I’m not advocating one sexual attitude over another by any means. Whatever floats your boat as far as I’m concerned. I just find the way this scene reads very problematic when taken out of context.

Lots of sex, no sex. It’s all good, but don’t shame people for their decisions. To me, this almost seems like shaming her into having more sex. But again, out of context so maybe I’m just overreacting. *shrug* I am a little worried now about the Mayberry on my TBR pile now, though.

But obviously, if this bothers you, it bothers you. I don’t think that every book needs to affirm one choice over another.

I hate to sound like one of those teachers who talks about living up to potential – but I expect more from the better authors. The ones who I know aren’t good – I give a pass.

@Sayuri – you should sign up for paperbackswap.com. I’m sure my copy as well as many others is posted. If that’s too much trouble e-mail me at jinniblack AT gmail DOT com and I’ll send you my copy.

“Anna, you’re thirty-two years old. That’s barely one man per decade of your life. And it’s not like you’ve been married or anything. What have you been doing?” he asked.

She could feel embarrassed heat climbing into her face. “Okay, I’m a freak. I was a late bloomer. I didn’t lose my virginity until I was almost out of law school. And I always used to think that there was plenty of time to catch up. Work seemed more important. And saving for the future.

Re: “What have you been doing?” Ok, I’m sure in context this is jokey banter or whatever but to me, this whole exchange just seems really offensive. I’m not a prude and I have no problem with one night stands and no problem with people saving themsevles for marriage. But that’s the point. There is no one right number of sexual partners.

This exceprt just seems to be swinging the wrong way. A woman shouldn’t be embarassed for being sexually active. But she doesn’t have to be embarassed for not being experianced either. I mean, sheesh! The woman went to law school, she had a career. I don’t think she was “wasting her time” just because she wasn’t collecting notches on her bedpost. This scene is probably not as bad in context of the book but wow. Just wow. And the “catch up” thing! As if there’s a quota of sexual partners you have to meet in your lifetime and you’re some kind of failure is you don’t. This attitude is just really disturbing to me.