SM 101: A Realistic Introduction

Rating:
Summary: Enter the real world of SM play
Review: BDSM, by nature, is shrouded in a world of fantasy. This is fantastic if you are sitting down for a good erotic "read", however, it is more problematic if you are contemplating trying to act out your SM fantasies. Fortunately, readers now have access to a non-titillating , realistic guide to SM play. Jay Wiseman is an experienced SM player and a popular lecturer/speaker at many BDSM events and his book, SM 101, has condensed down his years of scene experience into a very readable guide to SM play.

It is somewhat of a 'technical manual' that explains SM terminology, the mechanics of 'erotic pain' as well as how to use clamps, bondage, flagellation, erotic torture and humiliation. The second part of the manual introduces the reader to SM organizations, SM relationships and how to construct specialized types of scenes. This book is a definite must have for anyone contemplating exploring the public BDSM scene. The terminology and basic safety rules are "musts" at any responsible event.

Because this is book is written by a scene player, it does move a little quickly over the initial exploratory stages that many couples go through to get into SM - Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns has a somewhat more elaborate introduction into the SM mindset. However, if you have decided that you are going to play and want to know how, there isn't any better book out there to get started with.

Rating:
Summary: Informative, encouraging & honest
Review: I have never read a work on BDSM that was not only easy to read, but easy to "digest". The book is organized in a logical manner, frequently reminding the reader of vitally important points (safety, consensuality, etc.), and is laced with charming quips he apparently overheard through the years. I found it a major encouragement to read about people who are experiencing the same feelings and desires, and how they were able to "realize" the part of themselves society has so overtly and incorrectly stigmatized. Wiseman has not only provided a clear, unassuming intro to SM, but a "must-have" to those already in the scene. His credibility is primarily based on two decades of personal experience in the SM scene, but is made "real" and "human" with the inclusion of his own hesitant beginnings. With any luck, SM101 will help to repair the truly evil reputation SM is currently shackled with (pun intended).

Rating:
Summary: Intimate and personal tone adds softness to a harsh topic
Review: Let me just start by saying I am a vanilla girl but extremely curious about such a taboo subject. I became curious after reading several erotic books that emphasized SM. I knew that the books due to story, plot, and etc could not show the true progression of this erotic practice so I bought this book: SM101.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but I have been incredibly impressed with Mr. Wiseman's intimate style of writing and personal openess. What courage it must of taken. You read the first half of the book and feel as if he is guiding you through your journey of self enlightenment by sharing his own story of sucess and failures. He doesn't even try to convert you but tries to give you a better understanding of the practice and people involved. The second half of the book is basic instruction and supplies(bondage,flagellation, etc.) very informative and full of tips if you want to pursue this activity.

Of course, if you have read other reviews you know he is a safety boy and I think that's good. Girls like that. Also, his candor is so refreshing and very attractive.

Since reading this I might explore some aspects to SM; most people already do in a very light way by making specific demands or complying to demands in the bedroom but I will be as Jay suggests putting safety first and taking things slow.

I found this book very informative, in your face informative, and extremely forward in sex talk. So if your curious buy this book it's very good. You don't have to do anything you aren't ready for sometimes reading the ins and outs are fun and you can choose to indulge or just be well read in the subject.

Also, there are quotes throughout the book that are extremely funny and eye opening.

Rating:
Summary: A user-friendly introduction
Review: SM 101 was one of the very first books on the subject I read, and the humor, personal tone, and emphasis on safety and consensuality were instrumental in helping me to feel safe in exploring the topic more. Yes, this is a book written by an individual with his occasional quirks and biases, but it's full of great information and resources. It should be on the reading list for every BDSM beginner.

Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Introduction to SM
Review: This is a wonderful 'starter' book for those new to SM. I can not claim to know how a veteran player might feel about it, as I am still a novice in the realm of BDSM. I picked this book up, as well as Different Loving, initially for my boyfriend. We have a very open, communicative relationship and our trust level is very high, but he seemed to feel that my sexual preferences were, to say the least, disturbed. I was having a terrible time trying to convey to him that BDSM can be a very caring, loving, and almost spiritual experience between two individuals who truly care about each other's well being. This book has helped our communication and experimentation tremendously. The autor has a very straightforward aproach to an extremely taboo topic. I can not imagine the courage it took to make a leap of faith into the public press as he did. He stresses safety very strongly (which in my opinion is highly commendable), gives basic instruction on methods of delivering, and receiving forms of erotic pain, bondage and other aspects of BDSM. It is very much a 'how to' beginner's manual for people interested in exploring the realm of sexual dominance and submission. I highly recommend it to anyone who is thinking of exploring this realm of alternative sexuality, as well as for those who are already well established in their sexual preferences. I am sure that even those who think they know everything could find use for this book. Even if it is used as a means to help educate others who are unaware of what BDSM is actually about. I also reccomend Different Loving in addition to this book. Where SM 101 is a how to guide, Different Loving explores the mentality and psychology of those involved in BDSM relationships. They make wonderful companion books in exploring the total experience.