Scan barcode
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.
deanashuman's review against another edition
5.0
I picked this one up on our public library's audiobook app because "Why not?!" I listened to the whole thing in one day, because it was riveting and fascinating, with much guffaw-worthy humor (but, fair warning, NOT for the faint of heart- the horrific history of clitoridectomies is addressed in great detail. Whew. ). Highly recommend!
a_islandcriptid's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
This is a fun little book and is definatly a good starting point for anyone curious about this area of history/society. As a history nerd who has been interested in social, domestic, fashion, and sex history for a while a lot of the info wasn't new but it was still a very interesting read, and the information is well cited but it is a very approachable and funny book.
*Note on Ch. 13: the framing of corsets is a little misleading in how restrictive they were. Just keep in mind it is dramatic and a bit exaggerated! (I highly recommend her podcast episode on corsets, and YouTube videos on corsets by fashion historians: Abby Cox, Burnadett Banner and others!)
Kate Lister's podcast "Betwixt the Sheets: the History of Sex, Scandal & Society" is a favorite of mine and there are episodes on not just sex topics, but also social history and historical figures!
*Note on Ch. 13: the framing of corsets is a little misleading in how restrictive they were. Just keep in mind it is dramatic and a bit exaggerated! (I highly recommend her podcast episode on corsets, and YouTube videos on corsets by fashion historians: Abby Cox, Burnadett Banner and others!)
Kate Lister's podcast "Betwixt the Sheets: the History of Sex, Scandal & Society" is a favorite of mine and there are episodes on not just sex topics, but also social history and historical figures!
mari1532's review against another edition
dark
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
I listened to this book with Audible.
Brief Summary: Lister explores the history of sex and the human species. Each section of the book focuses on popular subtopics associated with sex throughout history including sex and money, sex and food, and sex and machines. Lister uses the historical record and humor to describe and discuss each topic.
Thoughts: I have been following Lister's Instagram account for awhile now and finally started listening to her brilliant podcast, Betwixt the Sheets. When I realized one of her books was on Audible and included in the subscription I jumped at the chance to listen to her research in depth.
This is an incredibly interesting book about sex, sexuality, and the human experience. I wish that this were required reading in many health classes as it tackles some very pertinent topics and misconceptions related to reproduction and sexual health. Lister is also an entertaining writer and presenter. Some of the information that she discuses as practices are both puzzling to learn about about and entertaining.
If you want to have a great time, learn something, and combat patriarchal understanding of human sexuality this is a great book to start with.
Brief Summary: Lister explores the history of sex and the human species. Each section of the book focuses on popular subtopics associated with sex throughout history including sex and money, sex and food, and sex and machines. Lister uses the historical record and humor to describe and discuss each topic.
Thoughts: I have been following Lister's Instagram account for awhile now and finally started listening to her brilliant podcast, Betwixt the Sheets. When I realized one of her books was on Audible and included in the subscription I jumped at the chance to listen to her research in depth.
This is an incredibly interesting book about sex, sexuality, and the human experience. I wish that this were required reading in many health classes as it tackles some very pertinent topics and misconceptions related to reproduction and sexual health. Lister is also an entertaining writer and presenter. Some of the information that she discuses as practices are both puzzling to learn about about and entertaining.
If you want to have a great time, learn something, and combat patriarchal understanding of human sexuality this is a great book to start with.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Rape, Infertility, Sexual content, Gaslighting, Pregnancy, Adult/minor relationship, and Abortion