By Bianca Strzelczyk
When Helen Gurly Brown wrote “Sex and the Single Girl” in 1962, it was considered shocking for a woman to speak so freely of her sexual encounters. However, the overwhelming success of the book that broke a gender boundary spawned a full-length movie and the author’s promotion to editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine.
Forty-two years later, it is no longer unusual for a woman to write a book about sex, often promoting “great sex,” “amazing sex” or “Earth-shattering sex,” and how to obtain it.
A flood of self-help sex books have been written addressing all aspects of not only sex, but relationships, romance and sexuality. These books contain extensive chapters regarding different health concerns with “knocking boots.” They discuss contraceptives, the importance of knowing your partner and that no matter what method of birth control is chosen, the only “safe sex” method is abstinence.
A large variety of books in the “Sexuality” department can be found at stores as common as Barnes ‘ Noble or sex shops like Condom World. To the “self-help virgin” it can be intimidating and difficult to choose the appropriate read. Although almost all sex books deal with masturbation, orgasms, sexuality and the importance of foreplay, some books offer advice geared more toward the respect of your partner and preservation of the relationship, rather than just the carnal issues.
The following is a list of three basic books that run the gauntlet on sexual and general relationship advice:
Sex for Dummies
This book, written by Ruth K. Westheimer, is perfect for the more conservative sexual being with its few, un-intimidating pencil drawings and strong emphasis on relationships and love. It prides itself on being written in simple terms for “everyday people” to enjoy sex.
In addition to dealing with the common conventional factors about sex, Westheimer also discusses adolescents and their first sexual experience, making this book appropriate for teenagers. She points out the different risks involved in any sexual activity and the importance of using contraceptives.
Overall, this book touches upon all different aspects of sex and directly makes reference to issues sometimes ignored by sex books such as sex in old age, cybersex and sexual problems. This is a good start for those who want a basic overview on what they can do to make their sex lives and relationships better.
The Guide to Getting it On
There are self-help sex books … and then there is this book by Paul Joannides. This book, quite simply put, is the ultimate guide to sex. From anal sex to sex in the outdoors, practically everything about “getting it on” is included in this book.
Consisting of direct quotes from different people on different issues of sex, it provides first-hand insight into what works, what doesn’t and what should definitely be attempted. The comic chapter titles and creative writing keep the issues light-hearted yet insightful. Although comical at times, Joannides still make a point to address safe sex issues.
This “Bible for Sex” discusses relationships and love with regard to sex and therefore is more appropriate for those already engaging in sexual activity.
K.I.S.S.
On the more liberal side of the sexual spectrum, K.I.S.S. by Anne Hooper also places an emphasis on relationships before sex. It presents its advice in a much more colorful manner. Filled with color pictures, photographs and aesthetically-pleasing arrangements, Hooper’s book is directed toward the adult audience.
Consisting of random historical facts about sex and scientific explanations of why the body reacts the way it does in sexual situations, this book deals with a more mature aspect of sex. It is directed to those looking to “spice up” their relationships with more exotic sexual experiences, such as tantric sex.
