While reading might not be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to improving your sex life, the best sex books can really make a difference. We’re not just talking about erotic novels either. We know you might not think of literary activity as foreplay, but sex experts say reading the right books with your partner can not only be very exciting, but extremely important for what happens between sheets.
“Sex Ed is with us for life,” says Lyndsey Harper, MD, Founder and CO of Pink, a women’s health technology company. “As we encounter new things, we have to relearn things about our bodies and figure out how to communicate that to our partners.” Luckily for us, we live in a time where the best sex literature is just a click away.
“The books are a great resource and contain a wealth of information for anyone looking to learn about sex, pleasure and desire, or about their own or their partner’s bodies,” says Bianca Perez, Pepper Connection Concierge. “Having a few books on sex in your personal library gives the opportunity to refer to said book when curiosity about an experience or questions arise,” adds Perez. “Having information from a credible source at your fingertips allows you to make confident decisions and try new things.”
Luckily, there’s no shortage of sex books that can help take your bedroom game to the next level. So you can spend more time looking for fun and less time looking for the right text, we’ve rounded up some of the best options available.
1
Getting Literate: Why Orgasm Equality Matters and How to Get It
In Become literatepsychology professor and human sexuality expert Laurie Mintz, Ph.D., brings together biology, sociology, linguistics, and sex therapy in one comprehensive, accessible, and helpful book on orgasm equality (and how to get it ).
2
Captive Mating: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence
The legendary Esther Perel adopts a provocative and daring point of view in this book where she explores the interplay between domesticity and sexual desire. She asks some questions like: Does good intimacy always mean good sex? It will really make you think more about how we define intimacy.
3
Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life
Emily Nagoski, Ph.D., has written books using groundbreaking research across disciplines to drive home the point that for women, the single most important factor in creating and maintaining a strong sex life is how well you to feel about your sex life. Critics dubbed it “A master class in the science of sex,” and we can see why.
4
She Comes First: The Thinking Man’s Guide to Pleasing a Woman (Kerner)
Ian Kerner, Ph.D., explores how to please a woman in the oral department. This book is often described as a must-read for anyone looking for a more satisfying sex life.
5
Girls and Sex: Navigating a Complicated New Landscape
Because not every sex book has to be a guide to the best positions. New York Times Best-selling author Peggy Orenstein writes about the sexual landscape young women face and how they deal with it in an important book for people of all ages.
6
Are you coming? : A Vagina Owner’s Guide to Orgasm
Laura Hiddinga’s book offers the ultimate guide to climaxing, whether alone or with a partner. The book comes with quick tips, line drawings and celebrity quotes for your entertainment.
seven
A Tired Woman’s Guide to Passionate Sex: Reclaim Your Desire and Reignite Your Relationship
Another Mintz book, this set of stories shares both Mintz’s own experience (personal and professional) as well as that of other women, before offering a step-by-step guide to bringing passion back into your life.
8
The Penis Book: A Doctor’s Complete Guide to the Penis – From Size to Function and Everything In Between
Aaron Spitz, MD, was an assistant clinical professor in the department of urology at UC Irvine for 15 years, and in his book walks you through everything from sexually transmitted infections to the science of blood flow for optimal body health. penis. It is a must read for anyone who has the appendix or anyone who comes into contact with it.
9
Love Worth Making: How to Have Ridiculously Good Sex in a Lasting Relationship
The title of this book alone is enough to warrant a read, and this bestseller has won awards for its ability to overturn traditional sex therapy. Stephen Snyder, MD draws on his 30 years as a sex therapist to help you keep sexual inspiration alive in a committed relationship.
ten
The Joy of Gay Sex, Third Revised and Expanded Edition
Charles Silverstein, Ph.D., and Felice Picano co-authored this seminal article on gay sex, which explores the ins and outs of gay life, love, and pleasure. Silverstein is the psychologist who helped eradicate homosexuality as a mental disorder.
11
Urban Tantra: Sacred Sex for the 21st Century
Acclaimed sex educator Barbara Carrellas combines erotic wisdom and pleasure-focused spiritual wisdom in this in-depth guide to sex. Carrellas urges readers to practice Tantra for those “in search of the great cosmic orgasm”.
12
Sex for One: the joy of self-love
Pro-sex feminist Betty Dodson, Ph.D. authors this guide to fully enjoying the pleasures of self-love. This book addresses the taboo of masturbation and creates a simple guide that describes masturbation as a satisfying and vital form of sexual expression.
13
The Wild Woman’s Way: Unleash Your Full Potential for Pleasure, Power and Fulfillment
Intimacy expert and counselor Michaela Boehm details rituals and exercises in this book that demonstrate meaningful changes you can make to deepen your connection to yourself, your life, and your relationships.
14
Better Sex Through Mindfulness: How Women Can Cultivate Desire
Sex researcher Lori A. Brotto’s book offers an approach to enhancing desire, arousal, and satisfaction in any environment. New York Times Best-selling author Ian Kerner calls it “a masterpiece and a masterclass in female sexuality.”
15
The Ethical Slut, Third Edition: A Practical Guide to Polyamory, Open Relationships, and Other Freedoms in Sex and Love
The third edition of this classic book explores modern manifestations of love, intimacy, and identification, and includes interviews with polymillennials, tributes to polyamory pioneers, and offers conflict resolution tools and instructions on how to improve interpersonal dynamics.
Lulu Chang
Writer
Lulu Chang is a freelance writer whose work has appeared on Business Insider, Digital Trends, PureWow, Well+Good, and Bustle.
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