The Big Bang - book discontinued by Plume Books - review by Enna

The Big Bang appealed to me originally in its sheer audacity. It is written explicitly and with no dancing around issues. The text is extremely amusing and unlike some other sex manuals, it seems to be written as much for the enjoyment of the reader as for his or her education. Unfortunately, as the cover illustration suggests, it is a book for those who have not yet popped their cherries, literally, or simply in reference to whatever particular sexual subject the reader is using the book for. For experienced sexual beings, the book would not offer very much new information. It is very simply a beginners guide.

While the subject matter may not be extraordinary, there is no debating that it is researched and well informed. The sections on anatomy and particularly the illustrations accompanying each section gave me a whole new view of the human reproductive system that was not covered in my high school health or biology class. I particularly found the section entitled "Doing the Butt" informative as I had previously been less than well informed about why anal sex is so appealing.

I have to praise Part 3 which bears the name, "Sex for Winners! Safer Sex and Sexual Fitness". It comfortably covers STDs, protection, birth control, Kegels, and the like without being terrifying, overwhelming, or shaming. I was encouraged by the honest explanation of disease without the clinical voice of a medical dictionary or the critical voice of public sex education. The section on Kegels is a phenomenal resource for beginners, but I'll let you experience that for yourself.

Overall, I would not recommend this book as a casual read for the well informed but would suggest that it be kept on the shelf for use as a reference when something gets a little confusing or you and your partner disagree. It could be inspiration for all types of fun.