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Reviews
Naked at Lunch: A Reluctant Nudist's Adventures in the Clothing-Optional World by Mark Haskell Smith
jess_mango's review
4.0
3.5 stars.
I read this to fulfill the "I feel a breeze- read a book that takes place at a nudist colony or features nudists" task for the GoodReads Summer Reading Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/1251
Journalist Mark Haskell Smith decides to learn more about nudism so he visits various resorts, camps, etc. This book was both funny and informative. Nudism wasn't something Smith ever really saw himself participating in so I related to it on that level but don't know if I would personally ever participate in nudism. The book does bring up things like body image issues and the awkward situations that arise from the "non-sexual nudism" rules in place at nudist resorts.
I read this to fulfill the "I feel a breeze- read a book that takes place at a nudist colony or features nudists" task for the GoodReads Summer Reading Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/1251
Journalist Mark Haskell Smith decides to learn more about nudism so he visits various resorts, camps, etc. This book was both funny and informative. Nudism wasn't something Smith ever really saw himself participating in so I related to it on that level but don't know if I would personally ever participate in nudism. The book does bring up things like body image issues and the awkward situations that arise from the "non-sexual nudism" rules in place at nudist resorts.
awwcripes's review
3.0
Thanks Netgalley and Grove Press Books for letting me read this early.
Half way through this book and I have mixed feelings. I am the kind of person that reads a book about nudism because I want to hear the amusing anecdotes and little moments of awkwardness that accompany a lifestyle I know nothing about.
Naked at Lunch has much of what I want. The chapter about penis jewelry was just lovely. The author has done an excellent job providing great research into the history and politics of the nudism/naturism movement---but I find myself skipping those chapters.
This book is absolutely worth reading, I just feel like it tries to do too much. I like the cultural research that went into the discussion on SF's ban on nudity. I don't need the 200 year history on the concept of nudism.
Still looking forward to the second half.
Half way through this book and I have mixed feelings. I am the kind of person that reads a book about nudism because I want to hear the amusing anecdotes and little moments of awkwardness that accompany a lifestyle I know nothing about.
Naked at Lunch has much of what I want. The chapter about penis jewelry was just lovely. The author has done an excellent job providing great research into the history and politics of the nudism/naturism movement---but I find myself skipping those chapters.
This book is absolutely worth reading, I just feel like it tries to do too much. I like the cultural research that went into the discussion on SF's ban on nudity. I don't need the 200 year history on the concept of nudism.
Still looking forward to the second half.
bookhawk's review
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
I’ve read a couple of Mark Smith’s fiction books and found his sense of humor to be fantastic. I discovered this book when looking for more fun fiction and thought it was an enticing topic and one sure way to get a better feel for this author personally. There are quite a few humorous moments, I did get a better measure of the man, and found the book to be incredibly informative and thoughtful. I don’t see nudism in my future but it did raise a lot of interesting questions about why being nude is such an issue. 3 stars.
robinsbooks's review
This was an informative and sometimes humorous look at a world I have no interest of entering although skinny-dipping in the Bahamas sounds idyllic. Some of the sections on history and personalities got a little tedious so I tended to skim but the travelogue parts were fascinating.
beckyreads2's review
4.0
I really wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but I was intrigued, and it was recommended by a friend.
I really enjoyed Mark Haskell Smith's writing style. It was conversational, objective, and funny. Some of the places he went might frighten me, and others interested me, such as the beach near San Diego. You know, the one where a guy had a heart attack climbing the hill on the way to his car. I appreciate the physical activity combined with the freedom to swim without a clingy wet suit. I enjoyed the experiences that his research assistant had, too.
One of my favorite chapters was about the NEWT. It seems like the hike in the Alps would be exciting, challenging, and relationship-building (friends, nothing more). I appreciate the oneness that people can share with each other and with nature.
I would recommend this to anyone who is curious about Mark Haskell Smith's experiences, and anyone who is curious about both the pros and cons of this type of experience. If you are a super religious or judgmental person, you will not enjoy this book. I love me some Jesus, but not some human judgement.
I really enjoyed Mark Haskell Smith's writing style. It was conversational, objective, and funny. Some of the places he went might frighten me, and others interested me, such as the beach near San Diego. You know, the one where a guy had a heart attack climbing the hill on the way to his car. I appreciate the physical activity combined with the freedom to swim without a clingy wet suit. I enjoyed the experiences that his research assistant had, too.
One of my favorite chapters was about the NEWT. It seems like the hike in the Alps would be exciting, challenging, and relationship-building (friends, nothing more). I appreciate the oneness that people can share with each other and with nature.
I would recommend this to anyone who is curious about Mark Haskell Smith's experiences, and anyone who is curious about both the pros and cons of this type of experience. If you are a super religious or judgmental person, you will not enjoy this book. I love me some Jesus, but not some human judgement.
itsmatthew's review
4.0
I am pretty interested in the relationships at play between different cultures, body image, shame and mental health and this one is insightful on all fronts. The author got a bit too anecdotal at points, but, I mean, he was traveling the world and getting naked, so anecdotes are appropriate I guess. The language wasn't always the best, and his privilege showed at points, but it was an interesting read for sure.
thfishie's review against another edition
4.0
I read this for a book club. I laughed & learned so much!!! I enjoyed it & recommend it.
shirst's review
4.0
Goodreads Summer Reading Challenge, July: I Feel a Breeze (Read a book that takes place at a nudist colony or features nudists)
Funny and well-researched. It definitely made me reconsider how I view nudists and naturists (though I doubt I'll ever attend any sort of nude event). I really like the body-positivity side of the younger organizations of nudism because, like the author mentions, there is so much advertising revolving around having "the right shape" or the "perfect beach body"; it's refreshing to have a movement/group of people who don't care about that.
Funny and well-researched. It definitely made me reconsider how I view nudists and naturists (though I doubt I'll ever attend any sort of nude event). I really like the body-positivity side of the younger organizations of nudism because, like the author mentions, there is so much advertising revolving around having "the right shape" or the "perfect beach body"; it's refreshing to have a movement/group of people who don't care about that.