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

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2015
An open-minded writer drops his skivvies at various locations around the world in an amusing and earnest attempt to understand the appeal of nudism. Smith (Raw: A Love Story, 2013, etc.) first entered the world of stark naked nudism to the beat of Rick James' "Super Freak" at a Southern California resort dedicated to the nude lifestyle. Thus began a globe-trotting journey that would take him to some of the weirdest and wildest clothing-verboten resorts in the world. He relates how he hiked in the nude, sailed in the nude, and munched on croissants in the nude. However, despite the novelty and sensory overload, the author's chief impression is one of bemused and blase indifference. "I never would've thought seeing a hundred naked people around the swimming pool would be dullsville, but it is," he writes. The situation was racier in Cap d'Agde, France. When night fell, the nature-loving denizens of the curious seaside community emerged from their apartments dressed in clothes, albeit predominately six-inch pumps, leather skirts, and fishnet undies appropriate for an evening of swinging debauchery. With solid reporting and scholarship, Smith delves into the genesis of the global nudism movement, constantly enlivening material that could have gotten stale. It turns out that the enduring American version of nudism has its origins in pre-World War II Germany, where even the powers that be had to acquiesce to its popularity among the public. Even today, the author finds that no matter how tolerant or enlightened they may have become, societies must still struggle with just how much nudity is acceptable. Is it tolerable to allow a naked man to shop for dinner at the local market? What about his rights? Smith makes you laugh and think. A thoughtful and entertaining analysis of why so many still want to ditch their clothes and let it all hang out.