Sex Relationships Books

This book was used in a course required for my degree. I'm no expert on Human Sexuality, but the chapters seem to be written well, organized, and contain ample citations. However, one thing that comes across as severely unprofessional is the index. Almost every listing in the index seems to be two pages off. If the index lists page 300, it is a general rule to look on page 298. I am not exaggerating when I say almost all listings. It seems that every time I have looked up in the index listed the wrong page number. I can't say that absolutely every index entry is off, because I haven't looked up every term, but every term that I have looked up has been off. It was very aggravating at first, but I have become used to just subtracting two, then looking there.

Other than that, the book seems to fit the bill well.

I ordered this book for my class. It has some very interesting topics and works great with my college course.

As an instructor of Human Sexuality, I have used several textbooks over the years and I always find that (while adequate) there is always something missing from each of them. You know what that means ... buying and using more supplementary materials.

This is the first textbook I have ever seen that is simply PERFECT just the way it is. I will use it in every single one of my future classes. The students, faculty and staff agree. This is the one Human Sexuality book the whole world should read.

Bravo!

Stacie and Cole by RM Johnson is a coming-of-age story about teenagers in love, who are faced with tough decisions. Stacie and Cole start dating in ninth grade and for the next two years are inseparable. It is easy to read how in love they are. However, once they reach the age of sixteen Cole is convinced it is time to have sex. Stacie is not as sure about it and her father, Clark, is even less sure. After his wife leaves the family, Clarks deals with raising Stacie alone and is suspicious and over-protective. Cole has his friends telling him, `If she loved you she would.' Stacie's dad is of course, telling her she had better not. There is also a compelling fact that resonates in her mind. Her sister, Mya, got pregnant as a teenager and was thrown out of their home and Stacie is not interested in suffering the same fate.

The story goes back and forth with the teenagers trying to decide what to do, while trying to filter advice from friends and family. There are also very good back stories about Cole's relationship with his mother, Lana, his missing father, Franklin, and potential stepfather, Edrick. Another interesting storyline is the one between Stacie and her best friend, Donesha, who might not be as good a friend as she appears. We are also given glimpses of why Stacie's father is so protective and what drives him. Stacie and Cole is a glimpse at family turmoil and the growing pains of young people. There is also a strong message about standing by your decisions and forgiveness.

I recommend Stacie and Cole to teens over the age of sixteen and to older readers interested in reading about the struggles teens have with certain issues. Having read all of Mr. Johnson's work for adults, I feel he does a fine job with his young adult debut.

Angelia Menchan
APOOO BookClub

I bought this book many years ago, when my kids where 4 and 8, I was able to plan, save, and leave a man without incidence who was abusive and threatning. I was able to leave in safety with my childen using my head and not my heart. My sons are now 17 and 21 and very happy and healthy. Since I left, I have received my Bachelors and Masters Degree and own a very successful consulting firm. I got out before my boys turned into men like their father. Thank You Lynette!

I first read this very straight forward, helpful book more than seventeen years ago, when I knew I had to leave my marriage in order to save my sanity and be an effective parent to my children, ages 17 and 13. The information contained in Learning To Leave, finally gave me the courage to do what was necessary to end the emotional abuse we lived with on a daily basis. This book was my guide, my strength, my power, when I felt very weak and afraid. Even after my divorce, it's messages have remained with me and enriched other areas of my life. This book is a must for anyone contemplating leaving a relationship. Read it, even if you have to do so under cover. It just may save your life!

I've read a dozen or so books on divorce in the last couple of years while trying to decide to end my marriage of 20-plus years. This one was the most helpful I found. Practical. Down to earth. Objective. Respectful. This book was genuinely helpful through months of planning and preparing for the confrontation and also for the possibility of reconciliation. It's an excellent investment of both time and money.

(In the end I did effectively end my marriage--but not through divorce. My husband and I are trying to start over. I am not certain I really want to, but after reading "Learning to Leave" twice, I decided that at the very least I owe him--and myself--one more chance.)

I first read this very straight forward, helpful book more than seventeen years ago, when I knew I had to leave my marriage in order to save my sanity and be an effective parent to my children, ages 17 and 13. The information contained in Learning To Leave, finally gave me the courage to do what was necessary to end the emotional abuse we lived with on a daily basis. This book was my guide, my strength, my power, when I felt very weak and afraid. Even after my divorce, it's messages have remained with me and enriched other areas of my life. This book is a must for anyone contemplating leaving a relationship. Read it, even if you have to do so under cover. It just may save your life!

I am statistic. I was an abused wife, and for a woman who lives in an abusive marriage, her life can more or less become "hell". Alot of times women put up with the situation because they do not know what their choices are, they do not know how to ask for help, or where to go to find answers. The author has laid it out in concrete ways to get women to think along the lines of their own safety and security.

This book is one that I have read and used and have bought countless times for other women who were desperately in need of getting free of a very bad marriage. I will continue to give this book to friends and family because I do believe that it is the finest I have read.

The book was not what I expected as it said it was the one used on Sex and the City Movie and I could not find the letters used on the movie in the book so disappointing.

Wonderful collection of love letters. The book itself is beautiful with the old fashioned quill and rose on the front cover. The interior is just as pretty. The names appear to be calligraphy, but it's regular print.

I was especially excited to see the letters are the originals. They are not put in modern terms.

I'm going to have to order another one since my friend borrowed it and she won't bring it back to me.

I bought this book because I am getting married and wanted to find a romantic, moving reading for the ceremony. And, of course, like many other women who saw the Sex and the City Movie, fell in love with the poetry Mr. Big "uses." This book is not at all what I hoped for or wanted. I must admit that maybe my expectations were not realistic...as I think I was expecting to find stuff right out of the movie (ain't gonna happen). Yes, the letters are full of love...but are often quite depressing as well. If you like history and such...the history of old love is defined by separation for months, etc. That is documented here. I guess for my purposes...it missed the mark. Out of the entire book, I found one segment I truly liked and will most likely use. However, I think I could have come up with something else and saved my money.

I bought this for a friend's birthday who is a huge 'Sex and the City' fan. He was very pleased and excited to own something that inspired an object in the movie. Although it is not the exact item used in the film, it is a wonderful reference tool. I am thinking ofpurchasing one for myself as well.

If you saw the Sex and the City movie and decided you had to have the love letters book in the movie, this is the edition for you. Great love letters from men and women throughout history in a beautiful package.

I've even got my husband interested in listening to me read my favorites. That's a big wow for me.

I picked up this book second hand from a friend suffering from cancer and read it, repleat with notes inside, by I think this friend on several occasions. I even added a little of my own in one part.

But before I get into the review, I have to say, for those who have scoffed at this book in your reviews, you obviously didn't read it well enough, nor were out nor what have you to see that what he's trying to tell you is while not new information, but information that is relevant to having a serious relationship with someone you love.

I went into it realizing that what much of what he says is not new and that I already had an idea of said information, but the way he tells it is refreshing in that he tells it like it is. Love is fickle, you go in and out of love but if you learn to stick it out, you can become a long termer too.

Since we in the gay community do not have good images of relationships as pertaining to our sexual orientation, it's hard to imagine sticking with one person for the long haul and that it's become way too easy to throw in the towel when things do not go so smoothly. In fact that's perfectly normal for hets go through it too, just like us. I'm gay and I hope to find that man that loves me for who I am and vice versa - perfection be damned.

And that's precisely his point. find a guy who you can feel comfortable with, love and such and learn to live with his faults and hopefully he'll do the same to you. Now, his prose isn't the best but what he says is clear, concise and tells it like it is without glossing over anything.

I liked his going through the various stages of a relationship so we getting into one can see what we could potentially getting into ourselves and hopefully will not go at this whole love thing blindly.

Overall, a good book I will say.

I bought, I read and I fell in love with this book. It's shockingly real true to life connections to any gay man. I bought 2 other copies for Birthday and Christmas gifts. I must share the love and information indicated in this book. I'm sure if WE ALL FOLLOW, UNDERSTAND AND STUDY THIS BOOK that sooner or later, We'll find Mr. "almost" Right - that we can enjoy our life with. Happy Reading and Buy this book! This is the BEST FINDING GAY LOVE RELATIONSHIP I HAVE READ!....

If there were fines for mis-leading titles, the one assessed for this title would be greater by several-fold over any other. I am new to the gay world, not yet 'out' and uncertain how to move from interest to action. Little comfort or guidance was provided by this author when he wrote, "If I think I may want to see someone again, I always try to get his number, wait a day or two, take a deep breath, and make that call." The book is replete with such nonsense.

The author talks endlessly of his many, many gay experiences, relationships, and break-ups. The book assumes that ALL readers have had similar experiences...in both number and depth. (I, for one, have not.) I am looking for a book (which the title led me to believe this was) which tells me how to get a FIRST date.

The age of the book is apparent (copyright 1996) by its almost in-passing discussion of computer matching and AOL hook-ups. An entire chapter could now be written on what works, what doesn't work, where the risks and possibilities are in this near-decade old match medium. To quote, "If you've got a computer and a modem (duh!), there's a whole new way to meet guys: through computer bulletin boards." Page 63 of this useless tome goes on to say, "One of the most popular new ways to meet guys is via phone sex." It is? Maybe when this book was written.

Not mentioned, but certainly prevalent in big cities is buying a date, as in an escort. There are pluses and minuses here that should be detailed in the book.

Finally, assuming that you have hooked-up and are serious, there is great advice on staying together: "Give 200 percent of yourself, and remember that your other half thinks he's doing the same."

Save your money and go to a bad movie. You'll feel better for it.

Although any reader can glean some helpful information from this book, it is best suited for those who prescribe to an open relationship and feel comfortable in meeting guys at bars and sex clubs, and through phone sex and personal ads. I do not recommend this book to those who are searching for genuine depth in their relationships, and expecially not to those who desire a monogamous relationship. The book insufficiently covers the necessary communication and relationship skills and insights into understanding others that is so necessary for sustaining a lasting relationship.

Potential readers should be advised that Nelson is not a professional in the field of counseling or relationships. Nelson fails to clearly present and properly document his sources in what appears to be his attempt to persuade the reader to his bias views. While some may find Nelson's gay cynical humor entertaining, others may find it irritating. By discounting, although not all, of heterosexual traditions and values of how to find a partner and maintain a relationship, Nelson promotes a "gay way" to romance and living in relationships that overlooks the diversity of values and lifetyles of many gay men.

There are a few good tips scattered within the book here and there (but they are just that, tips nothing motivational or really deep). The author gives himself too much credit for things he knows very little about. For instance he claims that he has read a vast amount of books relating to dating, etc... Yet some of his advice seems very narrow, shallow and at times uninteligent! At one point in the book he advices you to go to a gay art gallery to meet men and then comments on the fact that the free cheese and wine should be great conversation starters, well I suppose the artwork itself is not worth striking a conversation!
Just to be fair though; in the book he mentions that there are 3 types of guys, The incompetent, the craftsman and the artist (I could be wrong on the 2nd one here but I think you will get the general idea). The incompetent is the person whom you can not have a relationship with, well, because he's incompetent (no big mistery there). The craftsman does all the right things and tries yet lacks passion, no spark, etc. And the artist is the one who keeps the dating interesting, the creative one that sweeps you off your feet, etc! There you go! This was the best part of the book for me yet I think most people could have found this out on their own!
Sorry Mr. Nelson, nothing personal and congratulations on getting this far with your book but you seem like the craftsman to me. It's interesting to mention as well that Mr. Nelson has had a string of long term realtionships one of which lasted 12 yrs, yet it seems that he is more interested in the thrill of the chase rather than a LIFETIME RELATIONSHIP! READ A BETTY BERZON BOOK INSTEAD!

Here's a toast to the eighth dumbest mistake: banging your secretary in the supply room at the company "Holiday Party," though I must say it didn't really feel like a mistake.

Carolyn Bushong is the quintessential couples therapist. Her experience comes through her very readable writing style as she focuses on some of the common mistakes couples make, and how to avoid them.

Excellent book if you care to maintain a good relationship. The chapter on Communication is especially good and suggestion to improve how to talk with your mate helped me a lot.

Years of marriage counseling for about 15 bucks. "Seven Dumbest" is filled with useful help for improving your relationship with your current or future significant other. It turns out that advice for "big R" Relationships is useful for "little r" relationships as well. Very readable. Give copies to your friends so that they too will know how to work on a rewarding, balanced Relationship.

This book caught my attention! Find out if you are controlling or dependant. Are you trying to chase your partner? Are you wondering why he/she is pushing you away? If so, then the problem could be YOU! You need to be happy w/yourself before you can get love from someone else! This book covers all the bases. My mate wanted more freedom. Well, I tried to control my mate. Saying "I love you" too soon can scare anyone away! I had to give my partner space! But, you can only give your partner space if, and only if, you feel confident in yourself! If you need balance in your relationship, then this book is for you!

This is an ok book. It contains some little hints that are quite helpful to a novice but if you are more of an actual Sex Goddess than this won't be of much help at all. If you really want to up your sexual confidence and are newer at sex, or have self esteem issues, I'd really recommend The Good Girl's Guide to Bad Girl Sex.

I had just started a new relationship when I started reading this book...Our first intimate encounter...24 hours straight of love making bliss (okay... one four hour nap and two snack breaks). This book transformed me and drove my new partner wild, I have since given a copy to my married daughter and keep a copy on hand to loan for friends in need. A must read for every woman.

Excellent tips, very sexy; great information that will add spice and variety to any relationship - Whoo Hoo!!!

This book is well in my opinion written by a crazy person. She suggests that you talk to your inner sex goddes LITERLY have dialouge with her and even imagine her in the bedroom with you. She suggests you look at the ancient goddesses of sex an emulate them and while there is a tiny tiny helpful hint for us in all this stuff which is to learn to love your body as it is and admire it and use it she does not confine that use to marraige or even to commited relationships.
There was even a section on like rituals you could perform on how to make better sex before hand like lighiting insence and holding it infront of your body and doing some special movement to open up some sexual channels.

I am so dissapointed in this book I wanted to learn more about how to be more seductive and feel sexier but I cant get around her ideas because they are everywhere. I went on to some of the numbered things and many of them said for women to watch erotic movies and then used the more common language porn and then look at pictures and dirty magazines then to read erotic stories and fantasizing about being with another man or more than one.

I could not recomend this book to anyone for any reason

I have to say I had my hopes up when I bought this book, but this book is non realistic, who has time to explore their bodies, for hours on end. It wasn't disgusting in anyway but the terms she uses for body parts some times I could not stop laughing! Rose buds, petals, love bud I mean come on who uses terms like that? I certainly don't and never will!!!!! Good Luck to the next person who reads this book!

Silver Oaks Country Club is an exclusive place where secrets and scandals are the name of the game.

Brooke, Charlotte, and Georgia have grown up together and have always been best friends. No matter what. Then Valerie, the mysterious new girl, who seems to be all over all the pool boys, arrives.

Charlotte and Valerie become friends and are always hanging out and playing tennis together. Charlotte (referred to as "C") slowly shuts out her old friends. Brooke and Georgia feel betrayed.

Who likes who is the constant question in this book. It's very difficult to keep track of, too, because there are so many characters and the scenes change really fast. It was worth reading, but you have to pay attention all of the time to figure out who is doing what, and who they're doing it with!

Reviewed by: Taylor Rector

This book is about the hottest of the hottest girls and boys. They all hang out at Silver Oaks Country Club. Silver Oaks is where forbidden hookups are part of the everyday scenery, along with all of the beautiful boys and girls. The three best friends who've been coming to the club forever might change their minds... Read the book to find out what happens with Brooke, Charlotte, and Georgia, and the rest of the everyday attendance at the Silver Oaks Country Club.

This book is just like gossip girls and a-list. All the charactors are totally superficial and don't care about anything but themselves. None of them are likable. Read this if you want to read about a bunch of rich snobs who think they rule the world.

Pool Boys by Erin Haft is awesome. This is the perfect choice for a quick, simple summer read. I enjoyed it very much and loved Charlotte. I don't want to give away the plot so I won't but its a great book. I love all the pool boys and just really enjoyed this book.
Ages 12-15

I'm the kind of girl that enjoys reading both the Da Vinci code and Gossip girl but when I came across the book pool boys I thought it would be a quick non-deep easy book to read. And to some extent I was right but I was wrong about the book being 2nd choice and not top notch because it was.
The three main characters, Brooke, Charlotte and Gorgia are three best friends that have been going to the Silver Oaks Country club since they were 5 years old. The girls are just looking forward to another summer of bikinis, boys and partying but all that changes when Brooke lays her eyes on the new lifegaurd Marcus. The three girls try flirting with him but Brooke gets pissed off that Marcus seems to like the new girl (Valerie) better.
The book takes place over a couple of weeks of the girls summer holidays and includes a breif romance period between Brooke and Marcus, A shocking revelation that Charlotte has a crush on the "Geeky" guy Caleb the girls have known forever and a hook-up between Charlotte and another old friend Robbie. Gorgia also has her fair share of excitment with her ex the tennis caoch at Silver Oaks and the new girl Valerie.
The girls break up and make up through out the whole book and it takes shocking twists and turns.

All in all the book was pretty good and I definitely recommend the book as a summer read to girls who enjoyed things like The A-list, Gossip Gril etc etc