Eariler this month, author Erica Jong was in New York City to read from her new book of poems "Love Comes First" at my favorite independent bookstore, McNally Jackson Books. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to spend time with and speak one on one with this talented author. I read Erica's first novel "Fear of Flying" published in 1973 two years ago. It was certainly interesting to read her unabashed thoughts and insights about sex from a young woman's point of view living in NYC in the 70s and how this influenced many women to act on their desires. (One might argue that Erica was the first to break down the barriers that helped "Sex and the City" become so popular). Her words continue to influence people to this day as evidenced by a girl at the book signing who was almost in tears when she spoke to Erica about how much it meant for her to identify with the unfulfilled character in Erica's book who was in an unhappy marriage.
I asked her the following question: "How do you think feminism has affected relationships between men and women in the 21st century? Some say it has had a negative effect with men citing confusion at how they should act in relationships and chivalry seems to have gone out the window." She responded by saying that women should never stop fighting for rights and that many women are still taken advantage of and mistreated because of their gender. Women's voices should always be heard.
In her new book of poems, Erica is clearly comfortable with herself and focuses not on sex, but on the simple pleasures of life.
