The Ultimate Sex Book...Was it as good for you as it was for me?
Written: Jun 18 '02 (Updated Jun 19 '02)
Product Rating:
Pros: Well written and illustrated. Very helpful.
Cons: It's a big book...Don't leave it lying around if you have kids...
The Bottom Line: Whether you are beginning a relationship or just want to spice up your marriage, The Ultimate Sex Book is an informative and useful book.
Before you proceed, the following review is of a book that discusses sex. It is not pornographic nor obscene. I will, however, be analyzing The Ultimate Sex Book and if the subject matter will offend you, this is a good time to hit your browser's back button...Thanks.
This past April marked my husband's and my 8th wedding anniversary. After eight years and a couple of kids, I decided that it might be nice to spice things up. I wasn't looking for anything drastic or bizarre, just some ideas to....inspire us. Hey, variety is the spice of life, right?
I decided that books written with couples in mind would be my best bet. Surfing the internet was a waste of time, using a search engine brings up results that are...not what I'm looking for. I headed over to Amazon.com and then browsed Half.com. Yup, I'm always looking for a bargain no matter what the purchase. I feel so cheap...
The Ultimate Sex Book: A Therapist's Guide To Sexual Fulfillment
Though I had never heard of sex therapist Anne Hooper, I chose her book. I have never read a DK (Dorian Kindersley, Inc.) that didn't impress me. The fact that they published this book was reason enough to choose it. The last DK book I reviewed, Conception, Pregnancy and Childbirth by Dr. Miriam Stoppard was the best book I'd ever seen on the topic. I hoped that I'd be as impressed with Anne Hooper's book as I was with Dr. Stoppard's. As soon as I opened The Ultimate Sex Book, I knew I'd made the right choice.
Much like Conception, Pregnancy and Childbirth, a combination of tasteful photography, useful illustrations and case studies serve as the foundation of The Ultimate Sex Book. As part of Hooper's introduction, she explains the various sections of her book along with her advice on how to use the book to enhance a loving relationship. This is a manual, there are exercises, diagrams, discussion of biological and emotional factors and "programs" designed to overcome problems and improve sex overall.
Who is Anne Hooper?
To write a book called The Ultimate Sex Book, what kind of credentials would you need? Anne Hooper's resume includes being an editor of Penthouse Forum and membership in the Association of Sexual and Marital Therapists. When the book was published, she was a consultant for the Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Sexuality. She has written six books including a guide to the Kama Sutra.
Full color photographs, but a far cry from Hustler.
When a book is called The Ultimate Sex Book and boasts over 300 full color photographs, you might expect something out of Hustler. While the majority of the photographs illustrate lovemaking positions and techniques, they are definitely not pornographic. "Money shots" as some might call them are actually artist renditions designed to teach, demonstrate and enhance the programs outlined in the book.
I hesitate to call it a textbook, but that would be a fairly accurate description. Couples are photographed in various states of undress to portray everything from relaxation to foreplay, sexual positions, and other intimate, sensual acts like massage and mutual stimulation. Fantasy, role playing, even sexy undressing is shown in living color. The hundreds of demonstrative photographs can effectively inspire couples to "try something new" or overcome sexual difficulties.
In addition to the illustrations, straightforward captions provide instruction, ideas and explanations. It can be difficult to discuss subtle techniques, but to have them in front of you can eliminate potential embarrassment or uncomfortable discussions. Even a strong relationship can get better with improved sexual satisfaction and more variety.
Case studies...
The Ultimate Sex Book: A Therapist's Guide To Sexual Fulfillment is designed not only to enhance a couple's sex life, but to identify and address problems that can affect the relationship. Not everyone is comfortable talking to a stranger, even a sex therapist, about such intimate details of their life. Others can't afford the services of a sex therapist. Whatever the reason may be, personalized therapy is not always an option.
Throughout the book, Hooper spotlights a variety of case studies. Couples of all ages and walks of life are featured to illustrate specific situations and problems. Beginning with a scenario, each individual is described briefly to share their age, occupation, marital status, physical, mental and medical characteristics. Problems and situations include:
How can I extend sex play?
How can we have good sex while I'm pregnant?
How can I keep sex safe with a new partner?
How can I ask for what I want in bed?
How can we bring back our desire?
How can I get over sexual rejection?
Readers may be able to identify with individuals profiled and/or may be experiencing similar problems. The therapists assessments and suggestions discussed in these case studies can then be used to improve the reader's situation.
Each case study is followed by a program tailor made to improve the situations described. Hooper breaks each program into stages to slowly and easily guide couples through the steps. She takes the time to explain where, what and why when explaining each program. Her approach is "user friendly" so to speak.
Other key issues...
Throughout the entire book, common issues such as premature ejaculation, reaching orgasm, using sex aids and oral sex are discussed frankly and thoroughly. Hooper discusses hormonal, psychological and physical issues. She explores communication, anatomy, safety and techniques in a straightforward way. She focuses on each partner separately and as a couple.
Let's face it, the human body is complex and sometimes confusing. Hooper diagrams male and female sex organs, explains how they work and even maps out the elusive G-spot. Topics like tantric sex, masturbation and ways to intensify sex both physically and emotionally are intertwined with new ways to spice things up. The Ultimate Sex Book is essentially a guide to a healthy sex life.
New ways to enjoy sex, alternatives to intercourse as well as ideas to make intercourse more intense and enjoyable makes this truly the ultimate book for new couples, people experiencing problems and those who want to improve their sex life.
The climax...of my review that is
The Ultimate Sex Book: A Therapist's Guide To Sexual Fulfillment is a practical alternative to actually seeing a sex therapist in person. Individuals and couples can read at their own pace, concentrating on the areas they want to focus on and skipping others. One partner can subtly bookmark key pages for the other partner to improve and enhance their relationship. Problems that otherwise might be overlooked can be solved, new experiences shared and relationships can be jump started.
The photographs illustrate the positions and new techniques that might otherwise be too awkward. The text is written in plain English, no slang or language that might make people uncomfortable. If you don't know what I mean, read something by Graham Masterson. His...umm...verbage would never get past the Epinions filters. Most of Masterson's terminology would be deemed "unacceptable" or obscene.
This is not to say that The Ultimate Sex Book is not frank or that the language is not sexual, but it uses the proper terms for body parts and sexual functions. If words like penis, orgasm or vibrator offend you, this book is not for you.
Was that good for you? It was for me.
I was very pleased with the amount of information included in this book as well as the way it was presented. Anne Hooper is thorough and knowledgeable as well as creative.
The Ultimate Sex Book is a good way to learn to understand your own body and that of the opposite sex. Answers to common questions and concerns provide reassurance while Hooper's "programs" can take relationships to new levels.
Whether you are a newlywed or have celebrated your 25th anniversary, The Ultimate Sex Book: A Therapist's Guide To Sexual Fulfillment can open up new discussions, solve problems or recharge your sex life. The illustrations aren't offensive and the suggestions aren't likely to get you arrested...So long as you stay in your bedroom when you try them out.
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2008 Shopping.com, Inc.