is it really necessary? Graphic sex in books

[sheiler1963]

 I'm reading this book and I like most parts of it. The plot is engaging, the writing is good, most of the characters are well defined. However it has one fatal flaw. In every other chapter the protagonist has a mind blowing/out of this world sexual experience told with excruciating detail. The kind of sex that doesn't truly exist in the real world and it's in EVERY OTHER CHAPTER! Just when the plot is beginning to get good.......we have to stop while this person spends a few paragraphs having sex. *sigh* It has nothing to do with the story and it just takes away from the book all the things I was reading it for.
 Am I the only one who finds these gratuitous/obligatory sex scenes unnecessary and dull?

[purplepen79]

If I didn't have the slowest dial-up connection in the world, I would go back and search for a thread I think you would interesting--it was posted a couple months ago, and I think the title was "Sex Scenes?"

Anyway, I hear your frustration--there are some books that have a lot of gratuitous sex (some of the latter LKH books come to mind), just like there are some books that have gratuitous dialogue, gratuitous adjectives, gratuitous violence, gratuitous cussing, and gratuitous adverbs.  It's frustrating for me as a reader when I read something, anything, in a book that's not important to plot or character development.  That said, I have read books where the author used sex, violence, cussing, etc. to develop character or advance plot.  I think in the discussion I mentioned, I talked about the sex scene in Rosemary's Baby--now in my mind, that scene was completely necessary to the plot and highlighted the horror of Rosemary's situation. 

[sheiler1963]

If I didn't have the slowest dial-up connection in the world, I would go back and search for a thread I think you would interesting--it was posted a couple months ago, and I think the title was "Sex Scenes?"

Anyway, I hear your frustration--there are some books that have a lot of gratuitous sex (some of the latter LKH books come to mind), just like there are some books that have gratuitous dialogue, gratuitous adjectives, gratuitous violence, gratuitous cussing, and gratuitous adverbs.  It's frustrating for me as a reader when I read something, anything, in a book that's not important to plot or character development.  That said, I have read books where the author used sex, violence, cussing, etc. to develop character or advance plot.  I think in the discussion I mentioned, I talked about the sex scene in Rosemary's Baby--now in my mind, that scene was completely necessary to the plot and highlighted the horror of Rosemary's situation. 

Is this the one?

http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php?topic=93952.0

If a sexual thing is an integral part of the story then it makes sense. However having to stop my regular reading for some characters to have sex is like having to stop in the middle of a really great movie for a Viagra commercial.

[Lursa (aka 9MMare)]

Depends on how well it's written, including how well it fits into the story. If it detracts from the main story, I just skim over it....graphic or not.

OTOH, goal-oriented as I tend to be in the types of books I read, if you can pull me in with a good sex scene...more power to you and thanks! lol

But like with anything else in the book...if you dont like it, just skip it. If that author ends up being a 'repeat offender,' move on.

[purplepen79]

Is this the one?

http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php?topic=93952.0

If a sexual thing is an integral part of the story then it makes sense. However having to stop my regular reading for some characters to have sex is like having to stop in the middle of a really great movie for a Viagra commercial.

Yes, that's the thread--thank you for finding it!  I really like your clever analogy about the Viagra commercial, by the way.

[MariaESchneider]

Gratuitous any scene is annoying--be it political, violence, sex or long and boring gratuitous description.  For most of those things I'll stop reading.  For all of those things, I guarantee I'll be taking off a star or two if I'm reviewing it.   

[Laura Lond]

I always find them unnecessary and annoying; it can actually ruin an otherwise good book for me. Especially when I feel that the author might have put these scenes there just because "sex sells".

[Lursa (aka 9MMare)]

I always find them unnecessary and annoying; it can actually ruin an otherwise good book for me. Especially when I feel that the author might have put these scenes there just because "sex sells".

I can see that 'sex sells' in certain genre, like romance, erotica, chick  lit...but otherwise? Do they market that kind of thing for legal thrillers, forensic/police crime novels, sci-fi, horror, etc? Question...do they use it to market fantasy? (not familiar enough there).

[DH_Sayer]

I agree with previous posters. If it's necessary, bring it on. If its inclusion gives you pause, then it's not necessary.

[Laura Lond]

I can see that 'sex sells' in certain genre, like romance, erotica, chick  lit...but otherwise? Do they market that kind of thing for legal thrillers, forensic/police crime novels, sci-fi, horror, etc? Question...do they use it to market fantasy? (not familiar enough there).

I have heard authors say that their agent or publisher would advise to add something sexual so that the story would look more "adult" and sell better - yes, even in the genres other than romance and erotica. It's almost like, "well, if it's G-rated, it's not grown-up stuff and no adult reader will want it." Somehow they are missing the fact that there are many adults who want the opposite. There are all kinds of book clubs and book groups who look for and share recommendations of "clean books."

[Lursa (aka 9MMare)]

I have heard authors say that their agent or publisher would advice to add something sexual so that the story would look more "adult" and sell better - yes, even in the genres other than romance and erotica. It's almost like, "well, if it's G-rated, it's not grown-up stuff and no adult reader will want it." Somehow they are missing the fact that there are many adults who want the opposite. There are all kinds of book clubs and book groups who look for and share recommendations of "clean books."

I think it would seem just as strange to develop relationships in a book in any (adult) genre and not have it develop naturally into a sexual one, and to not include that in the story. I guess it just depends on how much space the author chooses to devote to it.

Perhaps the publishers have a better idea of the general reader' s preference (or think they do).

[flipside]

It depends.

I can understand it getting in the way of the story, but sometimes, that becomes the "style" of the author which authors look forward to.

For example, I feel Anne Rice goes overboard with description, but hey, that's the appeal of Anne Rice: lots of descriptions and detail.

[SheenahFreitas]

If it's too graphic, I don't think it's necessary unless we're reading erotica. I'm fine with sex scenes as long as they're not overly detailed or graphic and if it helps build the story. If it's thrown in there just to be thrown in there (like most romantic comedy movies) then I find it annoying and a little tacky.

[patrickt]

In my preferred genre, a sex scene that describes size or dampness or firmness or whether or not it's pulsating isn't appropriate. I find excessive descriptions of violence disgusting and have quite reading a few books because of it.

I think some authors are exposing their own problems. And, I suppose some readers don't have enough experience with either sex or violence to have much of an imagination.

[4eyesbooks]

As with many things I think less can be more.  Sometimes it is best to give some information and let the reader use their imagination for the rest.  Too much detail in sex scenes can be very offputting. 

[FeliciaM]

I think it really depends on the book and the audience. If the audience likes sex, then I have no problem with it. =-)

[sheiler1963]

I have heard authors say that their agent or publisher would advice to add something sexual so that the story would look more "adult" and sell better - yes, even in the genres other than romance and erotica. It's almost like, "well, if it's G-rated, it's not grown-up stuff and no adult reader will want it." Somehow they are missing the fact that there are many adults who want the opposite. There are all kinds of book clubs and book groups who look for and share recommendations of "clean books."

It's not as if I find books like the one in my OP to be 'dirty'. If sex is part of the plot then it's all good. However when the story is getting good, the plot is thickening and then.....WHAMMO! Some soft porn/bodice ripping stuff gets interjected and I feel I've been cheated somehow.
 For this reason I really loved the book 'The Silence of the Lambs' and loved the movie even more. Nobody falls in love and has to stop the show to screw. It's all about the story, which is what I picked up the book for.

[RDaneel54]

I really like J. D. Robb's "In Death" series with Eve Dallas and Roarke.  I detest the sex scenes in every book.  It detracts from the story for me.  My solution has been to hit the next page button until it's over.  I get that they are in love, but enough with describing their sex in every book.  Doesn't stop me from reading them, though.

Dean

[Lursa (aka 9MMare)]

I think it really depends on the book and the audience. If the audience likes sex, then I have no problem with it. =-)

How do you know this? And may I ask what genre(s) you author? Or read? Seems relevant to your answer, which just raises more questions for me!

[thesophisticatedreader]

i think it depends. if its random and has nothing to with the story but just thrown in there then no.

[nogdog~6op6ou]

I think whether or not there are sex scenes and how graphic they are are two separate but related things. Does two characters having sex -- whether "normal" or "spectacular" -- contribute to the story? If so, that's all fine by me. However, when you start getting into graphic detail on the specific mechanics involved, I'm not sure I've ever encountered a book where that was necessary (I guess in part because I don't read erotica?).

Consider if you had a story where the fact that a character had to use the bathroom was crucial to the plot; say, for instance, some mob boss was assassinated while sitting on the toilet. The fact that the assassin waits until the target goes into the bathroom could be an important plot point -- maybe he sneaked a laxative into his target's food. However, is anything added to the story if the author then spends several paragraphs or pages detailing the mechanics of, well, doing what you do in the bathroom when a laxative takes effect?

Most of us pretty well understand the mechanics of both sex and elimination: we don't need them spelled out in graphic detail, movement by movement (pun intended), do we? Granted, some people enjoy that sort of thing, and there are books specifically designed to cater to them; but I for one tend to get turned off, instead of turned on, when an otherwise good novel gets interrupted by a graphic sex scene.

Your mileage may vary.

[TiffanyDeRang]

It really doesn't bother me if writers decide to get graphic. 

[MichelleR]

I'm reading this book and I like most parts of it. The plot is engaging, the writing is good, most of the characters are well defined. However it has one fatal flaw. In every other chapter the protagonist has a mind blowing/out of this world sexual experience told with excruciating detail. The kind of sex that doesn't truly exist in the real world and it's in EVERY OTHER CHAPTER! Just when the plot is beginning to get good.......we have to stop while this person spends a few paragraphs having sex. *sigh* It has nothing to do with the story and it just takes away from the book all the things I was reading it for.
 Am I the only one who finds these gratuitous/obligatory sex scenes unnecessary and dull?

It's going to depend on the book, and the same goes for strong language.

In the book you're talking about, you say it has nothing to do with the story. While that is subjective, you might be absolutely right that the story would be stronger without it. Sometimes it does add the story or plot, though. And, some people just like it. 

[MaryMcDonald]

I'm reading this book and I like most parts of it. The plot is engaging, the writing is good, most of the characters are well defined. However it has one fatal flaw. In every other chapter the protagonist has a mind blowing/out of this world sexual experience told with excruciating detail. The kind of sex that doesn't truly exist in the real world and it's in EVERY OTHER CHAPTER! Just when the plot is beginning to get good.......we have to stop while this person spends a few paragraphs having sex. *sigh* It has nothing to do with the story and it just takes away from the book all the things I was reading it for.
 Am I the only one who finds these gratuitous/obligatory sex scenes unnecessary and dull?

I used to read a lot of romance books about 20 years ago. While the sex wasn't as graphic in use of terminology as what is acceptable now,it was still pretty racy. After reading a scene or two, it gets tedious. The sex doesn't advance the plot and unless the character has some kind of epiphany during it, it doesn't show too much character insight either, so I tend to skim over those scenes to get back to the story. It doesn't bother me that they are there, I just don't need a blow by blow.

What bothers me more is the terminology now used. I'm reading a book now that is more of a romantic suspense/murder mystery, so I'm intrigued by the plot, but in the midst of it, there are some scenes that I'm uncomfortable reading. I don't like when the heroine is thinking thoughts that read like she stepped off the set of a porn shoot. This smart, articulate young woman completely changes character, plus she's supposed to be a bit inexperienced, so I don't buy that she'd think like that. There's also a bad guy who rapes and abuses a different woman and I can understand the graphic sex there, but I still don't want all the details.

[Bethany B.]

I think context is everything. Graphic sex may make sense in the paranormal romance but not as much in the cozy mystery.

I also want to point out that some books almost require some sort of graphic scene. For instance, in the book Push by Sapphire there are some really graphic scenes concerning molestation of a very young child. It was chilling to read but made the intended impact. Also, just because you may not be a fan of graphic scenes doesn't mean they don't have a place. I'm not a huge fan of hard science fiction but understand why some find it interesting.