Naked at Lunch

Starred review from February 16, 2015
Throwing both caution and clothing to the wind, novelist and journalist Haskell Smith (Heart of Darkness) strikes a winning combination of personal and journalistic narrative as he investigates the appeal of nudism. Though he’s not above making more than a few jokes about swinging genitalia, Haskell Smith does an admirable job of keeping the narrative respectful as he conducts numerous interviews with naked people to find out why they like nudism so much. Its origins are murky: nudism has been a popular pastime since the late 19th century, and Haskell Smith charts its evolution from nudist clubs in the 1920s to the estimated $440 million industry it is today. Haskell Smith visits nudist colonies and nude beaches, embarks on nude hikes, and even takes a nude cruise. What he expected to be salacious quickly becomes boring but ultimately refreshing, from both a physical perspective and an emotional one—over time, everybody’s body issues seem to dissipate. Haskell Smith’s empathy and genuine interest in nudism and its appeal make this account both informative and entertaining. He’s usually laughing with his subjects rather than at them, and the arc of his education on this topic makes for a witty and insightful read. Agent: Mary Evans, Mary Evans Inc.

August 1, 2015

Novelist and journalist Smith took off his clothes, put on his sunscreen, and immersed himself in his subject to write this lighthearted look at the world of "nonsexual social nudism." Primarily a work of participatory journalism, the title follows Smith as he takes a naked cruise, hikes nude in the Austrian Alps, visits nudist resorts in Palm Springs and the South of France, and visits a clothing-free town in Spain. His observations of the culture of nudism are interesting and provide a glimpse into a world most people have not experienced. The book is often humorous, but Smith does a fine job of being jokey without poking mean fun. The text also provides some cultural background of nudism, describing nudist movements in history, especially the rise of nudism in the 19th century in Europe and the United States. He explores the legal situation for nudists and asks questions about the restriction on personal liberty that banning nakedness can represent. VERDICT Overall, a fun and informative book. The author is whimsical and witty in his approach, while taking his subject seriously and treating the people he depicts with respect and dignity.--Rachel Bridgewater, Portland Community Coll. Lib., OR

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