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Like Naomi, Kyrie, and others before her, the tale of Sha’carri Richardson will serve as a cautionary tale for the good, bad, and human traits of the modern-day athlete.  The 21-year old sprinter was banned from this year’s Olympic competition … Continued

Since the first automobiles hit the road more than 100-years-ago, cars have left a lasting imprint on the design of our environment and reshaped how we live, work, and enjoy ourselves. Cars have altered our ideas about mobility, connecting us … Continued

As a sexologist, certified sex therapist, and relationship therapist, Dr. Tammy brings 35 years of expertise to her audience as she explores all facets of modern love, sex, and relationships. In addition, PROVOKR continues to share  The Trouble with Sex … Continued

In early 2008, my roommate helped me land a job at Cobb’s Comedy Club as a door man. During the year I worked there I had the opportunity to see such legends as Robin Williams, Paul Mooney, Charlie Murphy, Dave … Continued

Lyrics. They’re what elevate a song from a pleasant melody to a gut-wrenching account of someone’s deepest heartbreak. Most artists – or their songwriters – are capable of stringing together verses, but it takes a truly talented artist to consistently … Continued

It’s a great time to be a fantasy fan again. Ten years ago, the general public met with wild acclaim a world outside of time, a fantasy landscape filled with treachery, battles, and of course, dragons. Seeing as how Game … Continued

Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson’s new Broadway play, LACKAWANNA BLUES, is the rarest of all events: a feel-good night out with soul. Never saccharine, always specific, Santiago-Hudson’s one-man show also never has a dull moment in its tight 90 minute … Continued

“We want to know everything about our partner, and as soon as we do, we feel safe. This is the sweatpants phase of a relationship. But safe in this context is boring. The excitement of not knowing is often what’s … Continued

Looking back from where Geena Davis stands now, it’s more than a little ironic that she made her film debut at 26 in the 1982 hit, Tootsie (in her skivvies no less), a film about a struggling actor (Dustin Hoffman) … Continued

Art Basel’s Hong Kong got canceled last month, as the world goes into lock-down to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The international art organization was not deterred. It’s hosting the event virtually for the first time. The … Continued

The image of Britney Spears’ boyfriend, Sam Ashari, jogging shirtless, wearing what appears to be an athletic cup in place of a mask, made me wonder when America’s justified obsession with masks will end. Given the social distancing guidelines mandated … Continued

To understand the success of KRINK, you need to know the story of KR and to know KR you need to know Craig Costello. Rizzoli’s recently released book Krink: Graffiti, Art & Invention, is the creative journey of artist Craig … Continued

Was it just a few days ago that I was thinking about attending the Brooklyn Museum’s exhibition Studio 54: Night Magic? Now, due to COVID 19, the museum is closed, New York’s streets are deserted and the disco era seems … Continued

1. Make Art everyday – as Patti Smith always does…….paint, write, take a photograph, or draw…….do something creative with your hand and eye   2. Watch EVERY Martin Scorsese film starting with Mean Streets and keep viewing in chronological order … Continued

There’s a new job title making waves in Hollywood. Sensitivity reader. What’s a sensitivity reader you ask? Also known as an authenticity or expert reader, a sensitivity reader is a person who is hired to read through a script to … Continued

PROVOKR AWARDS —New Yorker staff writer Patrick Radden Keefe’s Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder And Memory In Norther Ireland weaves a jaw-dropping tale of an IRA kidnapping in Northern Ireland. It’s a harrowing story that will have you … Continued

It has been 20 years since Target introduced the idea of high-end design at affordable prices. Its collaborations with influential artists and designers changed the retail culture and its motto of “Expect more. Pay less” has stood the test of … Continued

Since its launch in 1997, The Moth has presented almost 40,000 stories. Every storyteller tells their tale with no notes, no net, and no second takes. Moth storytellers are alone on stage with only a microphone. They share real-life experiences … Continued

  2019 was a great year for films both foreign and domestic. Now that 2020 is officially underway and the race to the Oscars is in full effect, we want to take some time to acknowledge the eight best of … Continued

The International Best Dressed List was started, in 1940, by Eleanor Lambert. She was an American fashion publicist who was often referred to as the “Godmother of Fashion.” Her IBDL is more than a record of stylish women and men. … Continued

Nico Tortorella is on the upswing. The non-binary, bi+ actor became a household name with TVLand’s sexy show Younger. In the series, they play a cis, straight dude who runs a tattoo parlor and is madly in love with the … Continued

A team of young lacrosse players charged onto the Metro North train when it stopped at 125th Street in NYC. Consisting of about twenty-five 12-year-old boys, the rowdy group turned the normally quiet commuter car into a noisy locker room. … Continued

The Kim family lives in a basement in South Korea. They’re down on their luck, unable to make a living wage and are trying to survive by doing odd jobs. Their socks hang to dry by their window, which a … Continued

Cape Cod 1985 By Barry Clifford   At the bottom of a deep pit dug in the seafloor, a solitary diver
 searches for clues to a legendary sunken pirate ship. Billows of sand
 gush into the longshore current as the … Continued

In 1979, after years of drug abuse and homelessness, Marianne Faithful released the comeback album, Broken English. The last track on that new wave punk album—which came to be known as Faithfull’s masterstroke—was the six-and-a-half-minute song, “Why D’Ya Do It?” With lyrics adapted from … Continued

Subway Love We stand an army of urban soldiers waiting for the train Our feet teeter onto the restricted yellow paint Contorting our bodies into cranes To look past the backs of human beings In search of the speeding metal … Continued

At the time True Romance was made in 1993, Quentin Tarantino was not yet well known, and Tony Scott, the director (Top Gun, The Hunger), was promoted as the creative force behind it. But once you’ve read any scene in … Continued

As part of the soundtrack of the 1994 film Academy Award-winning Italian film Il Postino, a group of artists (including Sting, Glenn Close, Samuel L. Jackson and Ethan Hawke) recited poems by Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Madonna was also included … Continued

Considered one of the most controversial works of 20th century literature, Vladimir Nabokov’s 1955 novel Lolita was banned in various countries due to its scandalous subject matter. The protagonist is Humbert Humbert, a middle-aged professor who develops an erotic fixation on 12-year-old Dolores … Continued

The 1992 erotic thriller Basic Instinct (written by Joe Eszterhas) revolves around the police investigation of the murder—by ice-pick—of retired rock star Johnny Boz. During the course of the investigation, Detective Nick Curran (Michael Douglas) becomes intimately involved with the prime suspect, … Continued

In the summer of 2013, author Alissa Nutting unveiled her scandalous novel Tampa. Inspired by the real-life saga of Debra Lafave (pictured above), Tampa tells the tale of a 26-year-old school teacher who becomes obsessed with seducing her 14-year-old students. It was a shocking premise … Continued

City on Fire by Garth Risk Hallberg Set in the crime-plagued, graffiti-ridden New York City of the late 1970s, City on Fire is a sprawling novel that draws its multitude of characters—ranging from wealthy uptown strivers to a downtown gay … Continued

Back in 2004, when Kanye West was still trying to make his mark on the world of rap, he appeared at the Def Poetry Jam, a spoken word poetry showcase created by music producer Russell Simmons, hosted by hip hopper Mos Def … Continued

The multiple-Oscar winning 1999 drama American Beauty is a tale of midlife angst. Written by Alan Ball, the film follows Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey, who nabbed a Best Actor Oscar), a 42-year-old suburban dad who—left unsatisfied by his sexless marriage to his … Continued

James Franco is back in cultural provocateur mode with a new book of poems that explore sex and gender roles in society. The actor/writer/director—who’s taken the long-running speculation about his sexual orientation and used it for creative inspiration—shares with PROVOKR this poem in which he fantasizes about … Continued

He was the ultimate provocateur. Walt Whitman lived during the Victorian era, but he refused to abide by the prudish dictates of the time. His first collection of poems, Leaves of Grass (published in 1855 and continuously revised by Whitman … Continued

Woody Allen’s 1977 film Annie Hall—which, incidentally, beat Star Wars in the Oscar’s Best Picture race—follows the up-and-down relationship between neurotic comic Alvy Singer (Allen) and the title character (played by Diane Keaton, for whom Allen wrote the role.) In the … Continued

There’s no doubt that Auden was an intellectual force—he wrote esteemed essays on politics, psychology, religion and literature, and his poems drew raves for their stylistic achievements. The gay poet, however, was not afraid to show off his carnal side. … Continued

  Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size But when I start to tell them, They think I’m telling lies. I say, It’s in … Continued

“There is between my legs a crisp city,” wrote ee cummings in his poem “As We Lay Side by Side…” Cummings wrote those words from a woman’s perspective, but given his licentious personal life (he was known to have a … Continued

My Mouth Hovers Across Your Breasts by Adrienne Rich My mouth hovers across your breasts in the short grey winter afternoon in this bed we are delicate and touch so hot with joy we amaze ourselves tough and delicate we … Continued

In the fall of 2014, Emma Cline couldn’t quite wrap her head around the fact that— at 25 years old—she had just landed a $2 million book deal (and sold the movie rights) for her debut novel, The Girls, which is loosely based … Continued

Set in Elizabethan England, the 1998 romantic comedy Shakespeare in Love—written by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard—imagines the lusty inspiration behind Romeo and Juliet. The plot revs up when Will Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) begins auditioning actors to star in his … Continued

The 1996 neo-noir crime drama, Bound, marked the directorial debut of the transgender Wachowski siblings, formerly Larry and Andy, now Lana and Lilly, respectively. The film revolves around the burgeoning relationship between Violet (Meg Tilly)—the live-in girlfriend of mobster Caesar … Continued

Nineteen-year-old Savannah Brown has been posting her spoken-word poetry on YouTube for more than five years. In this video, she tackles the double standard women face when it comes to sex. “This poem floored me, and I appreciate it immensely,” wrote one … Continued

  Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune (2002) This revival of the two-character Terrence McNally play about a date between a down-on-their-romantic-luck waitress (Edie Falco) and short-order cook (Stanley Tucci) drew a lot of press attention for the … Continued

After getting rejection slips from a series of squeamish publishing houses, aspiring actress-turned-writer Jacqueline Susann finally got her risque first novel released in 1966. Written with melodramatic, soap-opera-style flair, Valley of the Dolls became the literary embodiment of the 1960s counterculture. It dealt with … Continued

Quentin Tarantino’s dialogues have no equal. And this scene from his breakthrough hit, Pulp Fiction (1994), is certainly a case in point. In it, Vincent Vega (John Travolta) is taking Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman), the wife of Vincent’s boss, drug … Continued

His most famous poem, “Howl,” has become synonymous with the 1950s Beat Generation, but Allen Ginsberg’s countercultural worldview wasn’t confined to just one decade. In fact, as Bill Morgan, the editor of Wait Till I’m Dead—a new book of Ginsberg’s … Continued

Heartburn is Nora Ephron’s autobiographical novel about the breakdown of her second marriage. Thanks to Ephron’s infamous mix of humor and heartache, the book became a bestseller and was adapted into an equally successful movie. Meryl Streep, who starred opposite Jack Nicholson … Continued

Filmmaker Kayhan Lannes Ozmen directed this short film that brings to life the typically-risque Bukowski poem “Girl on the Escalator.” Read the poem in its entirety below. Girl on the escalator —by Charles Bukowski as I go to the escalator a … Continued

Written by Terry Southern (who wrote the screenplays for Barbarella and Easy Rider), Candy was one of the first “dirty books” to pop up on an American bestseller list, selling millions of copies and causing an uproar among the more … Continued

From Nicole Kidman as Virginia Woolf to Philip Seymour Hoffman as Truman Capote to Jason Segel as David Foster Wallace, this fascinating supercut of some of Hollywood’s best film portrayals of authors reminds you just how many interesting characters emerge … Continued

In 2009, David Tennant—the British actor best known for playing Doctor Who in the UK sci-fi series and as the bad guy in the Netflix superhero series Jessica Jones—tackled the role of Hamlet in a Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of … Continued

Lawrence’s novel about an aristocratic wife who has an affair with a lowly gamekeeper was so shocking in its detailed depiction of sex that even Lawrence’s contemporary—legendary poet T.S. Eliot—described the book as “sick.” Lawrence died of tuberculosis before the … Continued

With The Romanovs: 1613-1918 (2016), pop-historian Simon Sebag Montefiore, the award-winning biographer of Joseph Stalin and Grigory Potempkin, delivers his richest and most ambitious tome to date. Spanning three centuries and twenty rulers, Montefiore chronicles the rise and fall of Russia’s greatest—and raunchiest—dynasty … Continued

As soon as you meet Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) in Spike Jonze’s 2013 drama, Her, you can see that he’s a man who’s much more at home cocooning with his technology—playing holographic video games, lurking in internet chat rooms—than he is … Continued

The New Zealand indie band, the Naked and the Famous, released their newest album, Simple Forms, last October. “There’s pain and passion behind this art,” said singer-keyboardist Alisa Xayalith of their new work. To prove that point, the band recently released … Continued

In case you haven’t seen the 1967 movie here’s a quick set-up to the scene below: A young college graduate, Benjamin Braddock (played by Dustin Hoffman), is being feted at his parents’ house, where he becomes reacquainted with a friend … Continued

Atonement is a 2007 British drama based on Ian McEwan’s novel of the same name. It begins in 1935 on the country estate of the aristocratic Tallis family. Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley) is the older daughter of the family and Robbie … Continued

On February 15,1969, Rolling Stone dedicated an issued to “The Groupies,” the vivacious, often outrageously-dressed and seductive women who were always in the vicinity of popular bands. The article was punctuated with amazing portraits by Rolling Stone photographer Baron Wolman. This issue put groupies … Continued

The 1997 film Boogie Nights, written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, follows high school dropout Eddie Adams (Mark Wahlberg), who uses his one remarkable characteristic—his ample endowment—to transform into Dirk Diggler, the biggest porn star of the 1970s. In … Continued

Born in Kenya before emigrating to the UK, 27-year-old poet Warsan Shire is becoming one of the leading literary voices of her generation. First she attracted an ardent following by posting poems on Tumblr and Twitter. In 2014, she was … Continued

Starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams as a young, beautiful married couple whose world is coming apart despite the intense bond between them, the 2010 film Blue Valentine is as heartbreaking and heated as they come. The script, written by … Continued

  INT. LIVING ROOM – DAY DON enters his posh but untidy apartment. He looks around for his wife. DON Megan!? Where are you?! MEGAN walks briskly out of the bedroom in a thin robe. She’s holding a wastebasket. MEGAN … Continued

Although he’s often referred to as the “Dirty Old Man of American Letters,” Charles Bukowski also had a vulnerable side. In On Love, a new anthology of his work, Bukowski’s typically gritty style is in full view, but given the subjects at hand—lust, sex, neediness, loneliness … Continued

The word wanton, meaning “sexually immodest or promiscuous” and usually referring to women, is an old-fashioned one. Almost puritanical in nature and origin, it’s rarely seen beyond the vocabulary sections of standardized tests. But once upon a time, in the … Continued

From a surprisingly erotic Gone With the Wind quote uttered by Clark Gable to a tantalizing come-on from Ryan Gosling in Crazy, Stupid Love, here are PROVOKR’s picks for the hottest lines in film history.   “Women! What can you say? … Continued

In 1973, Erica Jong made her debut on the literary stage with Fear of Flying, a novel about the sexual soul-searching of a young poet named Isadora Wing. Not only was the book a commercial success, it also got rave reviews … Continued

Thomas Pynchon’s postmodern masterpiece, Gravity’s Rainbow, was on track to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1974 when the organization’s board of trustees got squeamish about allowing such a provocative novel—one that features plentiful scenes of explicit sexuality—to earn their stamp … Continued

There’s a lot more to Spartacus than men with swords—Stanley Kubrick’s 1961 original is a masterpiece about the meaning of life, the need for freedom, and also an epic love story. In this scene below, Thracian slave Spartacus (Kirk Douglas) … Continued

Mothering Sunday opens with “Once upon a time,” but this luminous novella is less a fairy tale than a vivid recreation of a specific place and time now lost. It’s about an intense sexual relationship, now ended. It recounts a … Continued

Best known as one of the most tart-tongued members of the Algonquin Round Table in the 1920s, Dorothy Parker was a prolific poet who often channeled her wit into verse that oozed with sexuality. This is the woman, after all, … Continued

Cat Marnell is clean now…except for the Adderall, sedatives as needed, the occasional upper, maybe a drink now and then and the sleeping pills at night. She looks gorgeous considering her wild past. There is the issue of her hair—the … Continued

In his 2011 novel House of Holes: A Book of Raunch, Nicholson Baker creates a coital wonderland in which a series of unsuspecting characters get sucked into the titular house after experiencing outrageous sexual adventures. In the following erotic and typically … Continued

In his new novel, Christodora, Tim Murphy puts his 20 years of experience with HIV/AIDS reporting to good use. Using the titular East Village building for his central location, Murphy recounts the effect of HIV/AIDS and drug addiction on NYC’s past, present … Continued

In 1957, an American publishing house called Midwood Books launched with a specific goal in mind: to produce cheap, erotic paperback romances that would appeal to a male audience. Although the publisher of Midwood, Harry Shorten, wasn’t a literary expert, he … Continued

For all you romantics out there longing for the days of chivalry, dancing and a beauty standard that didn’t hinge on starvation: forget about it! In Unmentionable: The Victorian Lady’s Guide to Sex, Marriage, and Manners, a hilarious new tour through … Continued

One of the best books of this year is actually a graphic novel. Enter the intriguing world of Monstress and you will be immediately enchanted by its heroine, Maika, a young woman warrior struggling with a hungry monster living inside her. … Continued

Penguin Books 2008   Penguin Books 2008   Jonathan Cape 1966   Jonathan Cape 1960   Penguin Books 2008   Jonathan Cape 1956   Penguin Books 2008   Jonathan Cape 1963   Jonathan Cape 1956   Signet Books 1967

In 1992, Eileen Myles ran for President of the United States as a write-in candidate. The openly gay poet threw her hat in the ring solely as a protest against a speech President George H.W. Bush gave, in which he disparaged … Continued

If Raymond Chandler, H.P. Lovecraft and Margaret Atwood ever collaborated, it would probably be a lot like Fatale. The series, created by award-winning author Ed Brubaker and artist Sean Phillips, is completely unique, a supernatural noir epic with a fascinating … Continued

In honor of the recent passing of the great American playwright Edward Albee, PROVOKR presents a snippet from one of his greatest works, 1963’s Tony award-winning Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? The play centers on the volatile marriage of a … Continued

EXT. ROAD – NIGHT. Noah and Alison walk down a little paved road that runs parallel to the beach. They are both smoking. ALISON Wow. You are a writer? You must be so smart. NOAH (pleased) Not really. ALISON I … Continued

Just published in paperback, General Idea: A Retrospective (1969–1994) presents an overview of the legendary Canadian collective. Founded in Toronto in 1969 by Felix Partz, Jorge Zontal and AA Bronson, the trio adopted a generic identity that “freed it from the tyranny … Continued

With Future Sex, seasoned reporter Emily Witt melds her abilities as both a journalist and memoirist to produce a work about being a young, single and sexually adventurous woman in the age of the internet that is both outwardly perceptive … Continued

The image above is a famous one, an icon of art history and also of a certain place and time in ‘60s American culture. The girl in the photo is Eve Babitz. She’s probably the wildest—and wittiest—child of the ‘60s … Continued

The 1986 film noir, Blue Velvet, is director David Lynch’s most notorious work. In classic Lynch style, it takes a piercing look at the dark underbelly of small town life. The plot involves a slowly unraveling mystery that’s filled with … Continued

Whether he’s rocking or writing, punk icon Richard Hell has always pushed the envelope. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Hell’s listless spirit first led him to the hallowed ground of CBGB, where he originated the punk trend of ripping his clothes and … Continued

This certainly a change from Sex in the City…in A Quiet Passion, Cynthia Nixon channels the transcendent wit of Emily Dickinson. Acclaimed British director Terence Davies (House of Mirth, The Deep Blue Sea) evokes Dickinson’s pathos, intellectual independence and deep attachment … Continued

INT. CAVE – DAY  JON descends into a cave behind YGRITTE. She gives him a seductive look and begins disrobing in front of a waterfall. YGRITTE Is Orelle right? Are you still a crow? Time you proved yourself. JON Ygritte… … Continued

A unique and compelling history of the Beats, in the words of the movement’s center, Allen Ginsberg. In 1977, twenty years after the publication of “Howl” and Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road”, Allen Ginsberg began teaching a course on the history of … Continued

June 2 will see the release of Wonder Woman, which retells the origin story of Diana Prince, the nigh-immortal warrior princess of Themyscira. Israeli actress Gal Gadot is playing the character, reprising her role from 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn … Continued

What Sappho was to poetry, Ann Bannon was to pulp fiction. Dubbed the “Queen of Lesbian Pulp Fiction,” she changed the landscape of how fiction depicted gay relationships with her Beebo Brinker chronicles, six books penned from 1957–62 that employed … Continued

This beautiful publishing celebration covers the the most memorable editorials, the top fashion models and is filled with dazzling photography. In 1867, Fletcher Harper had an idea for a fashion magazine that catered to the new rich women of the … Continued

For her sophomore effort, Eimear McBride (A Girl Is a Half-formed Thing) brings her singular voice to an unlikely love story between a naive young acting student and an older thespian in 1990s London. Shortlisted for the Goldsmith prize, The Lesser … Continued

Amma Asante’s impressive latest effort, A United Kingdom (starring David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike), is unquestionably the best film of 2017. The true story of a bi-racial love affair that faced fierce opposition and an international diplomatic crisis in the … Continued

Sylvia Plath’s haunting coming-of-age story in The Bell Jar is a stand-alone American classic. Most famous as a portrait of a fragile psyche slowly unraveling, it’s maybe more importantly a portrayal of a young woman coming to terms with a world … Continued

Rudy Francisco is one of the most recognizable names in spoken word poetry.  He was born, raised and still resides in San Diego, California. As an artist, Rudy Francisco is an amalgamation of social critique, introspection, honesty and humor—he uses … Continued

Always looking for a fresh face or a new voice, PROVOKR has found both with the poet Segovia Amil, whose macabre words and dark Victorian portraits are pleasing to both the eyes and the mind. Her poetry has been featured … Continued

The cover perfectly illustrated the daring new novel about money, sex, and power.

Written and performed by visual artist Phoebe Boswell, “Dear Mister Shakespeare” is a mesmerizing short film that breaks down Othello and its cultural implications to ask some hard questions about otherness, blackness, and immigration. Shot over two and a half days as part … Continued

INT. BEDROOM – NIGHT Christine is on her side in a queen-sized bed attempting to sleep when she hears a voice. VOICE (O.S) Christine. Christine turns over to see Avery standing in her doorway in a tank-top and underwear. CHRISTINE … Continued

Set out candles and dim the lights—after reading these steamy odes to sex, your heart will be pounding. From Lord Byron to Adrienne Rich, these wordsmiths all have one thing on their mind and they know how to set the … Continued

Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Steig Larson Even for the uninitiated, one look at this salacious cover and all the hype starts to make sense. The Mercy Room, Gilles Rozier This one manages to be sexy and classy in its use of a leather-bound … Continued

Margaret Atwood’s 1985 dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale explores the intersection of gender and religious politics through the eyes of Offred, a sex object used purely for her ability to bare children in the largely sterile society of Gilead. As … Continued

Slow Hands by Niall Horan; Alexander Izquierdo; John Ryan; Julian Bunetta; Ruth Anne Cunningham; Tobias Jesso Jr. With a line like, “I just wanna take my time, we could do this all night,” this song seduces us hands down.

Rupi Kaur is a Canadian poet and illustrator has two books on the New York Times Bestseller list. Not bad for a 25-year-old feminist writing about love, loss, violence, and abuse.

Emil’s debut graphic novel, the diary a 10-year-old trying to solve a murder, is visually stunning and emotionally mining, and ultimately a tour de force.

Vladimir Nabakov’s Lolita started its life simply in 1955 with a plain, green cover—no doubt the subject matter was controversial enough without adding fuel to the fire. Nabokov himself had something to say at the time about Lolita’s original look: “I want … Continued

The Handmaid’s Tale by Claire Danes was originally released in 2012, but Audible put out a special edition of the recording in 2017 to coincide with the Hulu series, and her reading is just as fascinating. Perhaps even more so.

Call Me By Your Name, the audio version narrated by Armie Hammer. Who else can capture the sexiness of this romantic tale of first love, than the star of the sensuous film it’s based on? Pure delight.

the girl and I get into her car and drive off into the hills and we go to her room and I take off my clothes and lie on her bed and she goes into the bathroom and I wait … Continued

Letters Live is dedicated to the art of correspondence via the written word. Back in the old days, before Facebook Messenger and cell phone text messages, people communicated with handwritten letters, placing thought and consideration into every word they sent. … Continued

Imagine our delight when the third episode into the fifth season of House of Cards features an Act Out between the deliciously immoral First Couple, Frank and Claire Underwood (Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright). As they calmly wait out the … Continued

This is a collection of spectacular photographs, selected interviews and letters including new material from the Avedon Foundation. “Avedon’s France: Old Work, New Look “ is a full telling of Avedon’s restless pursuit of new ways of looking at the … Continued

Pasolini’s The Street Kids was heavily censored, criticized by professional critics, and lambasted by much of the general public upon its publication. But like many innovative works of art its undeniable force eventually led to it being universally acknowledged as … Continued

In the early 90s there was a sweet little coffee shop in the East Village called Sin-é where local musicians would stop by and play a song or two in exchange for a cappuccino or Rolling Rock. One of those … Continued

Please, Master by Allen Ginsberg Please master can I touch your cheek please master can I kneel at your feet please master can I loosen your blue pants please master can I gaze at your golden haired belly please master … Continued

Good Booty: Love and Sex, Black & White, Body and Soul in American Music By Ann Powers (Dey St. Books) The old joke goes: Why don’t Methodists have sex standing up? Because it might lead to dancing. Think about the … Continued

Every American kid who’s ever jumped rope knows this rhyme: “Lizzie Borden took an ax and gave her mother 40 whacks. And when she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one.” Lizzie was acquitted of the 1892 … Continued

A new generation of thinkers and activists were exposed to the work of James Baldwin through Raoul Peck‘s stunning documentary, I Am Not Your Negro, which showed that, as far as America believes it has come in the realm of … Continued

Vulgar Favors is not a new book, but it certainly has a new relevance. Maureen Orth’s investigative tome from 1999 explores the dark and twisted world of Andrew Cunanan, and his killing spree which ended with the murder of fashion … Continued

Words and music by Adrianne Lenker on the album, Capacity, out now. She was a shark smile in a yellow van She came around and I stole a glance In my youth, a vampire Evelyn shown quiet as roses sting It … Continued

A collective sigh was heard around the world when the news of Sam Shepard’s death was announced last week. Admired by everyone—writers, actors, composers, musicians, poets, artists, and cowboys—the Pulitzer-Winning playwright’s untimely exit has left a huge void in our … Continued

Canadian poet, Rupi Kaur, is used to controversy. The instagram-star/poet/artist/performer—with over 1.5 million followers—was already well-regarded and adored for her feminist poetry, but she got seriously famous (or infamous) when she posted photos of herself (taken by her sister) with … Continued

Steven Soderbergh‘s Out of Sight just might be the sexiest movie of the 1990s. Jennifer Lopez and George Clooney are perfectly cast as star-crossed cops and robbers, as exemplified in this sensuously intimate sequence from late in the film. INT. … Continued

Gabriel Tallent has come out of nowhere to deliver his debut novel, My Absolute Darling (Random House). This grueling gauntlet through the dark and twisted mind of a downright evil human being and his tragic victim is already an instant New … Continued

This scene from the first episode of HBO‘s dynamic new series, The Deuce, is a hard-as-nails, yet bittersweet lesson in hooker etiquette. The young man, Stuart (Russell Posner) has his first experience with a prostitute named Candy (Maggie Gyllenhaal). INT. … Continued

e e cummings has been a favorite American poet for almost a century. Born in 1894 in Cambridge, Mass, he was raised in a liberal Unitarian family that encouraged the artistic expression of the bright, creative boy. Between the ages of 8 … Continued

Thirty years after its Broadway premiere starring BD Wong and John Lithgow, the spectacular Tony-winning play, M. Butterfly returns to the Great White Way with an update by its playwright David Henry Hwang. Based on the unbelievably strange but true … Continued

Netflix‘s new documentary on author Joan Didion is a lovely window into the life of one of America’s most celebrated and beloved thinkers and observers of human behavior. Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold is directed by her nephew, … Continued

David Lynch’s film noir, Mulholland Drive (2001) is often thought of as his best—he won Best Director at Cannes and the film was nominated for an Oscar. That’s saying a lot considering the director helmed such greats as Elephant Man and Blue … Continued

Venus in Furs, the erotic 1870 novella by Austrian author Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, changed everything when it turned the world on to deviant sexual themes like bondage, dominance, and sadomasochism. It tells the story of Severin, a young, sensitive artist … Continued

They say there are two stories to every marriage, which is probably why it took two talented writers—Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen—to come up with the concept for the delicious page-turner, The Wife Between Us. As binge-worthy as The Girl of the … Continued

What can one say about Joni Mitchell that hasn’t already been said? The beautiful singer/songwriter basically wrote a two-decade long soundtrack to the lives of most women (and many men) in the late 60s and 70s, during a time when … Continued

Set during the mid-1800s, the true story behind the Netflix series, Alias Grace, is easily as compelling as the novel by Margaret Atwood and the TV series currently available, starring Sarah Gadon as the unfortunate Grace. In 1843 in northern … Continued

Fifty years ago, something very important happened in theater. The curtain went up on the off-Broadway production of the queer drama, The Boys in the Band, and things were never the same. It’s hard to imagine it now, but Mart Crowley‘s play came … Continued

Singer/songwriter Halsey (aka Ashley Nicolette Frangipane) spoke at the 2018 Women’s March in New York City on January 20th. Rather than give a speech about her #metoo moments—and there have been many—the British performer wrote a heart wrenching poem clearly … Continued

The cherubs are back and it’s time for a Fiorucci relaunch. To celebrate the return of the iconic 70s and 80s disco dreamy company, a new book that celebrates Elio Fiorucci, the sexy, dynamic Italian designer, has been released by … Continued

On the heels of HBO’s 1970’s Times Square saga, The Deuce, comes the story of a young prostitute during those crazy, dirty, sleazy, pre-AIDs days in New York City. Writer Janet Capron’s mostly true memoir, Blue Money, exposes “the life” … Continued

In Fool For Love, playwright Sam Shepard tells the story of on-again, off-again lovers, Eddie and May, reunited after years of being apart. Robert Altman directed the 1985 film starring Shepard and Kim Basinger as the quarreling couple. They are in a dumpy hotel … Continued

While the best fashion models become fixtures as timeless as the brands shining the spotlight on them, it is that spotlight that makes us all wonder what’s underneath. Angle is everything. Successful fashion celebrates the mystery beneath the fabric with … Continued

One of the most thrilling documentaries for fashionable New Yorkers—among many others—was the 2010 feature, Bill Cunningham: New York. The ubiquitous, not to mention quite delightful, New York Times street photographer and journalist was always seen riding around the city … Continued

Tennessee Williams, who was actually born in Mississippi, was one of the most celebrated and beloved playwrights of the 20th Century. The many inspirations of his theater work is the focus of a superb exhibit at the Morgan Library and … Continued

At the end of 2016, a book of unpublished poetry by the late, great country-rock singer Johnny Cash hit the shelves. The poems, dating back to the 1940s, including one he wrote when he was just 12, reveal an even … Continued

Arthur Miller: Writer, a new documentary about the award-winning playwright will be released in theaters by HBO this month. The Harlem-born writer was famous for many of the theater world’s most beloved plays, including Death of a Salesman and All My Sons. This portrait of … Continued

Jean-Michel Basquiat may have died at age 27 in 1988, but the prolific American artist is still making giant waves in the art world. On May 18, 2017, at a Sotheby‘s auction, his 1982 painting, Untitled, set a record high … Continued

The final gift Pulitzer-Prize-winning playwright Sam Shepard gives to his mourning fans, of which there are many, is a slim, 82 page novel about the end days of an enigmatic old man. Written during the waning of his life—Shepard passed away … Continued

Photographer Richard Avedon was used to breaking ground. A child of Russian immigrants, he first picked up a camera when he was 12, and while attending high school in the Bronx, worked on the school newspaper with classmate and future civil … Continued

Inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat‘s work, poet and rapper Jack Miguel performs his piece ‘Casino.‘ The poem was filmed in the ‘Self-Portrait’ room of the ‘Basquiat: Boom for Real‘ exhibition at the Barbican Centre in London. Jack, who is also an arts … Continued

If Beale Street Could Talk was the prolific writer James Baldwin‘s fifth novel and 13th book. A love story set in Harlem in the early 70s, it was once described by author Joyce Carol Oates as a “moving, painful but ultimately optimistic story.” It … Continued

Our favorite couple of the mo’ is the dynamic duo, Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira. The first time we saw these beauties work together was in 2015, when Lupita starred in Danai’s spectacular Broadway play, Eclipsed. Set during the Liberian … Continued

Akwaeke Emezi’s Freshwater is garnering the kind of reviews usually reserved for long-established writers. This extraordinary, semi-autobiographical novel is the Nigerian writer’s stunning inauguration into the literary world. Emezi tells the story of Ada, a troubled child born in southern … Continued

Sometimes a song hits your erogenous zones via the stimulating music or the thumping beat, leading to close bodily contact on a sweaty dance floor. Other times, it’s the words—sexy, erotic, and romantic—that turn you on. Like a dirty poem or … Continued

Canadian rapper, model, and visual artist, Tommy Genesis is the talk of the music world. Stunningly beautiful, the half Swedish, half-Tamil poet has been the face of Calvin Klein and Mui Mui for the last couple of years. In 2017, … Continued

Fans of the glamorous Golden Age of Hollywood are in for a delicious treat with the release of the new book/memoir Hollywood Heyday: 75 Candid Interviews with Golden Age Legends. Featuring up-close-and-personal conversations with iconic movie stars from the pre-talkies … Continued

The first of the four beloved Neapolitan Novels by Italian writer Elena Ferrante is being made into an HBO series set to air this year. My Brilliant Friend begins with Elena Greco, an older woman who learns that her best … Continued

Every few years, it seems, we get a fresh perspective on the instantly recognizable Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo. Not just an insightful painter specializing in fantastical self-portraits, Kahlo was herself a piece of art. Rarely, if ever, seen without an … Continued

Novelist Edmund White described The Sexual Life of Catherine M. as “the most explicit book about sex ever written by a woman.” The 2001 memoir—written by French art critic Catherine Millet—details the wealth of exotic sexual experiences she’s had throughout her … Continued

Anyone with an eye for book covers knows how sexy the pulp fiction paperbacks from the 50s were. With risqué titles like Virgin’s Summer and The Little Black Book, these soft-core books with provocative pin-up girls on the cover were … Continued

Painter, diarist, and dandy-about-town Duncan Hannah has released Twentieth Century Boy, a memoir of his days—or more importantly, his nights—gliding through the 70s punk-rock scene in downtown Manhattan. Based on journals he kept between 1970 and 1981, Hannah’s book takes … Continued

The life and work of 20th Century photographer Berenice Abbott is the subject of a new biography by Julia Van Haaften. A Life in Photography follows the rise and fall—and rise again—of the prolific and iconic shooter. Born in Ohio, the … Continued

Born Usher (Arthur) Fellig at the turn of the 20th Century, Weegee was, and still is, famous for his graphic crime scene photos taken during the 1930s and 40s on New York City’s Lower East Side. The startling black & … Continued

Halloween Night, 2014, comedians Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, then strangers, were hanging out with friends at a party when Hardstark overheard Kilgariff describing a particularly gruesome accident she had witnessed at SXSW. (A drunk driver crashed his truck into … Continued

For fifty years, Rolling Stone magazine has exhibited some of the most beautiful and iconic pop culture covers in the history of print media. Under the watchful and often brilliant eye of the editor-in-chief, Jann Wenner, Rolling Stone became the … Continued

The poetry of Mexican-American feminist writer Analicia Sotelo has been selected as winner of the inaugural Jake Adam York Prize. The collection, in her book, Virgin, is a vivid portrait of Latina writer as a young woman. Published by Milkweed Editions in … Continued

Daniel Petrie Jr‘s screenplay for 1986’s The Big Easy is often referred to as a perfect script. Set in the traditional—and cagey—cajun community of New Orleans, the story follows Remy, a corrupt cop under extremely “close” investigation by Anne, an attorney … Continued

Looking for the perfect beach read? Look no further than the thrilling suspense drama, Something in the Water. From the very first page, you will be caught in the web of mystery surrounding Erin, a documentary filmmaker, and Mark, a … Continued

In today’s society, mental illness is treated differently than physical illness. It’s no secret that there’s a stigma behind it and the individuals who are consumed with this internal challenge. If we don’t recognize mental illness as a health issue, … Continued

The Day of the Dead holiday is not exclusive to Mexico. During the month of August, Japan observes Obon, when families give homage and thanks to their ancestors’ spirits returning to the world of the living for a short visit. … Continued

Charles Manson is certainly a hot topic these days. Perhaps everyone was waiting for the infamous cult leader to finally die, which he did in 2017, before delving into his insanely fascinating story. The most recent place we’ve explored the … Continued

It wasn’t the first book ever banned in France and England but the controversial 1958 best-seller, Candy, certainly tested the taste and morals of readers abroad with it’s overtly sexualized story. Based on Volaire‘s bawdy, picaresque novel, Candide, which coincidentally … Continued

American writer and artist, Edward Gorey was genuinely one of a kind when it came to putting pen to paper. The Chicago native was known for his wordless books that contained unique narratives taking place in the Victorian and Edwardian era. … Continued

True crime aficionado Michelle McNamara was born with a nose for murders most foul. Raised in Oak Park, Illinois, she first became obsessed with homicides as a teenager, when a neighbor, Kathy Lombardo, was violently raped and murdered. 14-year-old Michelle … Continued

“Wade In The Water” by Tracy K Smith, will give you a taste of old-world America by using multiple voices and perspectives. From heavy topics to heartfelt storylines, Smith will make you see our society through a different eye.

Novelist Madeline Miller was the creative mind behind the suspenseful accent tale of “Circe.” The title represents a unique offspring that possessed the power of witchcraft, that soon leads to a family rivalry, love and loss, and a grand celebration … Continued

The true murder mystery novel “I’ll be Gone in the Dark,” by author and journalist Michelle McNamara is about the Golden State Killer who turned California upside down, committing fifty sexual assaults and ten sadistic murders, while leaving police forces … Continued

Canadian writer, editor, and art critic, Sarah Nicole Prickett (above) is the founder of the briefly published but well-received erotic magazine, Adult. Two issues were produced In 2013 and 2014, shaking and stirring up the indie publishing world with its stimulating … Continued

The sensational novel “Open Me” By Lisa Locascio is a coming-of-age novel about a young woman having an erotic awakening in Copenhagen between two men. The fresh fiction voice, will grab your attention and leave you wanting the desire that … Continued

Probably the most popular podcasts out there today are in the true crime category. What’s better than hearing authentic, well-researched tales of bad behavior and murder? In our opinion, nothing! This year has seen a plethora of entries into the … Continued

Scotty Bowers‘s 2012 memoir, Full Service: My Adventures in Hollywood and the Secret Sex Lives of the Stars is a scandal-packed book with enough juicy gossip to make a hell of a lot of lemonade. Bowers, also known as Mr … Continued

There are many ways to get turned on. The first four senses come to mind: sight, taste, touch, and smell. But let’s not forget our fifth, and in our opinion, most erotic: sound. Is there anything sexier than a lover … Continued

Courtney Barnett, the Australian singer-songwriter-poet, has risen to be one of the most respected artists in music today. Her latest album, Tell Me How You Really Feel, is sharp, empathetic, and full of penetrating observations. The song “Charity” is the … Continued

The Flame, the final work by the deeply profound poet, novelist, singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen, landed on the New York Times Bestseller List within minutes of being of released earlier this month. Although Cohen’s health was failing in the last year … Continued

Ever since the invention of the printing press—five hundred years ago—erotic literature has been written, published, distributed, denounced, and then banned for its stimulating content. These “illegal” novels were also thoroughly enjoyed by those who could get their sweaty hands … Continued

Is there anything hotter than a beautifully written sex scene, one that propels your imagination to erotic landscapes with numerous—and sometimes—fictional partners? The same could be said of a seductive scene in a movie, one that takes you out of … Continued

Garrard Conley is the brave voice behind the memoir Boy Erased. The novel is the painful reflection on Conley’s struggle between his sexual orientation and living in a conservative Christian household. Conley was born in Memphis and raised in northern … Continued

Trophy Boy, a new film directed by and starring Emrhys Cooper, follows James Heathcote (Cooper), a handsome young Instagram celebrity whose world is turned upside down when his sugar daddy cuts him off and kicks him out. James is forced … Continued

With the huge increase in popularity of podcasts, it’s only natural that Audible.com, the easy listening station on Amazon, would jump into the fray with their own “audio theater, the next stage of storytelling.” Audible is currently recording live performances … Continued

Call John Waters the Bad (Taste) Boy of Cinema. Ever since this Baltimore native started making films—he received his first 8mm camera when he was 16—he’s been straddling the not-so-great divide between art and trash. As a child, he was … Continued

During a recent vacation in Mexico, I saw a young, good-looking couple arrive at the hotel pool. As the cabana boy set up their lounges, I observed their playful, sexually-charged interaction and presumed they were on their honeymoon. When a … Continued

Winter is officially upon us, and if you are looking for a juicy read to cuddle up to this holiday season, we got you covered! We gathered unique award-winning novels that incorporate never before seen photographs, heartfelt storylines, and compelling … Continued

Forget “Who are you wearing?” this year the most asked question on the red carpet just may be, “What are you reading?” Like a vintage Dior or a timeless Yves Saint Laurent, simple classics endure. While the New York Times bestseller list … Continued

The state of our country has inspired several poets to write about problematic issues that spark conversation. An influential poet has the power to generate pieces that highlight sensitive topics, showcasing beauty and social impact. In 2018, we have seen … Continued

Every year at the award shows, as the actors pick up their shining gold statues, they thank a long list of folks they feel are responsible for why they’re basking in all that adoration. Once they get past the Lord, … Continued

What was once a relatively vacant platform on the internet, podcasts have surpassed all expectations, with over 50 million Americans tuning in to their favorite series every week. There are so many to choose from—more than half a million shows are … Continued

If you are looking for a sizzling read to spice up 2019, well we got you covered with latest and sexiest novels of the year. Whether it is the unique love story that provokes you to keep reading or the … Continued

The dark audio read “Pet Seminary” by Stephen King, and Michael C. Hall will leave you will goosebumps, while Dr. Louis Creed and his wife find their beloved cat dead after discovering a hidden Indian burial ground near their newly … Continued

When Napoleon’s soldiers unearthed The Rosetta Stone in Egypt in 1799 it was considered the most valuable piece of ancient literature ever uncovered. With its discovery scholars were finally able to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphics. While its importance can’t be discounted, … Continued

Winter is officially upon us, and while we spend quality time indoors reflecting and embracing the gloomy, sunless days, you might have the urge to kick back and relax with a cup of hot chocolate and a worthy read. So, … Continued

As we can imagine, life as a spy can’t be easy, but it sure can be juicy. Popular drama series “Killing Eve,” gives us a behind-the-scenes look on how a dangerous mission can simply turn into an erotic love story … Continued

Think it’s easy picking the best writing on television? Think again, thanks to the huge increase of content via the current streaming services. In fact, in our picks for 2018’s top tv scripts, not one appeared on network television. All … Continued

Based on the hugely popular podcast by Los Angeles Times reporter Chris Goffard, Dirty John is a cautionary tale of finding love online with a complete—and dangerous—stranger. In 2014, Debra Newell was a beautiful and successful interior designer looking for … Continued

Who wasn’t pleasantly surprised by the recent Oscar telecast, the first to be conducted without a host? Without the intrusion of stale comedy bits and cringe-worthy moments like Seth MacFarlane singing Show Us Your Boobs to Meryl Streep and Naomi … Continued

‘Balance is Better’ was the theme of last week’s International Day of the Woman. The mission focused on raising awareness of gender bias in order to create a more gender-balanced world. Ironic, given just how unbalanced Hollywood is. Despite the … Continued

In case you missed it, Taika Waititi became the first indigenous person to win an Oscar, and it was for his satirical work on Jojo Rabbit’s script. The World War II narrative follows Jojo, a Nazi Youth whose imaginary friend … Continued

Lyrics by women songwriters can tell stories that resonate across generations, geographic regions, sexualities and other identities. Their musical messages about heartbreak, happiness, frustration, infatuation and fear can touch hearts and minds in new ways by pairing the same sempiternal … Continued

Patti Smith joins The Soundwalk Collective, artists hailing from Berlin and New York, make their debut together with the release of a three-album project, The Perfect Vision. The albums take on the works of French poets Antonin Artaud, Arthur Rimbaud … Continued

When we think about people’s dying words, we typically imagine heroic exclamations that sum up a life or a life’s work. Something along the lines of Patrick Henry’s infamous, “Give me liberty or give me death.” Personally, I have given … Continued

Proving its undefeatable prowess in the realm of entertainment, Netflix has once again scored another major feat in the game of series gets. This month the network announced that it had acquired the rights to Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez’s … Continued

Keri Russell and Adam Driver take the stage at the Hudson Theater in the Broadway revival of Lanford Wilson’s Pulitzer-winning play, Burn This. Originally written in 1987, the drama beautifully explores the connection between two strangers brought together through the … Continued

On the first anniversary of the shootings at Parkland, the acclaimed writer and best selling author Dave Cullen released a new book Parkland: Birth of a Movement. He is also the author of Columbine. This book is the story of … Continued

Black Mountain: An Exploration in Community, originally published in 1972, unboxed the eccentric collective that was the Black Mountain School in North Carolina, while also serving as a vehicle for author Martin Duberman to come out of the closet. Northwestern … Continued

Lady Victoria Howard, or LVH is a hot new app that delivers weekly, short-form erotica straight to the tips of your little lady fingers. All of the fantasy-filled, naughty bits of this 13-episode series are written for women and by … Continued

If Mia Farrow was more like her Bridgewater, Connecticut neighbors, her car might have a bumper sticker heralding her son, Ronan’s achievements. Instead of lauding him as student of the month, hers might read ‘My son graduated college at 15, … Continued

When guests check in at one of Los Angeles’ 1,008 hotels, they often come armed with a list of must-see attractions – Universal Studios, Disneyland, and The Hollywood Walk of Fame, among others. Such tourist-driven venues have provided visitors to … Continued

Author/Actress/Playwright/Director Phoebe Waller-Bridge is Killing it. Literally. The creator of the BBC’s smash success Killing Eve returns this week with the second season of her Amazon hit Fleabag. The dramedy is a series based off the one-woman play the 33-year-old … Continued

Just mere weeks before his shocking, untimely death, Prince had announced that he’d begun working on his memoir. This last month it was announced that The Beautiful Ones would be published this upcoming October by Random House. Of course, with the … Continued

Bret Easton Ellis’s new book, White—his first in nearly a decade and first non-fiction ever—is about many things but what interests me most at the moment is not solely his views on the current political climate, millennial culture or even … Continued

At 175 million downloads—and counting—the world’s most popular podcast and still considered the best of the genre, is Serial, the 2014 series about the 1999 Baltimore murder of a teenaged girl, Hae Min Lee. Her ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed, who was … Continued

The pilot for Russian Doll was written by Leslye Headlund. We challenge you and your friends to Act this one Out! The series was created by Natasha Lyonne, Amy Poehler and Leslye Headland. Can you imagine the early development conversations … Continued

Since conflict is one of the fundamental elements in storytelling, it’s not surprising that gay literature is rife with it. But out of the many types of conflict that fictional protagonists typically experience — Man vs Man, Man vs Nature, … Continued

In case you didn’t know, there is so much media out there. We live in a world where we are constantly connected to music, TV, film and news. Everything is at our fingertips. It can be overwhelming, but it can … Continued

Everyone knows about Ang Lee’s 2005 film Brokeback Mountain. It’s the one about two ranchers in the Wyoming mountains starring Jake Gyllenhaal and the late, great Heath Ledger. In the film, the two start a budding affair while out in … Continued

“Are there any newcomers in the room?” I look around the room and feel as if every eye in the world is on me. I start sweating profusely and desperately search for an exit in the room. As silence fills … Continued

Susan Atkins, murderer and devout follower of Charles Manson said in hindsight, “People are obsessed with what they can not understand.” That is no doubt true, but which of us could understand the cult of Charles Manson and the heinous … Continued

At PROVOKR, we understand the frustration when the cast of a film is announced. We think, “Oh, this other person would have been much better in that role.” We often fantasize about how we would recast our favorite films with … Continued

Game of Thrones might have come to a conclusion, but that doesn’t mean you still cannot get your fill of Westeros. HBO has teamed up with publisher Insight Editions to release a set of four books exploring different aspects of … Continued

Toni Morrison was one of the rare, real ones. She was a comet burning bright in the blackness of the night. The American novelist, essayist, editor, teacher and professor died Aug. 5 at 88. Her breakthrough and breathtaking novel, the … Continued

America loves its movie stars. We put them on the cover of magazines, in ads for everything from Coca-Cola to insurance, we read their biographies and wear their perfumes, but most of all, we put them on pedestals. Psychologists have … Continued

Lana Del Rey is a gift. She is a brilliant poet who can capture a nation’s feelings so accurately with a pen, a guitar and her voice. Lana Del Rey wrote a new song, “Looking for America,”as her reaction poetically … Continued

Redemption. Kesha has removed the $ from her name and created a whole new persona that is intelligent and poignant in today’s times. With the current #MeToo movement reaching an apotheosis with the conviction of Harvey Weinstein, Kesha’s latest album, … Continued

Elizabeth Wurtzel, the author of the bestselling novel Prozac Nation: Young and Depressed in America, died on January 7, 2020. She was 52. Her painful and honest approach to depression and mental health issues established Wurtzel as one of the … Continued

Observing the posthumous, yet still unfolding, Jeffrey Epstein scandal, you might shake your head at his callous debauchery and wonder how such a high-profile man could enlist a network of procurers to provide him with an endless parade of underage … Continued

Imagine taking a book and sifting through its 300 or so pages to get to the story you want to tell in a film. Now imagine doing that same thing but with only about 5,000 to 10,000 words. Some of … Continued

The Kama Sutra is actually an ancient Indian Sanskrit document celebrating sexual adventure. It is the world’s oldest and most widely read guide to the pleasures and positions of sex. The Kama Sutra was written and compiled in the 4th … Continued

For questions or advice contact: jamievalentino@provokr.com Naturally, men are threatened by anyone that can make their girlfriends cum faster than they can. Only once entering a more serious, honest relationship do many discover that their biggest competitor requires batteries.  If … Continued

Wandering through the bookstore this week, I happened upon the newly released Letters From Hollywood by Rocky Lang and Barbara Hall. An epistolary history of the movie business from 1921 through 1976, the book sheds light on a bygone era … Continued

Audiobooks have a certain intriguing quality to them. They bring out favorite books to life in unimaginable ways that allow us to hear and feel our favorite passages in inviting new ways. It can transport us to new worlds and … Continued

The national election divides the nation every four years, and this time the division is on steroids. From climate change to protests, not to mention arguing the appropriate response to Covid-19, the year 2020 inspired debate all around.  In regular … Continued

When you’re intoxicated with dopamine, it blurs emotions and judgment. People can easily convince themselves to be in love as quickly as they snap out of it during the taxi ride home, damning themselves to singledom hell. Anyone who’s blurted … Continued

Stigma is rationally hilarious. It’s not only dull and prone to error by nature, but logic abandons judgment. In a public setting, have you ever heard a stranger exclaim that they need to pee as if it was an archaeological … Continued

Imagine that you’re at a Sunday afternoon barbeque when your friend’s 11-year-old son announces, “I’m pansexual.” Now that’s an attention-grabber. After the hamburger fell out my usually unflappable friend’s hand, he asked the boy if he meant that he was … Continued

Back in the day, when Hollywood stars were indentured servants to the studios, there was something called The Hayes Code. From 1934 until 1968, the set of strict moral guidelines about what would be acceptable in motion pictures forbade things … Continued

Once upon a time Northern Ireland was in the middle of a bitter political conflict. The Troubles, also called the Northern Ireland conflict spanned three decades (1968-1998). This deadly struggle was spearheaded by the Irish Republican Army and the IRA’s … Continued

During the initial phases of COVID-19, the gatekeepers of fashion collectively allowed sweatpants and slogan T-shirts to enter.  It must be done, they urged, for the good of humanity, now working remotely.    One hell of an on-going pandemic and … Continued

No amount of porn watched or Cosmopolitan read will make you an expert on women. Regardless of gender, understanding someone mentally requires getting to know them. Knowing how to pleasure a person demands practice – trial, and error, if you … Continued

At the 2019 Emmys, there was one clear winner: Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The writer, creator and actress’ show Fleabag picked up four wins, including Outstanding Comedy Series. Perhaps her most-deserving win came when episode one of season two won for best … Continued

Stephen M. Silverman has delivered the answer to all the mysteries and histories of the Amusement Park you have ever wondered about as the Cyclone took the next curve. In his new book, The Amusement Park: 900 Years of Thrills … Continued

How lucky were we to score tickets to Moulin Rouge during a recent trip to New York? Broadway’s hottest ticket has transformed the Al Hirschfeld Theatre into a technicolor valentine. The 2001 Baz Luhrmann film turned theatrical behemoth may play … Continued

When news broke that Matthew Shepard’s remains were finally buried at the National Cathedral some 20 years after his death, we were reminded of the collective grief the nation felt after the brutal, senseless murder of the waiflike 21-year-old. In … Continued

The year 2020 will be memorialized in textbooks. Still, no one will remember it nostalgically. Every person is now eagerly looking forward to refreshing the calendar more than ever before, despite the unlikelihood of getting a New Year’s kiss this … Continued

Patti Smith, an icon of the 1970s New York punk rock movement, is a writer, performer and visual artist. She has released 12 albums and her first, Horses, was recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the top 100 albums … Continued

PROVOKR Productions is searching for the next Stranger Things, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, The Shape of Water, Brokeback Mountain or Paradise Lost. If you think you have what it takes and your story idea is the next Spirit Awards winner all you … Continued

It’s been almost 8 years since Whitney Houston died of a drug overdose and now comes a tell-all book by her best friend, Robyn Crawford. In the new memoir, A Song For You: My Life with Whitney Houston, Crawford breaks … Continued

In the land of capitalism, consumption is second nature, and moderation often takes a backseat to pleasure. Americans struggle with excess from food portions to social media usage, even abusing wellness to an extreme. Unsurprisingly, addiction thrives in our society, … Continued

Most of us prefer sex with dim to no lighting for the same reason that we kiss with our eyes closed. Self-awareness hinders physical pleasure, and it’s easier to feel good without the burden of looking good. It is why … Continued

To the red-sole devotees, a pair of “Louboutins” needs no clarification. A-list celebrities like Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry are elevated on the red carpet rocking the red-bottom shoes. J-Lo released an entire song about them and the Queen … Continued

In the early 1980s, art and writing labeled as graffiti transitioned from New York City walls and subway trains onto canvas and into galleries. Young urban artists infused the downtown art scene with pop, expressionist and graffiti-inspired compositions. Jean-Michel Basquiat … Continued

A friend of mine recently couldn’t figure out if he had a date for the holidays. “Is it too weird to invite her?” he asked, “I don’t want to be stuck with my family.”  “I reckon neither does she,” I … Continued

True Crime has more than just a following of individuals who like a good “whodunit.” Podcasts, documentaries, TV shows, cable series, streaming platforms are all capitalizing on the obsession of murder. True Crime gives us a glimpse into a world … Continued

Larry Kramer was a successful writer and playwright and a ferocious AIDS activist who challenged the government, the pharmaceutical industry, the medical establishment and the gay community. He saw first-hand the death and despair among gay men and the horror … Continued

When you hear the word romance novel, you may have an image of a cheesy Harlequin paperback in your mind. You know, the kind where a woman, typically Caucasian, has a ripped bodice and is in the arms of another … Continued

Most people only tolerate the idea of Christmas shopping. Fewer enjoy the actual act of gift buying, and only a small percentage consider themselves cool, calm, collected, AND successful gift-givers. I don’t care what anyone says: receiving an extraordinary gift … Continued

As we cross the halfway mark of Pride Month, we’ve put together a reading list of pivotal books in the LGBTQ canon. There’s something on this list for everyone, popular releases from the past few years and modern classics. As … Continued

“I Can’t Breathe,” the three pleading words of George Floyd as police officer Derek Chauvin took a knee to Mr. Floyd’s neck. It was the tipping point that quickly brought mass protests across the United States and around the globe. … Continued

Two police officers in Buffalo are suspended after pushing a 75-year-old protestor during a peaceful Black Lives Matter demonstration. The man hits the ground and is bleeding from his head.  The video goes viral. Two New York Police Department SUV’s … Continued

Singer, songwriter, activist Halsey has been on the streets protesting with her fellow citizens. Calling out for equality and justice and denouncing the heinous injustices African Americans have endured at the hands of the police. She has locked arms with … Continued

If you’re a whiskey drinker, chances are you got started with Jack Daniel’s. It’s easily the most recognizable brand on the second-from-the-bottom shelf at your local bar or the bourbon section at the liquor store. Of course, Jack Daniel’s technically … Continued

If you haven’t finished the latest season of Ozark on Netflix, then quickly hit the back button and look over PROVOKR’s catalog. OK, now for those of you who are still left, we’re giving you the tools to act out … Continued

Post Malone, the multi-platinum singer-songwriter with a colossal collection of 43 tattoos (maybe more), just unveiled his latest creation, Maison No. 9, a French rosé wine. “Rosé is for when you want to get a little fancy,” said Malone. To … Continued

Twilight fans, mark August 4 on your calendars, as it is the newly announced publication date for Stephanie Meyer‘s Midnight Sun, her long-anticipated supplement to the Twilight Saga. Midnight Sun follows the plot from the first installment in the series … Continued

The first time I visited the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice, I found myself more intrigued by the heiress who had called the 18th century Palazzo Venier dei Leoni home for thirty years than by the astonishing collection of modern … Continued

If you were on social media last week, more than likely you saw the news that Volkswagen made a major faux pas by posting a controversial spot for their new Golf 8 on their official Instagram page. The ad featured … Continued

In the pre-COVID world, it wasn’t uncommon to think at one point or another, “I should start a band.” It turns out the quarantine equivalent of this musing is “I should start a virtual book club.” Even if you now … Continued

He walked into the woods and never came out. Peter Beard, renowned artist wandered away from his Montauk, New York home on March 31st and 19 days later, his body was found in the Camp Hero State Park on Long … Continued

When the curtains came down on Broadway on March 12th, no one realized they were coming down for good, or at least for the foreseeable future. Since then, live theatre and just about every other form of entertainment, has been … Continued

And there we have it—after much speculation, Joe Biden has chosen Kamala Harris as his running mate for the 2020 Presidential Election. God willing, she’ll be the next Vice President of the United States of America. Of course, the last … Continued

Vanity Fair, the popular culture, fashion and current affairs publication, has been around for more than 100 years. It’s a magazine known for excellent writing, in-depth reporting and glossy covers of celebrities, social icons and world leaders. It is fair … Continued

Last fall, Dave Chappelle became the 22nd comedian to receive the Mark Twain Award for American Humor, the country’s highest honor in comedy. The filmed ceremony is currently streaming on Netflix, and for those in need of a laugh, we … Continued

To all of you who started out wanting to be a doctor, a nurse, or a fireman, congrats, given the state of the world in the time of COVID19, you made a good choice. Those jobs, while considered high-risk for … Continued

While Vine produced new millennial stars, its spiritual successor TikTok has been kind to all three of the younger generations, earning six figure endorsement deals for zoomers, millennials and Gen Xers alike. For Gen X in particular, the social media … Continued

It’s been more than four months since Breonna Taylor was shot and people are still calling for action and demanding justice for the young woman. On the night of March 13th, the 26-year-old Emergency Medical Technician was killed in her … Continued

She is a pop culture icon immortalized by Andy Warhol’s screen-printed images. She was the sultry, sexy Hollywood starlet who died at 36. She is Marilyn Monroe, the tragic Norma Jeane Baker, the subject of countless films, documentaries and biographies. … Continued

Since Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2017, there has been a steady stream of books about POTUS and an uptick in sales of exposés. The Trump tell-alls have been unleashed by journalists, government officials, Oval Office insiders, and family members. “No … Continued

In 1729, Jonathan Swift caused quite a rumpus when he penned A Modest Proposal. Written three years after his Gulliver’s Travels, the essay outlined a simple solution to the food shortages that were crippling impoverished Ireland — people ought to … Continued

They advocated for change after George Floyd. They lobbied for reform with Breonna Taylor. They questioned the impact they might have by halting sports entirely. They relented, but after Wednesday’s events, their influence finally got noticed. Last Wednesday, the NBA … Continued

It has been three years since one of our — and your — favorite shows has ended. Yes, we’re talking about the hot, action-filled Black Sails. The Starz series concluded in 2017 with a huge battle and fitting ends.  For … Continued

Just think about it for a moment. At some time in your life, you probably said something that wasn’t politically correct or done something you wish you had not. Now, if you’re just a regular guy slogging away at life, … Continued

Long ago in a Hollywood far, far away, when people talked about what an actor or actress made the conversation was about the films they starred in, not the money they earned. Everyone just assumed they were rich; they were … Continued

There is one scene everyone is talking about in Charlie Kaufman’s unusual adaptation of I’m Thinking of Ending Things — and it’s not the scene you would expect. In it, the main character with an ever-changing first name (played by … Continued

With less than six weeks to go before the Presidential election, life has become an endless barrage of politics and polls. You name ‘em — Gallup, Quinnipiac, NBC/Wall Street Journal, Fox News, ABC/Washington Post — the list, like the election … Continued

Some fads always find a way to return. It’s crazy to think of the many influences ’80s culture has brought back to us. The old trends are seeping into film, fashion, and music.  Fashion  Cropped jeans. Fanny packs. Bomber jackets. … Continued

Blue Movie, the 1970 satirical novel written by Terry Southern, is about the making of a high-end pornographic film. The 50th Anniversary edition of this erotic satire of Hollywood is set for release in December. Blue Movie tells the story … Continued

Everyone’s first times are different. Some are good. Some are bad. And some are downright ugly. Regardless of how your first time went, we all have a story. The PROVOKR staff is here to share their first times with you … Continued

In 2016, Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance was applauded and criticized. Vance, who grew up in the Rust Belt city of Middletown, Ohio, and the Appalachian town of Jackson, Kentucky, tells … Continued

Many of us are carving jack o’ lanterns and gearing up for Halloween, but it’s important to remember that October 31 isn’t the only important date coming up! Election Day, November 3, is only a few weeks away. Historically, things … Continued

From the beginning of his tenure, it was clear that Donald Trump would become one of the most polarizing Presidents in American history. His comments have drawn the ire of fellow public officials, journalists, and citizens throughout the nation. His … Continued

Celebrity memoirs are often a candid and revealing portrayal of the real person behind the public face. They provide a glimpse into the lives of individuals we admire as we wonder if they’re “just like me.” If memoirs and autobiographies … Continued

In the 1980s, the diminutive, German-accented  Dr. Ruth Westheimer became the go-to source on all matters of the sexual kind. Her radio show Sexually Speaking and later, the Dr. Ruth Show catapulted her to fame as she became the most … Continued

When President Trump and his unmasked clan charged into the East Room early Wednesday morning, asserting that he had won the election, he added one more falsehood to the pile of 22,000 lies he has told since his inauguration. As … Continued

“Two REALLY HOT PEOPLE stare at each other.” That’s how we imagine the direction in the script for the seductive 2019 film After starts. Starring Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Tessa and Hardin, the college-set romance had us … Continued

It has been twice that comedian Dave Chappelle fronted Saturday Night Live after contentious presidential elections. Chappelle’s opening monologue in 2016 after Hilary Clinton’s loss to Donald Trump was full of politically charged punchlines. The country felt divided. Two polarizing … Continued

Kevin Hart turns over a new, more candid leaf in his latest Netflix standup special, “No F**ks Given.” Recorded at home, the comic talked about his celebrity status and family life. Both are regular tropes of his, but something in … Continued

January 20th, 2021 was a busy day at the White House. As the plasterers were spackling the hallways, filling in the crevices left by President Trump’s fingernails as the Secret Service dragged him kicking and screaming to the door; crews … Continued

The 1984 photograph of Steve McCurry’s Afghan Girl caused a sensation after first appearing on a cover of National Geographic. The iconic image of the young, green-eyed refugee became a symbol of Afghanistan and was compared to Leonardo da Vinci’s … Continued

Eve Babitz knows a thing or two about how to live decadently. As a free spirited, California-born memoirist and writer who came of age in the heady days of ‘60s and ‘70s Los Angeles, she’s done it all, biting into … Continued

Last week, The Umbrella Academy actor Elliot Page came out as transgender and non-binary in a powerful letter that starts with him expressing his pronouns are he/they. Page was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in Juno. Following … Continued

Shameless is sadly coming to an end with season 11. PROVOKR is a fan of Shameless, so we’re sad to see such an amazing show end. Let’s be honest, though, the series hasn’t been the same since Fiona (Emmy Rossum) … Continued

Since debuting in February, Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart is one of the most accomplished novels of 2020. In November, Stuart was honored with the prestigious Booker Prize, and the book has drawn comparisons to D.H. Lawrence, James Joyce, and … Continued

How did America’s most decorated female gymnast find herself in the midst of a media maelstrom? That’s what Olympian Simone Biles must be asking herself (and her agent). The 23-year-old stars in the Uber Eats ad campaign entitled ‘Tonight I’ll … Continued

Just slightly obsessed with sex? You’re not alone. From practical pleasuring tips to true stories from saucy swingers, adult stars, and certified sexperts, these podcasts are sure to fire you up. Finding a post-coital cuddle? That’s on you. The Bad … Continued

Let’s face it; 2020 was a year for the books and a year for incredible books, from political reflections to a glittery bit of Bowie. So settle in, pull on those sweatpants you’ve been wearing for ages (no judgments from … Continued

Do you remember the countdown of 2019, awaiting a toast to the new year? Do you remember the optimism to leave all uncertainty and tragedy behind? Well, not only was that not the case, but it left an imprint that … Continued

When we think of the Royals it’s usually the British Royal family that comes to mind. The high-profile monarchy also attracts the most sensational headlines. Every event and public appearance is scrutinized. Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, besides Queen Elizabeth, … Continued

Maybe more than most people, Gabrielle Korn knows that perfection is an illusion, something dreamed up to sell magazines, products, and clothes. And as a digitally native creative, certified millennial, Brooklyn Magazine 30 Under 30 honoree, and all-around-cool editor, she … Continued

Over the years, multiple short stories have given way to iconic feature films. In the span of mere pages, we are transported to tales of different characters. From favorites including Brokeback Mountain to classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey plus … Continued

This article was originally published in 2018. Amanda Gorman delivered a powerhouse performance of an original work at the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The article has been updated to reflect that. Los Angeles native … Continued

Nehemiah Persoff is 101 going on 102, more than 60 years after his standout performance in a film many consider to be the greatest American comedy, Billy Wilder’s “Some Like it Hot.” Persoff is the lone major player left from … Continued

Think for a second about your favorite great movie and how it gets your motor running. Even though we see them on the big screen, all the great movies start as words leaping off the page and into our eyes, … Continued

Henk Schiffmacher knows the sting of a tattoo needle, the exquisite buzz of its artistry, and the beauty of truly well-executed ink on a person’s skin. As a Dutch tattoo artist, tattoo ephemera collector, and tattoo historian who goes by … Continued

You might know Jacqueline Novak from her smash hit off-Broadway show, Get on Your Knees, a worldly, meandering take on the art of oral pleasure, or her appearances on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers. You might know Kate Berlant … Continued

In 2020, Eliza Hittman directed and wrote one of the most gut wrenching and poignant films of the year with Never Rarely Sometimes Always. The indie masterpiece deservingly won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Screenplay. The … Continued

  The British Royal family has had its fair share of blunders, but Prince Andrew’s fall from grace amid a sex-trafficking scandal is ruinous, to say the least.  Not since Edward VIII abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry American … Continued

Feel that sense of longing in the air? It’s not just your imagination. With one slinky, sultry, and smoky tone, the British singer Celeste Epiphany Waite opens her mouth, begins to sing, and declares what we all know to be … Continued

Close your eyes and picture a cult; what does it mean to you? Maybe you envision people in white robes, endlessly monotone chanting, back-breaking hard labor, ceaseless exercise, and slavish devotion. Perhaps images of Charles Manson, David Koresh, or Keith … Continued

There’s something for every stripe of reader in this collection of sexually charged erotic novels and stories. Crack open these covers, slide between your sheets, and get ready to steam up a wintry night with these fire-hot reads.  Garden of … Continued

When Lindsey Graham arrived at Mar-a-Lago for the ceremonial lowering of the flag to half-mast to honor the recently deceased Rush Limbaugh he had trouble gaining access to the Scheherazade room where the 45th President of the United States and … Continued

With times moving in a progressive direction, there’s been an emphasis on implementing characters that fit the mold in entertainment.  Shows such as the CW’s Black Lightning offer characters that provide representation to the LGBTQ community under the superhero landscape. … Continued

On February 28, the Golden Globe awards aired on NBC. Leading up to the event, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA)’s dirty laundry was also aired.  In a scathing investigation form the LA Times, it charged that the HFPA (it … Continued

It’s been a great start to the new year for actor Sacha Baron Cohen. Last month the star showed up at the Golden Globes from the comfort of his home and accepted two wins, best actor and best picture – … Continued

Music garners different reactions — especially when it points out a flaw in our society. People don’t often like to be called out or their practices put into question. Few songs have had stronger reactions than Billie Holiday’s rendition of … Continued

In June, I had grown accustomed to wearing tank tops, and playing outside with Polly. Polly was my sister. At 6’0” she surpassed me in most sports and was my superior in many things.  “Listen,” she would say “You got … Continued

In 1968, David Berg, a former Christian and Missionary Alliance pastor, shed his clerical collar and donned a tattered jacket, beat-up tennis shoes, and sunglasses and began preaching to a small group of runaways and hippies. Stationed outside a coffee … Continued

Mank is the most-nominated film at the Academy Awards this year, so to say it has been snubbed feels weird. But that’s exactly what we’re about to say. The one category it wasn’t nominated in but should have been was … Continued

Films are regularly adapted from books, plays, tv shows. But in a rather meta-moment, the film trailer that took Twitter by storm last week was based on a 2015 Twitter thread.  The A24 produced Zola is based on the viral … Continued

Whoever muttered the phrase “It’s not worth the paper it’s printed on” was obviously not talking about the Coronavirus vaccination card. Issued by the CDC, the 4×3 piece of white paper has become the Willy Wonka golden ticket du jour, … Continued

Matt Haig’s newest best-selling book is similar to elements of three movies, like a cross between Sliding Doors, The Twilight Zone, and It’s a Wonderful Life. His main character, Nora Seed, is in a bad way. In the space of … Continued

Poor Khloé Kardashian, ever since an unflattering photo of her in a bikini surfaced on social media, she and her team (citing copyright infringement) have been working furiously to get the image removed. In the unretouched less than flattering photo, … Continued

Canadian author and poet Margaret Atwood has been pushing boundaries for the better half of six decades. Her library of works include some of the most provocative in history. We’re taking a look at three of her most provocative titles … Continued

Some of the sexiest movies aren’t original works — they come from books. If you’re looking to add some steamy reading to your list, check out these novels then watch the film that accompanies them. FIFTY SHADES OF GREY OK, … Continued

And the Golden Globe goes to…is not a phrase you’ll hear during the next awards season. The Golden Globes, the precursor to the Academy Awards, has finally imploded after years of criticism and controversy. After a February Los Angeles Times … Continued

From its heyday in the late-1970s through to the end of the era in the late-1990s, Efrain John Gonzalez documented the gay clubs, fetish, S&M, and body modification scenes in lower Manhattan. He focused his lens on the gritty nightlife … Continued

Everyone goes through struggles. The problem is the more eyes you have on you, the less empathy you receive. That elevates when you have the publicity of an athlete in America; a place where your celebrity is held under high … Continued

We all love a good beach read, and the lazy, hazy days of summer are perfect for a page-turner, and True Crime seems to be more popular than ever. Just turn on your favorite streaming service, and you’ll find an … Continued

New York, Artists find refuge in such a solemn place. In corners, I hide,  A couple talks in a nearby coffee shop,  I watch them speak– And she spills the coffee, Wiping tears from her face; He spills the sugar … Continued

The British Royal family has always monopolized the tabloid headlines. It seems everyone from the Brits and beyond love to read about the family’s scandalous behavior and discourse among the ranks. The monarchy’s strict rules leave little room for error, … Continued

You’ve undoubtedly heard of the Garden of Eden, the Garden of Earthly Delights and the Olive Garden (aka the Garden of Eating), but if you’re under 50, chances are you’ve never heard of the Garden of Allah, the legendary Los … Continued

The Notebook When I was in 7th grade, the most popular writer of my friend group was Nicholas Sparks. The first one I picked up from the school library was The Notebook. Reading about Noah and Allie’s escapades were very … Continued

The prestigious Pulitzer Prizes are awarded annually for newspaper, magazine, and online journalism, literature, and musical composition. Established in 1917 by newspaper publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer, the awards are administered by Columbia University. Of the twenty-one categories, below are Provokr’s … Continued

To all the women who squirmed while watching the endless loop of scantily clad supermodels playing on screens behind the cashiers at one of Victoria’s Secret’s 1,100 US locations, the news that the lingerie giant was changing its image and … Continued

#10 – Mysteries of Pittsburgh by Michael Chabon “Are you in full possession of your faculties?” “I can’t be certain; no.” “Well, it’s about time,” he said. He pinched my earlobe. “Let’s go exhaust all the possibilities.” “Could we please … Continued

Legendary fashion designer Christian Dior took Paris by storm in 1947 with designs that were in sharp contrast to the grim post-war years. Instead, Dior reintroduced femininity, focusing on luxury and a silhouette described as the “the New Look.” As … Continued

Bryan Adams, the Canadian artist who since the late 1990s has combined a rock career with his passion for photography, taking portraits of musicians, actors, and models, is set to shoot the 2022 Pirelli Calendar. Adams broke the news via … Continued

Terror, shock, mystery, and fear are the best components of a scary novel. Horror fans will say there is nothing like the thrill and adrenaline rush of having the wits scared out of them.  If you like to curl up … Continued

Last month PROVOKR linked its readers to The Trouble with Sex podcast hosted by Dr. Tammy Nelson. As a sexologist, certified sex therapist, and relationship therapist, Dr. Tammy brings 35 years of expertise to her audience as she explores all … Continued

“SNCC” is a documentary on the history and legacy of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, or SNCC (pronounced “snick”) – a student-led movement of nonviolent racial protest borne from the youth activism of the 60s.   Organized by civil and … Continued

Fashion journalist Amy Odell revealed, on Instagram, she has spent the last three years working on a book. “I wrote a biography of Anna Wintour. It is the product of interviews with more than 250 people. I can’t wait to … Continued

What started as Harry Styles’ fanfic turned into one of the hottest, most erotic film series we’ve seen. Yes, we’re talking about After, and if you find yourself in the mood to act out some of these sexiest moments in … Continued

Emmy Award-winning actress Sarah Paulson recently joined the ranks of performers whose fan base turned toxic after she admitted to wearing a fat suit to play Linda Tripp, Monica Lewinsky’s untrustworthy confidant in Ryan Murphy’s Impeachment: American Crime Story. The … Continued

Like many scattered worldwide, I logged on to Zoom to see my family in Spring 2020. I was happy to do so because my immediate family members were all in good health, but the occasion was especially auspicious because my … Continued

He fought for wins, but never knew how to conquer. Jacob sat down at the poker table. After a long drag from his cigarette he said, “Another,” raising his bet with two stacks of chips. He sweated as the chips … Continued

Alone on a seaside vacation, Leda becomes consumed with a young mother and daughter as she watches them on the beach. Unnerved by their compelling relationship (and their raucous and menacing extended family), Leda is overwhelmed by her memories of … Continued

  Thank you, Sarah Shahi! The Sex/Life actress shared screenshots from the Netflix series’ scripts — and they will make you blush.  They reveal some of the most iconic scenes from the series between Billie (Shahi), Brad (Adam Demos), and … Continued

Martin Scorsese is one of the most legendary directors Hollywood has ever known. He’s directed classic films such as Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, and Casino. His most recent film is the Irishman but he will be making his return to the … Continued

Rockstars transfix the world and make some of the most exciting literary subjects. Here are our picks for some of the best books out there, just in time for your holiday shopping! The Lyrics: 1965 to the Present(Paul McCartney) Paul … Continued

Wattpad writer and YouNow streamer, Ariana Godoy has proven that she can truly connect to people with her stories. Her writing talent and her social media knowhow, have led to her novel, A Través de Mi Ventana (through my window), … Continued