Not one thing in this litzine could be construed as erotic, so just put that out of your mind right now. Sure the title sounds like you might be in for something soft and shiny, damp or slippery, but what you get is somewhere between pumice stone and lufa. The grade of the rock varies enormously, and so does its purpose. Like smack in the middle of what is largely a poetry zine, ya get this brief essay about queer safe spaces at York University and the efforts by many involved to build a better overall environment there, and although it’s well-written etc. it also sorta knocked the overall vibe – ie. everything else is poetry – out of gear for a second. Then, well, you know how poetry zines can be, sometimes glimmers of greatness, sometimes full-tilt stinkers. But it’s a good first effort – the design is clean and works nicely with the text – and it shows real signs of offering encouragement and support to young writers looking for space to let it all hang out. (HC)
litzine, #1, 30 pgs, $2.50, 5-596 St. Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON, M6C 1A6