Starred review from March 15, 2015
This title is both a manifesto and a sex education manual that will empower women to be at peace with their bodies and their sexual well-being. Nagoski, director of wellness education at Smith College, has previously authored ebooks for the "Good in Bed" series and a blog, the Dirty Normal. The book's nine chapters are divided into four parts: the basics, sex in context, sex in action, and ecstasy for everyone. All of the sections end with four of the most important points, labeled "tl;dr," which stands for "too long; didn't read," Internet shorthand for "just get to the point." Some of the segments also close with worksheets. Nagoski adds stories throughout to personalize the information. These feature composites of women she has encountered over the years as fellow students or as therapists. The book seeks to dispel myths, such as genital response in women equals arousal and enjoyment. There are appendixes on therapeutic masturbation and extended orgasm. VERDICT An essential purchase for consumer health and women's health collections. This book will empower women to fully understand why their sexual desire is so different from men's. [See Prepub Alert, 9/29/14.]--Rebecca Raszewski, Univ. of Illinois Lib., Chicago
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