How to get busy
NEW WESTMINISTER, B.C. (CUP) -- While most people today learn about sex from the Internet, those without a home computer and Internet connection would be hard-pressed to do this from an Internet café or a public library.
Most public Internet providers strongly discourage such use, as educational as the content may be. For those people, I offer a quick rundown on several sex references in printed hard copy form.
Sex for Dummies by Dr. Ruth Westheimer (second edition)
$31.99 CDN, published by John Wiley and Sons, 2001
Although a lot of people would cringe at the idea of taking sex advice from someone old enough to be your grandmother, Dr. Ruth Westheimer is a major authority on sex and relationships. She utilizes a frank writing style, which is accessible for both the uninitiated reader and more seasoned veteran (despite the title).
The book covers just about every topic you could think of, from sexual positions (with illustrations!), to sex toys (with more illustrations!), to sexually transmitted diseases (no illustrations, sorry). Dr. Ruth also dedicates much of the book to dating and relationships. The information may even help you get laid.
Dr. Ruth is quite explicit when it comes to the various topics, and while she does have her opinions on some controversial topics, she chooses to remain fairly neutral. Sex for Dummies is an unthreatening read that should appeal to just about anyone.
Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Sex* (But Were Afraid to Ask) by David Reuben, M.D.
$10.99 CDN (paperback), published by Harper Collins, 2000
Originally published in 1969, Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Sex * (*But Were Afraid to Ask) is back and bigger than ever (the indicia boasts “96.9% totally new material”). This book is quite exhaustive, covering just about everything. While Dr. Reuben does not have the media notoriety of Dr. Ruth, he definitely knows his stuff.
Written with scientific detail, the book deals with everything from the mechanics of sex (separate chapters dedicated to male and female genitalia), to sex crimes, to birth control. Using the question and answer format, Dr. Reuben leaves no bases uncovered. For one, before reading the book, I assumed “handballing” was something you weren't supposed to do in soccer.
While a little more intimidating for a first-timer (lacking illustrations, for one), the book goes into minute detail on everything. However, Dr. Reuben is quick to warn that the book should not be taken as medical advice, although some things go without saying. Dr. Reuben also writes in a frank and accessible manner (sample text: “As any surgeon will tell you, the rectum wasn't designed as a playground”).
Much like Dr. Ruth, Dr. Reuben passes no judgment. However, he does have his preferences, choosing “natural” whenever possible (except for birth control, obviously), recommending against things like unnecessary surgery (“If It Works, Don't Fix It—You Can't Get a New One If You Break It!”). Indeed, the book lives up to its title and then some.
Most public Internet providers strongly discourage such use, as educational as the content may be. For those people, I offer a quick rundown on several sex references in printed hard copy form.
Sex for Dummies by Dr. Ruth Westheimer (second edition)
$31.99 CDN, published by John Wiley and Sons, 2001
Although a lot of people would cringe at the idea of taking sex advice from someone old enough to be your grandmother, Dr. Ruth Westheimer is a major authority on sex and relationships. She utilizes a frank writing style, which is accessible for both the uninitiated reader and more seasoned veteran (despite the title).
The book covers just about every topic you could think of, from sexual positions (with illustrations!), to sex toys (with more illustrations!), to sexually transmitted diseases (no illustrations, sorry). Dr. Ruth also dedicates much of the book to dating and relationships. The information may even help you get laid.
Dr. Ruth is quite explicit when it comes to the various topics, and while she does have her opinions on some controversial topics, she chooses to remain fairly neutral. Sex for Dummies is an unthreatening read that should appeal to just about anyone.
Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Sex* (But Were Afraid to Ask) by David Reuben, M.D.
$10.99 CDN (paperback), published by Harper Collins, 2000
Originally published in 1969, Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Sex * (*But Were Afraid to Ask) is back and bigger than ever (the indicia boasts “96.9% totally new material”). This book is quite exhaustive, covering just about everything. While Dr. Reuben does not have the media notoriety of Dr. Ruth, he definitely knows his stuff.
Written with scientific detail, the book deals with everything from the mechanics of sex (separate chapters dedicated to male and female genitalia), to sex crimes, to birth control. Using the question and answer format, Dr. Reuben leaves no bases uncovered. For one, before reading the book, I assumed “handballing” was something you weren't supposed to do in soccer.
While a little more intimidating for a first-timer (lacking illustrations, for one), the book goes into minute detail on everything. However, Dr. Reuben is quick to warn that the book should not be taken as medical advice, although some things go without saying. Dr. Reuben also writes in a frank and accessible manner (sample text: “As any surgeon will tell you, the rectum wasn't designed as a playground”).
Much like Dr. Ruth, Dr. Reuben passes no judgment. However, he does have his preferences, choosing “natural” whenever possible (except for birth control, obviously), recommending against things like unnecessary surgery (“If It Works, Don't Fix It—You Can't Get a New One If You Break It!”). Indeed, the book lives up to its title and then some.
