As a child, I dreamed of being Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Now as an adult, I am more mature and know that the mermaid life is not for me. With time comes wisdom, so I now identify with Belle, a Disney princess who has dishes that clean themselves and 24/7 access to a personal library. My introverted bookworm heart can only dream of such things. Sadly, I can’t live in a distant magic castle in France, but I can celebrate National Book Lovers Day by living my librarian fantasy and sharing some of my favorite books about sexual health. This list will consist of non-fiction books, but I will be sharing a second post with some fun fiction finds for those in need of a randy read.
First up, I recommend "Come As You Are" by Emily Nagoski. This is a comprehensive guide to understanding female sexuality. Nagoski uses scientific research to explain how factors like stress, mood, and body image influence sexual desire and response. Nagoski debunks common myths about sexuality, making it clear that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to sexual experiences.
Next up on the lustful literary list is "Sex for One" by Betty Dodson. Masturbation is a taboo topic and as a result people aren’t taught how to do or why it is beneficial. This book helps normalize a very healthy sexual activity and encourages individuals to understand and embrace their own bodies. Dodson’s approach is both candid and liberating, breaking down the stigma around self-pleasure and highlighting its importance in developing a healthy sexual relationship with oneself.
For those wanting a book that covers all the sexual subjects, I have two fantastic options: “Guide to Getting it On” by Paul Joannides and “THE Sex and Pleasure Book” by Carol Queen w/ Shar Rednour. I often recommend both books because of their comprehensive and approachable content, both of which cover a wide range of topics—from anatomy and sexual techniques to communication and emotional intimacy. Plus, they both have fun illustrations, for those in need of visual aids.
Last, but certainly not least, “The Ethical Slut” by Dossie Easton and Janet Hardy. This book covers everything you need to know about non-monogamy. Even if you are not interested in exploring an open relationship, this book can still be beneficial because one thing that successful couples in polyamorous relationships do well is communication. And as we know, having good communication skills is essential for any sexual relationship. So, even if you don’t apply all of the knowledge in this book, it can still be useful.
Hopefully, this is a good list to get you going. While all of these books can be purchased online, I always recommend supporting a local bookshop or your neighborhood library. If you feel in need of extra support or want more resources regarding sexual health consider setting up a virtual consultation and we can make an individualized plan just for you.
