The book challenges common misconceptions about women's sexuality, emphasizing that diversity in sexual responses is normal. It offers evidence-based techniques to improve sexual satisfaction by adjusting thinking and environment rather than trying to 'fix' oneself.
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding women's sexuality. It debunks many myths and provides a scientific perspective on how women's bodies and sexual responses differ from men's. The author, a sex therapist, uses research to show that there is a wide range of normal when it comes to sexual responses, and that cultural and individual factors play a significant role. The book is not just informative but also practical, offering techniques to enhance sexual satisfaction. The chapters on nonconcordance and stress are particularly insightful, providing new perspectives that can be incredibly helpful. The book's focus on individual and cultural change makes it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their sex life.
Quick quotes
The main premise of the book is that most of our cultural understandings about sex treat women’s bodies and sexualities the same as men’s, and that if women’s bodies are seen to work in ways that are different, they are considered broken.
Her other main thing is stressing that unless you are in pain, your body and your reactions are entirely normal.
I thought the two strongest chapters were when she talked about nonconcordance (the idea that bodily reactions do not always correspond to actual arousal; in men concordance only happens 50% of the time, in women 10%), and the chapter where she talked about stress.