Rating: 
Summary: Unflinching yet so accessible
Review: When it comes to sex guides, there is no shortage. Many are written just to titillate the reader. Many are a guidebook to kink and assume that the reader already knows the basics for more straightforward sexual fun. Some ridiculously romanticize while others read like a medical school text. Paul Joannides' "The Guide to Getting It On!" is the ideal sex guide. It deals with the basics as well as the more adventuresome stuff. It presents health issues with honest clarity, but is never frightening or clinical. It is a thick tome, but a remarkably fast read. Joannides is thorough, yet concise. This is the best book on the market dealing with this subject matter. The advice for how to bring up children with healthy, age appropriate views about sex is invaluable. The only problem I have with this book is that I wish I'd written it myself. Buy this book with confidence. If you are a sex guide hobbyist, you'll love it. If you are a complete novice to the topic you'll love it. There's none better.
Rating:
Summary: I'd give it 6 stars if I could
Review: This book is an authority on sex. It covers almost every topic imaginable, and is also very well organized so you don't have to read all 700 pages if you only want information on specific topics. The "Guide to Getting it On" is very funny and easy to read, but most importantly, it is extremely helpful and informative. This book is like an encyclopedia, how-to manual, and comic book all rolled into one. I recommend this book to everyone without hesitation, and I am even going to buy a copy for my brother in law!
Rating: 
Summary: Politically Correct Psychologist
Review: This is a good reference work with lots of coverage of all things sexual, including some I'd never heard of. However, the political editoralizing is hard to take some time. The most extreme attitude is toward lingerie. The author actually thinks its a plot by business merchandising types. He's angry about it! This is not a normal male attitude. I think the author's wife should get credit for editing his work.
Many of the author's assertions are supported by no, or the very weakest sort of evidence. Research results that support his opinions is always welcome.
A more serious error is that the author is always encouraging men to ask women for permission on what to do. This is a big turn-off to all the women I know. This is politics triumphing over authentic sexual feeling.
Reading this has made me aware of how the sexual how-to literature is full of unsubstantiated value judgements. Want to write about your opinions and get them read? Write a sex-ed self-help book.
Rating:
Summary: YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!
Review: The above is my response to this book. When I first started looking though it and reading some of what Paul Joannides has to say, I thought, "Right on!" And the more I read, the more I felt this way. Mr. Joannides deserves some kind of "Medal of Honor" for writing a comprehensive, non-judgmental and at times hip and irreverent look at the world of sexuality. He leaves virtually no topic uncovered. Dang, why wasn't a book like this around twenty years ago? I could have really used it back then! He also obviously put a great deal of effort and love into this book which spans almost 700 pages. Not only is it informative and humorous, but it gets its subject matter across in a down-to-earth and common-sense style. I also loved all the illustrations in the book.... This book in my humble opinion should be mandatory reading for every Human Sexuality class taught, it truly is that good. I lost count of all the various chapters in the book, but among them are [chapters on various types of sex] sex and aging, and a chapter about sex laws (and some of them are truly shocking). Most chapters also feature comments from readers of earlier editions of this book or those who filled out surveys on the publisher's web site; all of which are also highly informative and interesting. I give this book five stars, only because I can't give it six. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to learn more about sex, relationships, what makes the "opposite gender" act the way they do, in other words virtually everyone!
Rating:
Summary: Simply must have it
Review: A girlfriend and I now joke that we are going to bring happiness to the world, near and far, by spreading this book. It has something for EVERYONE (this coming from a hetero point of view, not sure about other orientations), no matter your desires and wants, or level of modesty or experience. It is a broad, comprehensive reference - factual, informative, and hilarious. It makes good sex accessible to all. You will not regret ever owning this book, just that it took you so long to find it. But then again, you'll be so delighted you found it, you'll just have no regrets at all.
Rating:
Summary: A good read, but not a good sex guide
Review: The Guide is written in a clear, casual style and is peppered with enjoyable quotes from real couples and sex therapists. The line drawings were beautiful. I can honestly say that I curled up and read the 700 page tome like it was light beach reading. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. However, I would not buy this book as a sex bible. First, it covers far more about the intricacies of sex as a cultural phenomenon than you want in a book of sex advice and tips. Whole chapters are devoted to such sexual tangents as the role of sex in religion or the history of syphilis. While this is fun reading -- and great for understanding how sex works in an emotional sense -- it takes up room that could be better spent giving more practical tips. For example, the chapter on sex during menstruation: the author spends several pages discussing the history of the development of sanitary napkins and tampons, more discussing the shame or acceptance people feel about menstruation in the workplace, and a few pages musing on whether theories about stress leads to earlier menarche. There are perhaps six lines about sex, to the effect of "Some people like having intercourse during a woman's period. Some don't. Blood washes out of sheets, usually." At the end of the chapter he justifies his ommitance of the discussion of oral sex by joking that anyone who would consider such a thing must be a vampire. There was NO discussion of methods of making sex during a period cleaner or more enjoyable, NO discussion of alternatives to intercourse, NO discussion of potential risks or lack thereof in performing oral sex during the period, etc. That's just one small chapter -- in general, the book was high on interesting fluff but low on useful content. It's a great addition to your bookshelf, but get another book if you want a real guide to sex. As a warning, this book is very clearly written by a straight male and as a result the book is heavily slanted for heterosexual couples. The author does make attempts to be open minded, but rarely includes useful information on lesbian sex. He assumes the reader is in a heterosexual relationship -- if you aren't, you may want to look elsewhere.
Rating:
Summary: Very Informative!
Review: Once again, I purchased this book based on the title, but this time, I liked it. The book is well-written and the methods, advice and suggestions were well-researched and I felt it would be very helpful to those in search of answers to the many questions they might have surrounding SEX !!!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books on the topic
Review: I have been in the safe/better sex business for a long time and can honestly say that this is one of the best books I have ever picked up. It is written for the common person, instead of one with a medical background. It covers almost every topic, including some topics not covered in most books. To top it off - the comic charicatures and humorous but true quotes from real men and women, make it a fun read as well as informative, keeping the heavy topic of sex light and fun. Just as it should be, fun, safe and hot.
Rating: 
Summary: One Complaint
Review: My one complaint is that it is way too long. For sex tips I prefer 500 Lovemaking Tips and Ideas which is a much quicker read.
Rating:
Summary: Indispensable!
Review: Pointed, simple to understand, and logical. This is the only book you'll ever need. Read a chapter a night with your significant other - not only will you bond over this intimate activity, you'll learn about OTHER intimate activities that the two of you can enjoy together afterward!
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