Because it feels good by Rodale - review by Lara

The author, Debby Herbenick, is a research scientist at Indiana University's Center for Sexual Health Promotion, a sexual health educator at the Kinsey Institute, and a sex columnist for Men's Health and Time Out Chicago magazines. Dr. Herbenick holds a PhD and a master's degree from Indiana University and a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland. She lives in Bloomington, Indiana.

Because It Feels Good is a broad, accessible guide to sexual satisfaction for both men and women, singles and those in relationships. It covers a wide range of information, from the anatomy of the vagina to the benefits of different sexual positions. The book also contains fact boxes, quizzes designed to test existing knowledge, informative graphics, and thought provoking homework assignments that can be done alone or with a partner.

The writing style is clear, straightforward and allows for a quick and easy read.

Much of the information appears to be targeted at those who are at the initial stages of learning about their sexuality. While interesting and well-written, much of the information about sex toys, sexual techniques, and the anatomy of our erogenous zones will be familiar to those who have read other books or have done some basic online research.

Although the book is advertised as being for singles and couples (of any sexual orientation), much of the information is implicitly geared towards those in monogamous relationships. The greatest evidence of this is the complete absence of any information on STDs and safe sex. There are a few pages that mention condom use, but only in association with other information on enhancing sex such as the use of lubricants.

The design of the book is very user friendly and allows readers to pick and choose material they're interested in rather than have to read the entire book from start to finish. The fact boxes, quizzes, and homework assignments stand out in the layout and are an easy way to begin collecting bits and pieces of useful information. The graphics are also clear and well-drawn.

As accessible and well written as the book is, I personally found little information that was new. I've been reading and writing and talking about sex for years, though, and my evaluation of the information probably says more about me and my experience than it does about the book itself.

This is a book that I would give to a young adult just beginning to explore their sexuality. I would also find it appropriate for couples who have "hit a wall" when it comes to their sexual satisfaction and who are looking for a springboard to start introducing sex toys and different sexual techniques into the bedroom.