The Dry Season

A proven chronicler of her own desire, Febos changes tack here, charting a year of celibacy . . . a queer slant adds freshness, while the frisson between the topic's supposed austerity and the pleasure afforded by such candid prose makes it all the more compelling * * Observer * *
[An] interesting, often witty work . . . Refreshing * * Sunday Times * *
Melissa Febos has a taste for extremes. Her new book, The Dry Season, chronicles a bold experiment in her search for self-knowledge . . . Throughout, she posed a potentially radical question: What if all that a woman needs to be happy is herself? * * New York Times * *
Reading The Dry Season is like having a nourishing conversation with a smart, wry and ever-probing friend - a conversation so full of wisdom and pleasure that you don't want it to end. The example of Febos's commitment throughout these pages is inspiring and rare; we're lucky and better off for it -- MAGGIE NELSON, author of THE ARGONAUTS
Beautiful . . . One of the most interesting parts of the book is reading about how celibacy, for women throughout history, has been this pathway for freedom of thought -- EMILY RATAJKOWSKI
The Dry Season is a brilliant and powerful meditation upon addiction, desire, seduction and the undervalued (and all-too-unexplored) power of a woman laying claim to a period of celibacy [ . . . ]. Febos is both unflinching and compassionate. A deeply important book, I saw myself and many women whom I love and admire on every page -- ELIZABETH GILBERT, author of EAT, PRAY, LOVE
As a queer memoirist, Febos provides a sorely needed perspective on the cultural trope of the "incel," presenting instead a model for celibacy that is self-guided rather than socially imposed and compassionate rather than punitive; this book should be required reading for anyone who's ever been told to "just take a break" from relationships * * Vogue * *
Only Melissa Febos could convince us of the ecstasy of abstinence. She never fails in her candour and precision -- KATHERINE MAY, author of WINTERING
Who knew that a memoir of celibacy could be so stirring? A thoughtful, exacting study of the loss of self - both transcendent and self-abnegatory - that comes with desire. Melissa Febos teaches us that strength comes from vulnerability, and how a keen mind feels but also dissects -- CAL FLYN, author of ISLANDS OF ABANDONMENT
Panoramic yet whisper-close, so funny, exquisitely alive - radiant with ideas new and ancient like stars in a clear night sky -- JEREMY ATHERTON LIN, author of DEEP HOUSE