Title: Seducing the Demon: Writing for My Life
Author: Erica Jong
Format: Trade Paperback
Publisher: Tarcher | Penguin Books
Pub Date: 2006; this edition: 2007
Read: Apr 2011
Source: BookCourt
Why: I’ve read some of Jong’s essays before, which I really enjoyed. This seemed like a kind of writing memoir from someone whose writing I enjoy so I figured, why not?
Fulfills Challenge? Yes.
Notes: N/A
Review/Thoughts:
While I can’t really speak for Erica Jong’s fiction, I do find her nonfiction to be snappy, quick, and insightful. I will say though, that given the subtitle of the book, Writing for My Life, I was expecting something a little more in the way of a writing memoir, which this isn’t really. It’s more personal and anecdotal. Writing does come into play, but not to the extent you would expect given that title. Not that I found the book disappointing, but I can imagine that some might. Jong’s writing is as engaging as it is fun, and Jong kind of just moves along quickly, darting from one episode to another and creating a kind of disjointed feel. Although her relationships do feature heavily, they don’t take up the whole book. Among other things, she discusses her daughter’s drug addiction and the death of her father. Above all, the book seems honest, and she doesn’t shy away from her fuck ups, including sleeping with Martha Stewart’s husband. All in all, I found this to be a quick, enjoyable read.
Final Verdict: 
[...] Easton Ellis 43. The Emperor’s Children by Claire Messud 44. Seducing the Demon by Erica Jong (reviewed here) 45. The Water’s Lovely by Ruth Rendell 46. The Life Before Her Eyes by Laura Kasischke 47. The [...]