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stuffsamdoes_'s review
3.0
This book had been sitting on my "to-read" shelf for quite some time. I was supposed to read it for my Philosophy of Human Sexuality class a few years ago, but we never got around to it. I'm now taking a Sociology of Human Sexuality and was able to read this book for an extra credit assignment and saying that I enjoyed this book would be a definite exaggeration. I was disturbed by some of the things, but also fascinated by others. I don't see myself reading this again or recommending this book to anybody. I was relieved when I was finished with it because some parts I was falling asleep through.
kirstena's review
3.0
Honestly, I only read part of this. I thought it might be helpful with my cover story but didn't have time to finish it. And am not planning to at this point.
lanikei's review
2.0
I was a little disappointed by the ending of this book. Most of the earlier chapters were fine. Interviews and observations about the sex of middle America, accounts of toy parties and working at an adult store. But it seemed that once Alexander got to the coasts and to kinkier 'more extreme' sex, he became judgmental and dismissive.
What bothered me was his implication that those into the BDSM and swinger scenes were doing it for shallow reasons, to just 'be risque' and not for the same reasons that others around the country were searching for their own sexual fulfillment. I can understand being a little exhausted and tired of hearing about everyone's sexual quirks by the end of the book, and I assume that affected some of his feelings about his later experiences.
Other than the ending chapters, I generally enjoyed the book. I wasn't surprised by the big reveals of 'people have sex everywhere! and use sex toys! even churchgoers and moms!', but I liked reading about environments that I'm not familiar with. The silent majority of people who are accepting of others and their sex lives is refreshing, so it's a little disappointing when the author seems less than open to some sexual experiences.
What bothered me was his implication that those into the BDSM and swinger scenes were doing it for shallow reasons, to just 'be risque' and not for the same reasons that others around the country were searching for their own sexual fulfillment. I can understand being a little exhausted and tired of hearing about everyone's sexual quirks by the end of the book, and I assume that affected some of his feelings about his later experiences.
Other than the ending chapters, I generally enjoyed the book. I wasn't surprised by the big reveals of 'people have sex everywhere! and use sex toys! even churchgoers and moms!', but I liked reading about environments that I'm not familiar with. The silent majority of people who are accepting of others and their sex lives is refreshing, so it's a little disappointing when the author seems less than open to some sexual experiences.
satyridae's review
1.0
Alexander's goal with this book was to explore current fringe sexual practices in the US with an open, journalistic mind. I think he failed to remain objective, and his disdain and superiority color his reportage in a fashion I found to be smarmy. The author's tone was so annoying it was a real challenge for me to finish this book. He was raised Catholic and felt compelled to mention this many, many times- usually in the context of "we never heard of this sort of thing in my church, growing up". He also gave little asides which communicated his supercilious attitude all too clearly. There was one entire chapter which consisted of moaning transcribed in all caps- pages and pages of "AAAAHHHHH OOOOHHH" and so on- excruciating. Give it a miss.
aiwktr's review
2.0
I'd give it two-and-a-half if I could. Interesting subject, and mildly informative, but somehow it failed to engage me.
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