Review and Giveaway: A Common Pornography

I actually had a hard time deciding what I wanted to say about A Common Pornography by Kevin Sampsell. It is a memoir, but nothing like I have read before. It seemed to cut through all the BS of typical memoirs and got right into the heart of who he is and why he is the man he became.

This book is written in a series of short vignettes, Kevin talks about his family, which is made up of several half-siblings (including a brother who is black) from his mom's previous relationships. The book starts out with a description of a panic attack that Kevin had shortly after his father's death - so serious that it drove him out of his house at 3:30 in the morning totally naked. After writing down some memories from his life, and finding out some new information about his father and family from his mom after his dad died, he realized that things might not have been as normal as once thought.

While many of these pieces are dark and serious, dealing with some major emotions and complicated relationships, there are also some lighter moments. For instance, the extensive porn collection he started hiding above a tile in his bedroom ceiling, but decided to move due to his fear that they would collapse the ceiling bury him in porn.

I really felt like Kevin exposed himself in a different way. It was one of the most unusual memoirs I have read, and I really liked that. It seemed new and interesting, and I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys memoirs - and something a little different.

I am excited to say that thanks to a very generous Erica at Harper Perennial, I have 3 copies of A Common Pornography to give away!! WOOHOO!!! And I'll throw in my very own gently read copy, too!!! Rock on, right? I just love giveaways! Anyway, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post! Be sure to leave your email address, because if I don't have a way to get a hold of you, then your name will be removed and you won't be entered in the contest. Last day to enter is Thursday, April 29th, and I'll announce the winners on Friday, April 30! This contest is open to everyone - if Harper Perennial won't ship it to you, I will!! =)

Good luck everyone!!!