Think sex and books have nothing in common? We beg to differ—from personal experience. While there are few things as effective for learning about sex as, well, having it, the written word is a close runner-up. There are certain books that we credit with opening our minds to all sorts of things of the "how to" variety, but also the deeper, more abstract emotional aspects of sex. From how our gender identities play into our sex lives to the politics of sex in our current world, our favorite sex books really go there, and subsequently allow us to go there, too.
Click through the gallery for our favorite sex-related reads, and let us know what your picks are.
Forget 50 Shades. If you want to get into bondage, role playing, and sex toys, this book covers all the basics and more, from a sex-positive point of view.
Yes, you can be a feminist and also enjoy porn—or produce and/or star in it. This collection of essays, edited by well-known feminist pornographer Tristan Taormino, is not all academic: While investigating the feminist interpretation of porn, it also delves into how feminist porn actually happens.
Moregasm Because the people selling us our favorite sex toys obviously know a thing or two about how to get down. This is an honest, beautifully photographed, feel-good read that’ll help you explore with a partner or on your own.
The Smart Girl's Guide to the G-Spot
Listen. If you can’t find you own g-spot, who can?! This book arms you with the knowledge you need to find it, and make it work for you.
A collection of essays about sex work from around the world, from the magazine that was published from 2005-2011. Forget your preconceived notions about the sex industry: These smart, poignant essays will help you look at the world in a new light.
An empowering, evidenced-based work of nonfiction that delves into the how and why of women’s sexuality, with a focus on the fact that how you feel about what you do in bed is the most important factor for women.
