Darryl Shelly's Blog - Posts Tagged "novel"

http://vimeo.com/58495065

This book is all about sex, but it isn’t a bodice-ripper. Actually, for all of the sex portrayed, this book isn’t sexy, and that is a great accomplishment. 

Shelly is a talented writer, and his prose can soar poetic when he wants it to. Still, his descriptions of sexual encounters range from delicate and intimate to raunchy and completely absurd. Considering the main character is a sex addict, this seems an appropriate way to gauge his development.

 Dash starts out relatively innocent. When he first begins frequenting prostitutes at his friend’s behest, he seeks intimacy and mutual pleasure. These initial experiences are filled with almost tender details of him trying to feel connected. As he gradually descends into full-fledged addiction, the way he sees the world changes. He no longer carefully describes each woman; his partners blur together into a string of random people. His actions become more selfish. As Dash’s desire for partnership fades into a desire for a higher “number,” the sex itself changes. Of an early visit to a massage parlor, he says that “there were satisfying little gestures of intimacy in that moment, such as our fingers interlacing, a kiss to the neck, the smile in her eyes.” Of a later escapade, he says only that he “finished co-mingling genitals.” Ladies he meets early in the book are described as goddesses; later women are harlots or hussies. Shelly lovingly details the sex that Dash has for the mostly right reasons, but he refuses to glorify the sex that exists as an emotional crutch and a burden. Addiction is never pretty, and this book shows that in a vivid manner. In The Hobbyist, Darryl Shelly has created a disturbing (and disturbingly realistic) tale of a young man falling into temptation. Throughout the book, Dash’s entire ideas about sex, intimacy, and himself are altered through his transformation from average guy to sex addict. It is a fascinating and horrifying transition. By focusing on Dash’s fall and exploring primarily his low points, Shelly shatters the unfortunate idea that sex addiction is nicer than other forms of self-abuse. At his worst, Dash is no safer, no more charming, and no more in control than someone dealing with substance abuse. Shelly does a wonderful job portraying the tragedy of sex addiction. Mae West had it wrong; too much of a good thing is not always wonderful. – San Francisco Book Review

I will be on the Dereck & Kay radio show this Sunday (April 14th) at 4:25pm PST discussing my novel. Check it out if you can. http://bit.ly/120HQ2m

The Hobbyist is a cautionary tale and not for the faint of heart. Though there is much ado about sex in this story, it is not, as one reviewer noted, "a sexy book." Many readers who fancy erotica or romance novels are not likely to embrace the material. Whereas the previously mentioned genres deal primarily with transgressive fantasies, The Hobbyist – though a novel – is based on a true story. I also want to caution those expecting a book on recovery. The frank, sexual content could well serve as stimulus to acting out.

It is not my intention to dissuade anyone from buying the book, but since this book deals with frequent acts of wanton sex, it could mislead potential readers about the true nature of the book's content, and possibly lead to disappointment. I would be remiss if I didn’t note this distinction.

If you get a moment, check out my interview with Dr Drew on his podcast: http://drdrew.com/049-darryl-shelly/

"I almost wish it would be like a Mad Men-esque TV show because I don't want it to end. I want it to keep going!"
~ Dr. Drew Pinsky: addiction expert and host of Lovelines and Dr. Drew on HLN