Contemporary Sexuality - September 2008 - (Page 6)

Book Reviews Tristan Taormino’s Expert Guide to Anal Sex Vivid-Ed, 2007. 164 minutes, $29.95. As a master’s student in counseling psychology and an aspiring sex therapist, I am always thrilled at the opportunity to review a book or film that may expand my knowledge base. When I was asked to review the DVD Tristan Taormino’s Expert Guide to Anal Sex, I was especially excited because I am somewhat familiar with Taormino’s work. I’m pleased to report that what I have explored so far has been sensational. Loaded with excellent information regarding all aspects of anal play, this film lived up to my expectations. The DVD begins with an anal workshop. This segment is great because Taormino gives both an anatomy lesson and a hands-on visual lesson using two models in a comfortable living room setting in front of several audience members. The only part of the scene that I found off-putting was the acting done by the audience. Their comments and questions seemed scripted and corny, but that point becomes moot when the camera goes back to Taormino and the models. As the workshop plugs on, no rock is left unturned regarding good things to know and remember when first engaging in anal play, including which kinds of lube are best, when to insert a finger without hurting your partner, using protection (including putting cotton swabs at the tip of each finger to save your long nails), when to use a butt plug, how not to ignore the vagina and clitoris, and why it’s important never to go from the anus to the vagina. Later on in the film, you see two straight couples exploring a variety of different toys and positions. These two scenes can be viewed as instruction (equipped with pop-up tips and Taormino’s occasional narration), or if you’re after pure porn pleasure, you can watch without instruction (hot anal sex scenes that are focused on the woman receiving pleasure). To make the film even better, Taormino includes an “Enema How-To” feature, a “Safer Sex” feature and a bonus scene featuring the two women from the hands-on anatomy session. In my opinion, the DVD is a complete package. In fact, this film has almost brought her book, The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Women, to life. Overall, I would definitely say that is an excellent tool for lovers looking to explore the world of anal play. Reviewed by Elizabeth Ehrmann, an MFT trainee who lives in Marina, Calif. She can be reached at elizabeth_ehrmann@csumb.edu. ——— Men’s Sexual Health: Fitness for Satisfying Sex Barry McCarthy and Michael Metz. Routledge, 2008. $19.95. Men’s Sexual Health: Fitness for Satisfying Sex is a remarkable contribution to the field of sex therapy. This book should be on the bookshelf and bibliotherapy list of every sexual health and sex education professional. McCarthy and Metz have discussed their treatment methodology and their “GoodEnough Sex” model in prior books on coping with erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, but Men’s Sexual Health is actually a kind of all-in-one male handbook for how to understand and enhance healthy sexuality by challenging performance-based sex. This book is great for adults and older adults, but I get even more excited when I think about giving it to young men who don’t have sexual problems yet … The tone is reassuring, and the stance is nonjudgmental, but decidedly not wishy-washy. The authors take important positions on a number of topics. The discussions and exercises on understanding and naming your feelings, rather than sexualizing them, and on simultaneously appreciating, understanding and taming your drive are superb. Unfortunately, the book’s language is 100 per- This film would be an excellent tool for lovers looking to explore the world of anal play. — Elizabeth Ehrmann Tristan Taormino 6 Contemporary Sexuality www.aasect.org | September 2008 Vol. 42, No. 9 http://www.aasect.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Contemporary Sexuality - September 2008

Contemporary Sexuality - September 2008 Contents The Myth of Teen Promiscuity Member Spotlight Book Reviews News of Members Quick Hits: Sex in the News Reflections on AASECT's Annual Meeting

Contemporary Sexuality - September 2008

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