Bookish Takes On The Enduring 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' Phenomenon In An Exclusive Sex In Literature Special

Dr. Ruth Westheimer Reveals Why Men Need to Be More Like Spicy Novels

Authors Eric Van Lustbader and Deeanne Gist on Writing (and Not Writing) Explicit Love Scenes

NEW YORK, April 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- What makes books sexy? With "Fifty Shades of Grey" a worldwide literary phenomenon, Bookish (www.bookish.com), the popular site for readers, has launched a feature package devoted to sex in literature. The special includes exclusive contributions from celebrated authors and personalities:

• Acclaimed sex therapist and writer Dr. Ruth Westheimer reveals how "Fifty Shades of Grey" and similar reads impact real-life couples, and advises men that they should start behaving more like a good read if they want to be considered a good lover.
• Eric Van Lustbader , bestselling author of "The Ninja" and current author of the legendary "Bourne" series, discusses the art of writing a great sex scene.
• Award-winning novelist Deeanne Gist explains why her "inspirational romance" titles are filled with passion – but always stop short of the bedroom.

Bookish's editors have also compiled a new "Essential List" of classic erotica, proving that "Fifty Shades of Grey" is built on a long legacy of lust. The list showcases authors and books ranging from Anais Nin 's "Delta of Venus" and Pauline Reage 's "The Story of O" to Erica Jong 's "Fear of Flying" and Nicholson Baker 's "Vox."

The special also contains other related features and must-read book lists, including "Erotic Romance," and more.

"There is no question that 'Fifty Shades of Grey' has riveted audiences and fueled an international conversation that has attracted legions of new fans to erotic writing," said Rebecca Wright , executive editor of Bookish. "By bringing a range of voices to the discussion, such as Eric Van Lustbader , Dr. Ruth Westheimer and Deeanne Gist , we're looking at how writers can evoke romance and passion in completely different ways."

To access all of the stories included in Bookish's sex in literature feature package, go to: http://www.bookish.com/articles/bookish-sex-in-literature.