This is a hugely enjoyable book to read, full of quick one-liners as well as expansive, slow moving ideas. Pettman wrestles with a big topic, what one might call the orgasmic movement in culture, where huge expectations give way to utter disappointment. It's a sophisiticated study not so much of a particular genre in culture but a certain kind of rhythm and arc that any cultural phenomena can have. This sets it apart from the fan-based approach to cultural studies. It's a study of a form, not a content, which is sure to intersect with many interests.

Three couples try group sex at a lakeside strawberry farm, naively hoping it will lead to enlightenment.

Nina Hartley and 11 of her closest friends get together to teach you how to create the perfect orgy! Watch as Nina explains party pros and cons (and demonstrates the delicious decadence that results when everyone plays nice!), goes over the up-front ground rules and offers examples for holding a successful orgy of your own. Let Nina teach you how to be the host or hostess with the mostest!

Three couples try group sex at a lakeside strawberry farm, naively hoping it will lead to enlightenment.

Three couples try group sex at a lakeside strawberry farm, naively hoping it will lead to enlightenment.

A group of 30-year-olds who have been friends since high school attempt to throw an end-of-summer orgy.

A group of 30-year-olds who have been friends since high school attempt to throw an end-of-summer orgy.

A group of 30-year-olds who have been friends since high school attempt to throw an end-of-summer orgy.

A group of 30-year-olds who have been friends since high school attempt to throw an end-of-summer orgy.

A group of 30-year-olds who have been friends since high school attempt to throw an end-of-summer orgy.

A group of 30-year-olds who have been friends since high school attempt to throw an end-of-summer orgy.

Plot: Three couples try group sex at a lakeside strawberry farm, naively hoping it will lead to enlightenment.

A group of 30-year-olds who have been friends since high school attempt to throw an end-of-summer orgy.

Storyline: A group of 30-year-olds who have been friends since high school attempt to throw an end-of-summer orgy.

A group of 30-year-olds who have been friends since high school attempt to throw an end-of-summer orgy.

A group of 30-year-olds who have been friends since high school attempt to throw an end-of-summer orgy.

A group of 30-year-olds who have been friends since high school attempt to throw an end-of-summer orgy.