Naked: On Sex, Work, and Other Burlesques

Fancy Feast is a collection of essays by a celebrated burlesque performer, sex educator, and social worker that explore selling, performing, and consuming desire, challenging cultural beliefs about sex, communication, power, and the messiness of life on the margins of respectability.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2023
Publisher: Workman Publishing

In her groundbreaking book, Naked, a celebrated burlesque performer, sex educator, and social worker bares it all, with incisive and hilarious essays about selling, performing, and consuming desire. This thought-provoking collection delves into the intricate world of sex, challenging our culture's tightly held beliefs and revealing the messy realities of life on the margins of respectability.

Fancy Feast takes readers on an exclusive backstage pass, offering a glimpse into a world that most denizens of the daytime never see. Part literary striptease, part long-form essay, these essays confront our culture's deeply ingrained notions about sex, communication, power, and the complexities of living on the fringes of acceptability.

In Dildo Lady, Fancy recounts her experiences working retail at a sex toy store, where she sought to compensate for the shortcomings of the American sex education system. Through her humorous and candid storytelling, she explores themes of self-love, fatphobia, and dating, offering valuable insights and personal anecdotes.

In Doing Yourself, Fancy tackles fatphobia, dating, self-love, and fantasies, offering a refreshing and empowering perspective on these often-taboo subjects. She challenges societal expectations and encourages readers to embrace their unique identities and desires.

In Yes/No/Maybe, Fancy takes the reader on a journey from sex parties to polyamorous relationships, contrasting the undeniable sexiness of enthusiastic consent with the devastating effects of miscommunication and entitlement. Through her vivid descriptions and thoughtful analysis, she explores the complexities of human relationships and the importance of effective communication.

Fancy Feast stands out as a triumph for fat women who make a living taking off their clothes. It is a powerful punch-back against a culture that often seeks to either demonize or erase fat people, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and expectations. With her bold and unapologetic approach, Fancy challenges these narratives and celebrates the beauty and diversity of fat bodies.

For fans of Lindy West and Melissa Febos, Naked is a must-read. It is a captivating blend of splashy, vulnerable, and always powerful storytelling, offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of sex, gender, and identity. Through her witty and insightful essays, Fancy invites readers to explore their own desires and boundaries, challenging them to think critically about the societal norms and expectations that shape our lives.

ISBN-13: 9781643752372