Sexual State of the Union

The title should be read carefully because this is a personal tour of sexual politics, not a general survey of today's sexual standards or behaviors. On the other hand, Bright is well-versed in the topic, having written several books on the subject (including Susie Bright's Sexwise) and edited three collections of erotica for women. The book's 24 essays flow from her sexual experiences with men, women and inanimate objects and then broaden out to become general discussions ranging from traditional issues of abortion, teen pregnancy, AIDS and pornography to information-age concerns about computer sex, V-chips and innovative sexual gadgetry. What saves the material from being just another uninhibited, confessional polemic is that Susie Bright can write. Sentences are clear and lively, and her arguments are well structured, compelling and logical. Humor and irony, rather than in-your-face anger, set a mood that enhances consideration of her often controversial assertions. In such a personal book, readers will inevitably measure the author, and most will respond to the fact that she truly seeks to understand our sexual climate. ""Lust brings out the liar in everyone,"" she writes, and sets out to expose our collective sexual secrets. Susie is bright and her knowledge is broadDno one will read this book without learning something, nor without occasionally feeling the eyebrows involuntarily inching upward. First serial to Playboy. (Mar.)