaining.....
Review: I most certainly enjoyed Molly Weatherfield's book about a college student who enters the world of d/s. Carrie doesn't know why she likes being dominated and beaten but she does and she finds the a more than suitable teacher in the handsome Jonathan. If you a looking for detailed scenes of graphic sex you won't find it in this book. It's more along the lines of just stating the fact it happened and more time is spent on how Carrie felt and the more practical matters that happen in the d/s world. I truly appreciated the sense of humor laced through out the book and the comments were some of those I would make myself, made it seem very contemporary and real.If there is a downside to it all there are a few nit picky items such as Carrie's family isn't explained at all and the fact she will be disappearing from the mainstream of life for a year; and why did Jonathan have to turn into some sort of sentimental fool.This book reminds of the 'the slave' by Laura Antinou and if you liked that you will also enjoy this work.
Rating:
Summary: Educational....hell , it was amazing!
Review: I say Educational because Carrie's Story was very interesting and for those persons who know nothing about Master & Slave scenarios, this is a learning experience. I started reading this book not knowing anything about the slavery side of BDSM and I closed this book wanting to experience it so badly.
I encourage anyone to read it because it's not too raunchy and it keeps you on your twoes wanting to know what's next.
Rating:
Summary: It's About Not Going to the Movies
Review: I thought thrice before committing myself to 5 stars, and decided that given the genre of erotica/pornography, the book is worth it. It's a wonderful read about a woman's adventure of self-discovery in the world of dominance/submission and s&m. It's thoroughly entertaining as porn, but with the sorts of fleshed out individuals and, particularly in Carrie's character, the kind of emotional honesty seldom explored in the genre. Weatherfield is clearly well read, and there are clever literary allusions and jokes for those with the eyes to see; and some lovely sophisticated ironies that will provoke the occasional knowing smile in the reader. But most important: It's creative and delicious erotica. I can't wait for the sequel to find out what the next set of pit stops will be on what I take to be Carrie's dilated journey towards love.
| 
