OMG I can't wait to see what people suggest. I have been rummaging through the books on the website and am a little confsed as to what would be a good book for a beginner beginner. I am super kinky and super open but my man isn't so much and I hope to find something that doesnt scare him out of trying something new. So can't wait...

While you obviously have books in mind (that I can't wait to hear about) I'd suggest:

The Loving Dominant by John and Libby Warren (it's newly revised I believe) for both parties. In D/s relationships it's helpful to understand both sides of the coin and Warren has insights that would help in either case.

Books that help me get into the headspace for scening and play include The Beauty Trilogy by Anne Rice writing as A.N. Roquelaure. This would probably be more for the girl interested in being a good submissive as Rice gets into Beauty's head for much of the book and deals with her emotions and experiences while learning to submit. A plus because the trilogy is available at many public libraries. Alas, not the case for TLD.

Yay for book reviews says the librarian in me.

I'd agree about the Beauty Trilogy being a good book to be in the mindset, but I'm not sure if you'd want to use it as trying to show someone what BDSM is like. It kinda borders between abuse and BDSM in that book. But it *is* really hot.

Me too. I have it on my wishlist, but would rather get more recommendations before buying it or something else.

It's a GREAT book. Honestly. Since the original read, I've pulled it out on more than one occasion to look something up. I've reviewed it on my blog. The only complaints I really have are that the online resources are dated but that seems to be the case also with Screw Me the Roses, Send Me the Thorns. I would definitely recommend BDSM101, especially for technique and gear info. Maybe not quite so much for the mindset type stuff but it truly is as the name describes.

Er, screw the roses LOL

I'll actually be posting a review on it on my blog within the next couple days. I was sent it to review. So far, it's pretty good. Not so exciting, though. Very technical. Depends on what you want out of the book.

It focuses heavily on equipment, yes. How to pick it out, make it or use it. Techniques to ensure you're not moving too fast. Lots of safety concerns (like knowing CPR and having items nearby in case of emergency). Names and different types of knots, hooks, connectors, etc. If you are getting into BDSM as more a physical thing (or already have established your D/s role), it's a great book. When I talk about the mind set, I mean if you identify as dominant or submissive and how to develop that within your scenes. BDSM101 doesn't really talk about how to get comfortable with the idea that you want those things (if the idea makes you uncomfortable) or explore the different relationship dynamics but, for some people, that doesn't really come into play.

Completely agree with Adriana here. I just wrote a review over the book at my blog:

link

If you're interested in knowing exactly what the book does include. If you're interested in a specific aspect of BDSM, let me know, and I can probably recommend a really great book for any aspect. For example, SM 101 has a great section on the basics of toys, but if you love floggers, there's a book called "Floggers" that is about a 150 pages worth of information about them.

As for person A, I'd have to recommend SM 101 (if they want a little bit more of a dry read. Just to touch up on the basics) or "The Loving Dominant" for the beginning of knowledge on how to be a Dominant - not just the techniques of BDSM.

As for person B, I'd recommend "Erotic Slavehood". I know EF carries it since I reviewed it. It's an amazing thorough book for anyone looking at the submissive side of BDSM (Not just the slave side.).

LOTS of great info. Lots of books to read.

I recommend BDSM 101 and Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns as the two best books for folks just getting into BDSM. They are easy to read and have lots of great information.