Sex Toys 101 review

“Sex Toys 101: A Playfully Uninhibited Guide” (2003) is a casual, colorful romp into the joys of masturbation and the pleasures of sex toys. Written by the sex toy experts at Toys in Babeland, Rachel Venning and Claire Cavanah, and inspired by their instructional workshops on masturbation, "Sex Toys 101" offers knowledgeable advice on many aspects of sexual pleasure.

Inside the bright red cover, readers will find plenty of suggestions on which toys to choose and their uses including a brief history on dildos, when to use lubes and information on sex toy materials (silicone, jelly, glass, rubber). Rachel and Claire also share their years of experience and many interesting tips for the sexual adventurer including "how-to's" on anal sex for both men and women, bdsm and sensation play, strap-on sex, the g-spot and female ejaculation, prostate health and prolonging erection, as well as the straight dope on sexual anatomy that you won't find in most text books.

The candid words are illustrated by bright photos of sex toys arranged in kaleidoscopic designs of lush, vibrant color that aids the eye in its visual journey through all ten chapters. The style is user-friendly and written from a sex-positive point of view that is gender inclusive and celebratory.

"Sex Toys 101" is an excellent guide for novices who have little practical knowledge about sexuality aids and masturbation with toys, or for those who want to explore new aspects of solo and partner sex but are unsure where to start, or too embarrassed to ask. Retailers and sales staff of sexuality products would find this a useful resource to read and refer back to. I brought my copy into the sex shop where I work and we now use it as one of our training manuals for new staff. Although I was familiar with much of the information provided in the book, it was a joy to read and I did learn a few new tricks. Most of all, it is the authors' genuine enthusiasm for their subject matter and their passion to share and educate others on self-pleasure that makes this book a winner.