coming into this the one thing, the only thing, i expected was that it would not be as good as portnoy's complaint, the only other work by this author i have read. i was wrong. it was not only better but quite a bit so. i loved portnoy for it's frankness, its sexual frankness which is the best kind of frankness in my not-humble-enough opinion. the human stain is also frank and also deals in sexuality, but it is more, oh so much more and a consequential sort of more. this book has changed me and i will take its notions with me as i mature and grow as a professional, a parent, an individual and as part of the collective. powerful stuff and so fabulously told.

and, don't see the movie. don't even look at the glossy dvd cover. just read the book. it is/was all that is needed.