Great Sex Guide - book discontinued by DK ADULT - review by ToyQuest

"Great Sex" arrived in a small box wrapped in a plastic bag so the elements didn't get to it should the box have gotten wet. I pulled out the book and was mildly surprised to find that it is quite lengthy (I didn't pay attention to the page count online). The book has an introduction, followed by six chapters.

Introduction
The introduction explains that this book is about "lovemaking" and not just sex or fucking. The introduction discusses how sex is both about the individual and the other. What is said applies to same sex and opposite sex couples, but all of the photos are hetero couples.

Freeing Your Sexual Energy
This chapter is about relaxing and how to relax. It explains the difference between tension and relaxation, and how to identify and release tension. The chapter goes on to explain how to tense and relax each body part, and stresses the importance of breathing, including how to breathe properly. Then, there are various exercises one can do to help open, energize, and strengthen the body. The last section of this chapter is focused on getting to know your own body.

Sensual Massage
This is a long chapter. It starts with an overview of why a sensual massage is generally a good thing. It gives the rules of massages, like warm room, warm hands, no interruptions, etc. Then it goes on to talk about using various textures for a sensual massage and the different types of sensations different textures might arouse. Next, there are some tips on creating the mood. Finally, the chapter gets into the massage itself. It discusses a variety of techniques and how to actually use each technique. The chapter also explains how to best massage each body part, both front and back.

Intimate Touch
The chapter begins with a definition and explanation of eroticism. It is followed by techniques to use on her and him, and then massages during during sex. It gives instructions for both him and her here as well. The book then explains self touch, masturbation, the difference between the two, and why it is important. Then there are techniques for women to try for themselves, and techniques for men to try themselves.

Prolonging the Pleasure
This chapter is about making the lovemaking last longer and tuning in to one's partner. It gives techniques for how to become more intimate while engaging in sex. The chapter then focuses on "The Sets of Nine" (I won't explain it for lack of space). It is basically a sex technique that helps vary the pace of sex. Then there is the Deer Exercise, for her and him. The goal of the exercise is to increase sexual arousal. Then there are nine levels of orgasm. The book then goes into a Taoist technique for making men last longer by "injaculating." The last part of this chapter is devoted to energizing as a couple for the day.

Sexual Positions
The book first goes through woman on top positions, then man on top, then positions for deep penetration. This is followed by side by side, sitting, rear-entry, and finally Tao positions. Then there are exotic techniques, which appear to require a lot of strength and flexibility. Then there are positions that are most stimulating for him and for her; many positions are repeats from the prior positions. The chapter ends with a word about safer sex.

Sensual Mediations
This is the final section in the book and it has various mediation readings one can do alone or with a partner.

Reading the exercise portion of the book was interesting, because many of the things the book recommends are things that I do when I'm working out. So if you do work out, there's a good chance you do a lot of it already, or could easily work into your exercise routine.

I haven't gotten to try much of what is in the book, it is really intended for committed couples who are looking to delve deeper into one another and making their sex life more sensual. It could also be for a person looking to mix things up with their significant other. The massage techniques are something I would like to try. I'm not entirely sold on the meditation portion of the book.

The photos in the book are very tasteful and do a good job of demonstrating what the book is describing, especially when it comes to the massage techniques and the more complicated sex positions. In the corner of every page, there is a couple having sex in various positions. I thought this would be much cooler if it were an actual flip book, but it's not. It's close, but not quite.

Overall, I thought the book was really long (235 pages). I started to read it, got a little bored, and finally finished reading it for this review. To be fair, the book does have some good ideas, though not all of them are novel.