The Passion Prescription

A couple weeks ago I had time to kill at Barnes & Noble and found myself in the relationships section.  I wasn't there to look at the sex books, I actually wanted to flip through the self-help stuff-- you know, how to have a fantastic marriage, how not to scream, that sort of thing.  But then as my eyes scoured the shelves, I began this internal conversation with myself.  I said to my brain, "I'm an adult.  I can look at these sex books!  Why should I be shame?"  But the first book I flipped through had me blushing (figuratively, anyway), and I put the book back as quickly as possibly without actually looking like it had embarrassed me in any way.

When I got home, I requested a few of the relationship books I'd seen at the bookstore, and remembered Dr. Laura Berman.  You've seen her EVERYWHERE, haven't you?  All over TV and all over Oprah.  I requested everything our library had, and the first book that I read was The Passion Prescription.  It is such an awesome book and I highly recommend to anyone with even a remote interest in the female body, sex, and/or relationships.  When I've seen Dr. Berman speaking on TV, she approaches the topic of sex as she would if she were talking about reading the latest Sookie Stackhouse novel or buying groceries for a special dinner, which is to say she talks about sexuality as if there were nothing to be ashamed of.  As if there was absolutely nothing wrong with talking about and exploring your sexuality.  When you read this book, you get the same feeling.

I've read a lot of sex books in my life because the topic interests me.  I don't get off to them, in case you were wondering, but I subscribe to what Dr. Berman talks about: sexuality is one part of our overall identity, one part of complete wellness, and I would be remiss to ignore it.  In this book, she not only addresses sex itself, but also reviews anatomy and health.  And the thing that I like best is that at the root of everything, before you do anything else, she advises women to get to know their bodies, including their genitals.  Sounds pervy, right?  The way I said that.  But what I get out of it, aside from the obvious literal benefits, is that women should empower themselves, should get to know themselves. That it doesn't matter what you look like or what size you are or whether or not you currently have a partner.  This is a matter that you can take into your own hands NOW.

Dr. Berman's no-shame way of discussing numerous aspects of sexuality is refreshing and doesn't come off sounding condescending or clinical or disgusting.  She writes with such compassion and understanding that you can't help but open yourself up to her expertise (I've read a bunch of sex books and many try to pull off that same trick...unsuccessfully).  Dr. Berman discusses issues that may affect sex such as medications and/or diet, talks about the benefits of regular sexual activity on a woman's relationships and overall health, reviews basic female anatomy, and offers advice on how to spice up and supplement activity.

I love this book.  I think it's a great conversation starter for couples and a great paradigm challenger for women.