Sex Q & A - book discontinued by DK Publishing - review by Adriana Ravenlust

Sex Q&A is a book that, for once, is explained perfectly by the title. Sex therapist Anne Hoopeer answers common questions about sexual behavior and health and the questions are grouped by topic or relevant demographic. For example, there is a chapter about questions women have and another one about sex when you are single. It is not a long book by any means and tops out at 168 pages, including the table of contents, index, acknowledgments and a list of useful addresses. But Ms Hooper crafts short answers that do not ramble for every question. No answer is more than a handful of paragraphs and the inserts are also short blocks of test and lists.

For the most part, I really enjoyed the answers in this book. It's obvious that Anne Hooper has helped to turn real questions into those that are universal or nearly-universal as well as succinct. Her answers paint a picture of how to have healthy and enjoyable sex whether you are experienced, a beginning, a kinkster or someone who has never before pushed the boundaries. Her tone is knowledgeable without being condescending or coming off as a know-it-all. The book has a very open and accepting feel that I think would make for a good coffee table book (the cover is a softened images of a heterosexual couple so it's not super discreet) or a gift to someone who is young, unsure of their sexuality or inexperienced.

Ms. Hooper's experience as a therapist shines through in several places. She discusses prostate health and hormone imbalances, giving specific names of medications that may help issues in there areas. In addition to this, while she promotes communicating with one's partner (and one's self!), the author takes the time to explain that some issues require therapy or counseling (and she describes some activities that may occur) in such as straight-forward manner than no one would think twice about enlisting this sort of help.

Although I mainly requested this book as to see whether it was any good, I was surprised at how much new information I learned. Specifically, I found the men's health issues to be interesting and helpful. If you are, like me, the source of sexuality information in your social circle, this book may be a welcome addition to your collection. If you happen upon a question to which you do not know the answer, Sex Q&A could be your saving grace.

But I'd like to point out a few flaws. There is a section on STDs that does not address how easily some--such as pubic lice--can be acquired. In addition, there is not a single mention of HPV and this is probably because it has become more common in recent years.

The entire section of sex toys seems incredibly out of date and a bit vague. There is no mention of material safety and I can only recall one instance of lube compatibility (massage oil + condoms). Ms. Hooper uses some out of date ideas and terms regarding toys.

Furthermore, I found one of her answers to be appalling. In short, a male posed a question about requiring to fantasize that his wife and new mother was a prostitute in order to get off EVERY time. Anne found this to be acceptable instead of explaining that he may need to learn to look at his wife as both a sexual being and a giver of life. I was so disappointed in this response that I wanted to cut it out of this book.

Lastly, Sex Q&A has a strong hetero slant and only mentions homosexuality in passing. All of the images ( there are sensual and sexual pictures of couples or individuals every few page) are heterosexual in nature. A modern book would not be so presumptuous.

Besides the one answer with which I disagree, the only pitfalls of this book regard its age and, even considering that, Sex Q&A has held up well because it is a solid book.