Though the physical is an inescapable aspect of our lives, we as a society have a fear of it. Is it that we hold the augustinian view that the physical is somehow baser, less inspired, less holy, and therefore less important than the mental? Are we just afraid? This is the base which Tongue First starts from. In the beginning, author Emily Jenkins makes a vow in the inroduction to jump into her project 'tongue first', to truly experience her adventures and to chronicle them accurately. Though most of us have never done and will never do some of the things Jenkins writes about (like shaving her head), don't we wonder about them just a bit? Or if we have done some of those things, haven't we been confused by their sometimes arcane rituals (like those involved in a manicure, or choosing a lipstick)? Jenkins explores physical experience, both forbidden and mundane, and relates them intelligently and insightfully.
