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Updated version of "The Story of O" with less humiliation (just a little) and an articulate, intelligent woman. I never read about pony play, and I'm intrigued. I also bought the sequel, and I"m going to start it soon...very interested to see what happens next. ( )

I have had this book on my shelf to read for some time; I can’t even remember why I got it now...I think I was in this erotica phase a few years back and decided to pick it up. It’s an okay book, very similar in some ways to the Story of O...but not nearly as entertaining as Tipping the Velvet was. The story doesn’t really wrap up at all but just ends in the middle and the main character isn’t all that likable.

Carrie is a young woman going to college at Berkeley for her PhD when she meets Jonathan. Jonathan sees Carrie and thinks she might be into being his submissive and invites her to his house. From there Carrie is introduced to the world of BDSM and signs on to be Jonathan’s slave. When Jonathan decides to sell Carrie at a slave auction Carrie is sent through many rigors to get her ready for the auction. This includes a stent at a human stable where she learns pony play (how to be a human pony).

You can’t help but compare this book to the Story of O (which I read last year) it’s very similar and I think I actually liked the Story of O better. I feel like the Story of O did a better job at addressing the psychology of why O wanted to be a slave and also did a better job at showing how O has subtle power of her own even as a slave.

I think the best part of the book is how it shows Carrie trying to balance her modern job and life with her sessions as a slave. I also think that it was interesting that she was able to make a career out of being a slave and found the contracts and laws that Carrie had to sign and go through to be intriguing. The Story of O was set in a different time, but this book shows how BDSM can work in our modern day systems and lives.

There is some discussion between Carrie and one of her friends about why people feel the need to treat others as slaves, but there isn’t a lot of discussion on why Carrie feels the need to be a slave. Carrie is a witty and intelligent woman who has a high sex drive and for some reason just really enjoys being at the whim of those around her. Carrie’s internal dialogue is snarky and witty. She seems to think of this whole journey through the BDSM scene and into slavery as some sort of adventure (which I guess it is).

There is a lot of sex of all types in here. I mean a lot. Again, just like the Story of O, the pure quantity and repetitiveness of the sex makes the sex itself a bit monotonous. Again there are some more elaborate scenes where Carrie’s tops work to screw with her mind in creative ways but for the most part the scenes are pretty similar. There is a lot of whipping and sex. I continue to wish these erotica authors would put a bit more effort and creativity into their sex scenes. I did enjoy the ponyplay section; that was just so bizarre and intriguing.

I had a couple issues with the book. First of all you never really get to know or care about any of the characters in here; everything just feels kind of distant and that makes the story less engaging. Also the novel ends right in the middle of everything, so you never really get to find out what happens to Carrie.

Overall an okay novel about BDSM culture and pony play. I enjoyed the Story of O more, I just thought it was more engaging and better written. I also enjoyed Tipping the Velvet a lot more (although this is more about GLBT culture, there is quite a bit of BDSM in this book was well). If you are really interested in BDSM culture this is probably worth a read, otherwise I would skip it. ( )

Very well written without just being a recounting of sexual encounters. ( )

after STORY OF O this was a natural sequence to read. More theory, not so many sex details more what was going on in her head. But in the second half when the auction part starts, they lost me. I am not sure if these kind of things happen, but it sounded very unbelievable and to much of a nice happy ending. ( )

This is not a romance and it's not for someone new to BDSM. However fans of the stylized Sleeping Beauty series will mostly like dig this book.

I really enjoyed the beginning of the book. I loved how sassy she was with her Dom, Jonathan and the glimpses we got into her mundane life. It really grounded the story and character in the real world, with real worries and not some lavish fantasy world of wealth and no consequences. Which I liked and would have preferred to see continue through the book.

However, the story shifts when Jonathan decides to sell her in a slave auction. The book makes it clear this is a consensual situation and I actually found the slave auction fascinating. Especially with the snarky infernal commentary running through Carrie's head. It had me snorting at times.

But once she is sold to a new Master who has a thing for pony play all my interest flew out a window. This is not my kink and while I don't mind a little of it, here it was so detailed and drawn out I was bored to death and couldn't finish. Which makes me sad, since I liked the writing and the main character a lot.

Again, I think a love of fans of stylized BDSM fantasy erotica will likely enjoy this book. It really aged well, given it was originally published in 94. I just don't like pony play. ( )

Reviewed by: Krissygirl
Book provided by: Publisher
Review originally posted at Romance After Dark, a Romancing the Book site

Well don’t be expecting a sweet erotic read because you won’t be getting it in this book.
Well you think you know Carrie’s personality but you don’t know anything. She is one person at work but when she is will Jonathan she takes on a new role. This isn’t your regular BDSM book this goes even deeper into the world that you never thought you would ever enter.
I have been getting into this funk where I love BDSM books and sorta thought about trying it myself. When I read this book I was taken on a different side of the scene. Not just anyone could do this. You have to submit 100% to your master and you can never speak unless asked. This isn’t the warm feeling kind of read.
This book took me on a darker side and made me rethink some things. I like the idea of putting a little spin on your love life but this one wouldn’t be the spin I would want. I like to speak my mind just a little too much. I was glad that I read this book because it shows me a whole different side. I can’t see myself depending on a man, like Carrie does with Jonathan.
I was glad that I read this book and got to see a more in depth side to S/M. I will warn you that this is a dark read and don’t expect a happy ending because you will be disappointed. So I say read this book if you dare. If you like it dark and in depth then this is the book for you.
I am glad that I took the time and read this book. The author did a wonderful job and I wonder where she got all her information. You will be taken on sexual discoveries that you never even knew about. I was taken out of my comfort zone and I like doing that every once in awhile. ( )

Molly Weatherfield's "Carries' Story" is a classic in this genre, although one that I had not gotten around to until I received and advance copy of her second book, "Safe Word." The story is part coming of age, part variation on "The Story of O," all set in modern San Francisco. This was a fast, enjoyable read. Although reminiscent of each, this is not "The Story of 'O'" or Laura Antoniou's "The Marketplace," it is lighter; a fun and entertaining read with plenty of BDSM and erotic action. ( )

Before there was Anastasia, there was Carrie...

Molly Weatherfield's infamous, haunting, and time-revered S/m novel has recently received a makeover! This new Cleis Press reissue has a fabulous foreword by Tristan Taormino, as well as a gorgeous public transportation-friendly cover.

You think Fifty Shades kickstarted the contemporary scene's BDSM obsession? Think again; Carrie's Story came first.

It's been nearly two years since I first read and reviewed Weatherfield's 1995 classic, so it was rather sinfully nostalgic coming back. Carrie's Story is the first BDSM novel I ever read—my initiator, you could say—and it was probably the best-written, most tragic breaking-into I could have possibly asked for. Since then, I guess my taste in erotica has been de-virginized (...deflowered? ...done in the ass?). I remember when just looking at the old cover made me queasy, and the concept of whipping and caning itself made me sick to the stomach. Since then, I've made progress, so rereading this neo-Victorian love story was interesting, to say the least.

When it comes to erotica, especially when it's as hardcore as this, the mainstream is too scared—too polite—to really give it a chance. The seediness, the raunch, the explosive, completely intentional sex—it certainly can be a little daunting. But I think Carrie's Story is exactly the type of book that could quell those fears, bridging the vanilla to the... rocky road, shall we call it?

Aside from containing some of stormiest sex scenes I've read in literature (there's no steamy or sizzling here; it's all temper, passion, and of course, pain—both physical and emotional), books like Carrie's Story are so valuable because of the emotional resonance they convey. The helplessness of a love so strong, it will slowly disintegrate if left alone, is perfectly woven through shameless romps of wicked sex. Weatherfield's compelling, absorbing prose wraps readers up into a chilling, powerful narrative that reads like the wisps of a sensual dream, and the plot, in the end, leaves readers aching. At once an emotional ride and an undisciplined frolic in the dark and complex world of BDSM, Carrie's Story combines all the naughty bits—all the chocolate, marshmallow, and of course, nuts—into a relatable, tender love story.

And just to assuage you vanilla folk, I'll end with this: Carrie's Story is like designer-brand erotica; you won't find anything better-written or more intelligent in the genre. It's lyrical, and even its most explicit of passages are tasteful... well, as tasteful as human ponies and sex slaves get. But let's give credit where it's due: there's only so much dignity that one can carry while bound and gagged.

9 out of 10 hearts: Loved it! This book has a spot on my favorites shelf.

Source: Complimentary copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you!) ( )

This book was not bad, but certainly not the great book that others had pegged it as, in their reviews.

It had a semi-good story, and the erotica was 'The Story of O - Light'. The main character had a lot of self reflection, and there was a good bit of humor.

It was however too short, and ended abruptly. It seemed to end that way just to set up the sequel. ( )

An excellent erotica piece! Comes across as an updated "Story of O," but that's unfair, as the book has a flavor all its own. A responsible, witty woman who can appreciate the often-funny submissive situation she has put herself in without losing any of the erotic edge or self-exploration. highly recommended. ( )