Books » Writing Below the Belt

Michael's first book was a groundbreaking study of erotica and popular culture as seen through the eyes of fourteen of America's best erotic authors, as well as a devastating indictment of censorship in literature and the arts. Released during the era of Vancouver's Little Sister's Bookstore court case against Canada Customs, the book created a critical firestorm. "Issues of censorship, creative freedom, and human rights are at the heart of this book," said Boudoir Noir. "Rowe has created a complex layering of social criticisms aimed at the forces of creative and sexual repression." The James White Review noted that "Belt has massive potential appeal to thinkers and readers, advocates and activists alike. In reference to the human condition, Rowe and company have left nary a stone unturned."

Praise for Writing Below the Belt

"A thoughtful and engaging book, in turns serious and witty."

The Harvard Gay & Lesbian Review

"Writing Below The Belt is a revealing, complex look a loneliness, curiosity and pleasure."

The Village Voice

"Michael Rowe conducts marvelous interviews which often elicit revealing responses."

Bay Windows

"Through thoughtful and probing inquiry, Rowe intriguingly explores the origin, function, validity, and pull of erotic literature...The result is a better understanding of the genre by those who do it best."

Men's Style

"Issues of censorship, creative freedom, and human rights are at the heart of this book...Rowe has created a complex layering of social criticisms aimed at the forces of creative and sexual repression."

Boudoir Noir

"Writing Below The Belt has massive potential appeal to thinkers and readers, advocated and activists alike...In reference to the human experience, Rowe and company have left nary a stone unturned."

The James White Review

"While I'm proud to say that my mind and libido are open and progressive enough to appreciate erotica, I still hide it when my parents come over. Michael Rowe's passionate and intelligent book of interviews has changed all of that. I have it on my coffee table."

The Orange County and Long Beach Blade