Double Whammy!
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An ENE Review of the novels
Playtime & 99 Martinis by Kim Corum
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After reading 99
Martinis and Playtime,
I am convinced that there are two routes to trouble in this world: fibs
and fantasies. Any fan of Seinfeld can tell you how a simple lie can blossom
into a maze from which there is no escape. As for fantasies, especially
the unrealized kind, the ones that burn under your skin, begging to be realized?
Trouble, my friends, nothing but trouble. |
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99
Martinis is actually two books: the novel reviewed here, and a novel
written by Kendra Hatmaker, a Tennessee tease with ambitions of literary
greatness. Her manuscript is discovered by one Mark O'Daniel, who is employed
in the mailroom of Sungle Publishing, the lowest rung of the corporate ladder.
Although he reads and enjoys her submission, what really catches Mark's
eye is the picture Kendra encloses with the book, which produces love at
first sight. So although the book is destined for rejection, he writes to
its author, passing himself off as an editor and complimenting her on her
writing talent. Could she come to New York to meet with him, and bring the
rest of the novel? Ah, the trouble here has just begun. |
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Playtime
tells the story of Mona, married too young to Clay and itching for variety.
Divorcing him in what has to be the most amicable divorce in history (because
to be married while living out her fantasies would be "cheating"), she continues
to live with him while indulging in relationships with several other men
and a smorgasbord of creative experimentation (sex with other women, X-rated
movies, food, etc.). It's all done to gain experience -- but what Mona eventually
learns may surprise you. Once again, a life spent in the pursuit of fantasy
may not be much of a life after all. |
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Don't worry about
choosing between them, because both books are real winners. Quick, informal
reads, they weave a tangled tapestry from the choices the characters make
and the consequences that ensue. Don't try to second guess Kim Corum either.
I would find myself turning the page, convinced that I knew where the story
would head next -- only to be completely surprised. If you're a writer,
you'll especially like 99
Martinis. On the other hand, if you fantasize about sex (and who
doesn't?), you'll enjoy Playtime. If you're looking for fun between the
pages of a book, you'll enjoy them both. I sure did! |
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Playtime
by Kim Corum is available for purchase through Amazon.com
What would you do if you were
married but wanted to have sex with other people? If you're
like most people, you'd just cheat and probably get caught,
which would probably lead to...divorce or some other such thing.
If you're like Mona, you'd convince your spouse that you're
ready for a little "playtime" and then you'd fulfill
all your sexual fantasies. Or most of them, anyway.
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99
Martinis by Kim Corum is available for purchase through Amazon.com
About the Author: Kim
Corum has been married for ten years. A few years ago, after an
intense conversation with her husband, she got an idea for a book
about relationships. Playtime was born. When she's not writing,
she works in social services. She is 31 years old and lives in
the South.
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All Text, Codes, Graphics © 2001 ENE. All
Rights Reserved.
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