Iris Bahr is pretty accomplished if you ask me. Her list of entertaining accomplishments match her list of academic accomplishments. Earning a degree in both theatre and neuropsychology at Brown University, she graduated magna cum laude, and also conducted fMRI research at Stanford and cancer research at the Tel Aviv University. Soon after, she moved to NYC to pursue acting full-time. Since then, she’s relocated to L.A. and been critically praised for her acting, writing, and directing. Possibly best known for her appearance on the show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, she’s also wrote an award-winning solo show, DAI. [www.irisbahr.org]
In Dork Whore, Iris Bahr tells us of her personal mission to lose her virginity; the first time didn’t really count, I have only had it once, and that was kind of, and she feels more than ready after twenty years, the last two years spent in the Israeli army. She feels herself shy away from the other girls in her unit, who all hang out together gossiping about their lusty relationships (not much different than high school). Though Iris has had relationships during this time, none of the guys seemed as into her as they were into themselves. As her service ends, Iris decides that she really is tired of being sexually inexperienced and sexually uninformed, I was still getting my sex ed from Judy Blume, and decides to remedy this by a backpacking trip through Asia.
Much to her mother’s relief, Iris finds a travel companion in Boaz, both chubby and responsible…a physically repulsive, medically well-stocked cockblocker. Probably not the best start to losing your virginity, but a needed guard against a mother’s concern. Their trip begins in Bangkok, where the airline has lost Boaz’s luggage. Iris is determined to be positive, but Boaz is just as insistent on being a drag…but a drag who can apparently justify abruptly abandoning his travel partner for Paris the next day. Thailand is not what I expected. It’s too dirty…I’m going to Paris instead. That’s alright, Iris is a survivor…after a fit of “Fuck! What am I going to do?!” She realizes she needs to go find a new travel partner…NOW. That night, her search proves fruitless and she decides to leave the city for Thailand’s countryside, partner or no partner. And so she starts her voyage alone, but not always and not for long.
More oft hilarious than not, Dork Whore, by Iris Bahr was a great read. Relatable to the 20-year-old virgin I was, and the dork that am, I enjoyed this book from beginning to end, laughing at the hilarious anecdotes and nodding at the moments of self-realization. A great read for those that like to giggle and reminisce about tales of sex, drugs, and travel. To see Iris Bahr reading from Dork Whore, check out the videos from her personal site http://www.irisbahr.com. I hope you enjoy reading!
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