Guide to Getting it On

I know that moniker above sounds exaggerated, but if there's a better book on sex able to be understood by as many different types, ages, and experienced folk, you let me know.

I'm going to make one more statement that sounds exaggerated, but isn't: If this book was put in the hands of every American pre-teen during that dry (or non-existent) school sex-ed program, I sincerely believe we would have teens making far better choices about when and how to explore their sexuality, as well as more meaningful sex, orgasms, and enjoyment for when they become sexually active adults. What I'm trying to say is that the sex education quotient here is just that -- and because it has no agenda, it's honest about the pros and cons of everything from heavy petting to intercourse--including frank discussion of disease, the cost of teen pregancy, etc. I love an early section that lists all the responsibilities that come along with a fully sexual relationship...it then challenges the reader to answer the question of whether or not they are ready to take on every single eventuality should it occur. If not, it cheerfully steers you towards a more progressive sexual development (with plenty of tips) but makes it clear that you should NOT be having intercourse. I think that one problem with American sexuality is that we don't really deal with it until the "time" comes, instead of progressively building our sexual experience alongside our building of physical and emotional maturity. If we did that, on a more reasoned and comfortable timetable, we'd all be better off. This book lets all of us know that there are plenty of things to do with those "urges." And not all of them require intercourse. YET, is this a book for kids? No, it's genuinely a book for everyone.)

The book's style is easy reading, light but not offensive, and complete. With everything from sex tips, to sex history, to chapters on approaching sex while one partner pregnant, disabled, on her period, has erectile dysfunction, etc. You can't beat the content, and its straightforward understandable presentation in any other sex book out there.

(The pictures are cool, too -- fun, realistic drawings, not cold, clinical photos.)

A great "Sex Book" and a "Great Sex" book, February 18, 2002

Reviewer: Modemac from Cambridge, MA United States

Among the many lovely items I received from my Queen on Valentine's Day was this: "The Guide To Getting It On!" by Paul Joannides, published in 2000 by Goofy Foot Press. This is a huge 698-page oversized paperback book that covers just about every sex topic you can think of, with an especial emphasis on every aspect of The Deed itself. It's delightfully light-hearted and yet it's amazingly informative, discussing all sorts of topics in a frank, playful style that makes it a delight to read. Sample chapters in the book include:

Chapt. 9 - Sunsets, Orgasms, & Hand Grenades. Having an orgasm, the different types of orgasms a person can have (an orgasm in two-person sex usually doesn't feel like an orgasm from masturbation, for instance), faking orgasms, how it feels to different people.

Oral Sex - Chapt. 17 - Popsicles & Penises and Chapt. 18 - Vulvas & Honey Pots. Techniques on giving (and receiving) head, why different people don't taste the same, beard burn, using your teeth, advice for men from females (and for women from men), different positions.

Chapt. 34 - Techno Breasts and Weenie Angst - feeling inadequate about your body, and how to feel better because you're not a Playboy/girl model.

Plus: Getting naked, massages, nipples, sex fantasies, birth control (all types, including abstinence), pregnancy, sex laws, goofy sex terms, legitimate sex terms, and much much MUCH more.

Most of the book is large text, but there are many drawn illustrations (not photos), most of which are of people smiling and enjoying themselves as they illustrate whatever the current chapter is talking about. In fact, the whole book feels that way: it wants to make you smile, enjoy yourself, and have FUN with sex -- whatever sex-related topic you're trying to learn about.

After glancing through the book for the past couple of days, I'm already convinced that this is the type of book that I'd like to leave in a semi-conspicuous place at home, and let my kids find it and look through it on their own when they get old enough to need to know about this stuff. It's witty, informative, not deceptive, and it tries to instill common sense as well: Have fun, help your partner have fun, and BE CAREFUL not to get into trouble (pregnancy, STD, break the law, etc.). Even if you've been doing it since you were old enough to know what "it" is, you'll probably still find some useful information in here.

In short, this book is well worth looking into.

A great book for everyone...Amazing!, May 21, 2003

Reviewer: A reader from Sacramento, CA

I was recommended this book by a friend about three years ago. When I went into pre-marital counseling, the counselor recommended it as the best book out there (She said even she learned from it, and she'd seen everything). After taking a look at it, I was amazed. It covers such a breadth of topics in such an easy to read way, with simple diagrams and a straight forward approach.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about sex, your partner, and how to "get it on." Absolutely magnificent.

Well Done!

Everything you wanted to ask about sex but were afraid to, April 28, 2003
Reviewer: A reader

This book has everything. It talks about kissing, straight sex, gay sex, oral sex, anal sex, "usual" sex, self sex, and much, much more. It is probably difficult to read it all in one shot, but it is a good reference and fun read. There are readers' comments and also beautiful pen illustrations that resemble a (good) erotica comic book.
The language is very accessible and not vulgar, either.