Women on Top

September 30, 1991
In this update of My Secret Garden , her ground-breaking 1973 exploration of women's sexual fantasies, Friday demonstrates that while women of the '60s and '70s were likely to imagine themselves as sexual submissives, those of the '80s and '90s fantasize being in charge of the erotic situation. She remains a hearty proponent of masturbation, contending that it teaches women to be at ease with their bodies and the pursuit of sexual pleasure. Her findings are based on patterns found in the enthusiastic, often erotically charged letters she elicited from women aged 14 to 61 and transcribes here. The respondents, most in their mid-20s and diverse in upbringing, marital status and sexual preference, envision themselves as seductresses, dominatrixes, exhibitionists, nurturers and men. First sexual experiences are recalled, confirmed heterosexuals admit fascination with lesbian acts, a former nun talks about her change of plans, an occasional dog gets in on the action. This absorbing, titillating and empowering feminist book is also a ribald bedside companion. First serial rights to Glamour; Literary Guild alternate; author tour.

October 27, 2003
Friday's absorbing update of her 1973 classic My Secret Garden demonstrates the intervening empowerment of women by exploring the changes in their sexual fantasies.