Madonna’s Book at Dollar a Peek

ORINDA, Calif. —  Madonna’s “Sex” book may be totally torrid, but at $49.95 a copy, many are destined to miss out. Now to the rescue comes a bookseller offering quick peeks for $1.

A dollar at Orinda Books this week buys a few moments alone with the 128-page book, which features startling poses by Madonna and friends. The proceeds will be donated to the Fire Department in Orinda, a San Francisco suburb.

“It’s a hot book . . . so it seemed appropriate,” explained bookstore owner Janet Boreta.

The offer had so far drawn about three dozen customers. The book comes sealed and publisher Warner Bros. won’t accept the return of opened books.

At least one other San Francisco Bay Area bookstore was using “Sex” for philanthropic purposes. A shop called A Clean Well-Lighted Place for Books said it had raised more than $100 from browsing fees, which will be donated to AIDS foundations.