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rebboe's review
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Kate Lister’s ‘A Curious History of Sex’ explores the euphemisms, language, cultural attitudes and underrepresented topics surrounding human sexuality. From birth control to sex work, Lister touches on so many important yet under studied elements to human sexuality.
This was such a great book. I think it’s important to note that writing a book about the history of human sexuality is basically impossible (as Lister mentions!). The topics covered in this book are interesting as well as timely. Expertly written, made me giggle a few times, and I learned a lot too!
alfboyreads's review
5.0
i have never had so much fun reading a book!! it was well written and even though there were a whole lot of dad jokes it was still informative. the chapters were short and quite page turney, and i got to see victorian porn which is as informative as it is fun. also pegging was always a thing???? the earliest dildo ever found was made out of bison horn?? the first condoms were made to be reusable?? we probably originally got hiv from primates bc some crack pot doctor thought putting monkey balls into human ballsacks would cure erectile dysfuntion?? humans have always been horny and it's good to reminded of every once in a while
rabe's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
lisamchuk's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting historical slant (but updated to current societal views) to various topics (though you’ll be wanting more - both in depth and breadth) - the author has a voice and style of writing that is accessible but also wryly humourous. Plus everything is well researched with sources cited. Though primarily from a UK lens, you’ll learn something regardless.
sentetia's review against another edition
2.0
Kate Lister summarizes it best in her own conclusion: "I fear the title may have promised more than could be delivered." - A more fitting title would be "Some history of Sex". Curious? Not really.
Yes, she talks about many important topics and there were some bits I enjoyed a lot, but there were also wide stretches where I was just bored. You, of course, can't write a book about the complete history of such a wide topic, but I would have wished that she would have gotten into more detail for some.
I really liked the parts about sex in not western cultures, but these were always pretty short, because christianity arrived and shamed everyone back into their stockings. - This book is a lot about christian purity culture.
She also could have shortened the ~40 pages about clitorial mutilation. This part was just going around in circles describing IN DETAIL what parts were removed in which way. (Quite hard to read for a person having a clitoris.)
Yes, she talks about many important topics and there were some bits I enjoyed a lot, but there were also wide stretches where I was just bored. You, of course, can't write a book about the complete history of such a wide topic, but I would have wished that she would have gotten into more detail for some.
I really liked the parts about sex in not western cultures, but these were always pretty short, because christianity arrived and shamed everyone back into their stockings. - This book is a lot about christian purity culture.
She also could have shortened the ~40 pages about clitorial mutilation. This part was just going around in circles describing IN DETAIL what parts were removed in which way. (Quite hard to read for a person having a clitoris.)
kaylo88's review
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
The book is a great read, offering valuable insights on various topics that touch on the human condition. It's really informative around the history of sex that devled into various different aspects through the chapters. The author's writing style is superb, with a good dose of humor that will leave you laughing out loud in some parts and you can tell that she is extremely knowledgeable too.
What sets this book apart is its honest and at times shocking portrayal of certain aspects of our history. The author's candidness is refreshing, and you will find yourself drawn in by the authenticity of the histories shared.
One chapter that stood out was the discussion on periods, an often-overlooked topic that deserves our attention. The author's writing surrounding this topic are commendable and thought-provoking.
Overall, this book is a fantastic read that will leave you enlightened and entertained.
What sets this book apart is its honest and at times shocking portrayal of certain aspects of our history. The author's candidness is refreshing, and you will find yourself drawn in by the authenticity of the histories shared.
One chapter that stood out was the discussion on periods, an often-overlooked topic that deserves our attention. The author's writing surrounding this topic are commendable and thought-provoking.
Overall, this book is a fantastic read that will leave you enlightened and entertained.