Nina Hartley's Guide to Total Sex by Penguin - review by Essin' Em

Nina Hartley is a goddess. Really, she is. She's in been in movies for almost every niche, she's well known by those in the industry as well as most "average people." Well spoken, friendly, outgoing, and intelligent, she has been billed as one of the first true feminists in the adult industry. I've watched tons of her films, and have enjoyed her sex guides as well. I was so excited to hear that she was coming out with a book. I collect sex books to start with, but a book by Nina Hartley? I sat waiting with baited breath until it was released!

The day I got it, I tore open the box, made a good cup of tea, and retreated to my bed room with a "Do Not Disturb" sign on my door. I was planning on plowing through this book, and I wanted my own time and space in which to read it. Nina did not disappoint; her book is well-written, informative, and thoughtfully organized.

Her introduction welcomes readers of all different experience levels, from those new to sexual experimentation to people who could literally write the book on sex. She emphasizes that sex should not be particular goals, and that every experience is different for every person, and continues on to discuss communication, both with yourself and your partner(s). There is also a little background on here, which I found very interesting to read.

Each chapter covers a different subject, from oral sex on a woman to a threesome with two guys, and vaginal intercourse to spanking. The chapter begins with a little bit about the subject, and some of Hartley's own personal anecdotes. Throughout each section, she talks about all types of different ways to approach that type of sex, and again emphasizes doing what feels good and is right for you, rather than trying to emulate anyone else. At the end of every chapter, there are some great "Dos" and "Don'ts" – tips that are definitely worth reading, and were often, quite amusing.

My two complaints are these; the domination and submission chapters didn't go as in-depth as I would have like them to (but then again, I'm already quite well read on this subject, so I might be a little biased) and that there wasn't enough room in the book for a chapter on every single genre of sex! However, the book is absolutely outstanding, and the eighteen areas which she did decide to write about are definitely good choices that apply to everyone. This book now has a place of honor on my bookshelf, and I've already bought a few copies for friends.