Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns will tell you all about sadomasochism. We made it light-hearted and fun to read because SM is fun to do....
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reviews
Mar 25, 2011
Mrs.Kittie
rated it: 
Great introduction to the basics in a clean straight forward style that doesn’t read like a “personal journey” which both SM101 and The Loving Dominant tend to do. You get advice on the tools, techniques, types of play, rope work, etc. This is found in pretty much every book but in this one there is a topographical diagram of the human body and notes about which areas can be struck and how hard. I think this book makes for a better reference than the other two because it has more visuals.
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May 31, 2009
Dr. Ruth
rated it: 
This book chaps my ass in a bad way. Considering the subject of the text, I felt I had to specify that. It receives rave reviews everywhere I go, yet I have never recommended it to a single client or friend. True, it offers solid beginner's information in an upbeat way, but it does a poor job at the effort. Not only is the humor tedious and sometimes even offensive, but the images are also cheaply done. Worse yet, it seems to assume that every reader is interested in a power-exchange relati
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May 07, 2010
Kate
rated it:
This is one of the few non-fiction books that have made it to my favorites list. It is a complete overview of sadomasochism.
It reads a lot like someone is talking to you about their favorite topic - diary/journal writing style. It's co-written by a man and woman who give you their different viewpoints on why they are into sadomasochism and the specifics of what they like.
It looks at the psychology behind such desires and even has a section on tips on how to be a good Su More...
It reads a lot like someone is talking to you about their favorite topic - diary/journal writing style. It's co-written by a man and woman who give you their different viewpoints on why they are into sadomasochism and the specifics of what they like.
It looks at the psychology behind such desires and even has a section on tips on how to be a good Su More...
Mar 18, 2009
Taka
rated it: 
Good!
Anyone who raises their brows on hearing S&M should read this for their edification and broadening of the mind. It pretty much tells you everything you need to get started and enjoy the deeply paradoxical and yet tremendously enjoyable experience of sadomasochism: tools, toys, techniques of spanking, whipping, paddling, bonding, torturing, and other wonderful activities, and a method of introducing your partner into it.
Whether you like to dominate or be dominated, th More...
Anyone who raises their brows on hearing S&M should read this for their edification and broadening of the mind. It pretty much tells you everything you need to get started and enjoy the deeply paradoxical and yet tremendously enjoyable experience of sadomasochism: tools, toys, techniques of spanking, whipping, paddling, bonding, torturing, and other wonderful activities, and a method of introducing your partner into it.
Whether you like to dominate or be dominated, th More...
Oct 20, 2011
Jonesy
rated it: 
This is a really great book for those seeking an introduction to SM. That’s not to say that a more experienced practitioner will not glean some useful information from this book, but the book is most definitely written with newcomers in mind. In particular, the book’s frequent stabs at humor feel like they are meant to put a possibly nervous person curious about SM at ease, while their effect on non-newbies would probably not be as effective. Some people seem upset about the fact that the boo
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Jul 21, 2009
Jennifer
rated it:
If your even the slightest bit interested in S&M this is the perfect book. It explains the different types of fetishes, how to do most of the acts properly, the psychological effects of S&M on your partners and yourself, and what and the types of people to watch out for. It is overall one of my favorite books.
Jan 20, 2011
Dr. Ben
rated it:
Ugh. I know this is the supposed be-all and end-all of intro manuals to the world of BDSM, but, seriously, avoid this tripe. Full of idiotic, misogynistic humor, male white privilege, and embarrassing combinations of porn pictures and dumb cartoons. There are much better resources out there.
Nov 10, 2009
Fritz
rated it:
I haven't read this cover to cover, yet some of the tips i've picked up have proven invaluable to say the lease. The chapters are technical enough to satisfy the seasoned S&M veteran, yet other sections are accessible enough for those who are basically exploring S&M. Enjoy.
May 03, 2011
Molly
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I was fortunate to know the author before he passed away. This book is much loved by its own niche demographic, encouraging responsible and compassionate sado-masochistic relationships. My copy is signed: "To Molly: our eternal innocent, with love, Philip Miller"
Jul 30, 2009
Kristina
rated it:
A good primer for those interested in exploring BDSM. Laid out very well. Not too wordy. More like a manual than any other power exchange guide I have read. Hilarious in parts. This book uses humor to drive home some very valid points about "the lifestyle".
Jan 08, 2009
Robb
rated it:
For those in the Lifestyle or just interested in an accurate representation of what it's about, this makes for a good read. At times titillating, this book takes you by the hand for a serious (and not so serious) walk thru the world of S&M.
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Apr 17, 2011
Gnomad
rated it: 
Meh. A little dated and a lot of it was super basic and boring if you already know it. I also wasn't too thrilled with their conversational writing style. However, it still contains a few interesting bits of info and instructions throughout.
Aug 30, 2010
Korri
rated it:
The illustrations are crappy, there's a major heterosexual bias (written by a couple: man is dominant, woman is submissive) which can be a bit uncomfortable & some of the jokes in this text are so bad (Phil's Phlogging?). But those things aside, it's a good book to read, if not buy, for an intro to the mechanics/emotions of BDSM.
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Jan 09, 2012
Joellen * Smut-Dickted *
rated it:
Still the best, hands down, on the subject. Lively conversational style. Non threatening. Great info. A REALLY great book!
May 28, 2009
Stephanie "Jedigal"
rated it:
Very good, pretty thorough. Author and contributor (his wife) are funny in their own way.
Jul 30, 2008
Mehgun
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This is a great book to someone new to the scene, or experienced. It goes over the psychology, history, and practice of Sadomasochism, as well as how to practice safely on your own. It offers advice on how to set up a good scene, what to watch out for (in terms of safety), and what to look for in good equipment. Even better, it shows how to make your own equipment! At the back is a resource guide, with addresses of established stores and centers for the kinky soul. An amazing resource.
Feb 17, 2010
Hope
rated it:
Surprisingly easy to read. It's conversational, funny and informative. Does a good job of explaining something very foreign to me in ways I can understand (mostly). I enjoyed the discussion of the psychology behind this lifestyle, the dominance and submission part in particular. And I like that the authors go to great lengths to stress physical and mental safety. Excellent crash course on the subject if you're curious.
Dec 16, 2007
Jessica
rated it:
I read this and realized that I was definitely not a sadist. S/m is all well and good, but I much prefer the D/s (Dominance/submission) part of BDSM.
This is a little out of date, to be sure, but it is definitely a S/m classic.
This is a little out of date, to be sure, but it is definitely a S/m classic.
May 08, 2008
Tessa
rated it:
Just about anything you ever wanted to know, you can find in this book. However, the pictures are awful. And the format is the size of a skinny textbook which means it doesn't fit well on my bookcase.
Jul 14, 2008
Kate
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I found this book very useful even though it has a strong heterosexual male dominant/female submissive POV. The principles remain the same regardless of orientation.
Sep 30, 2008
Megan
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Amazing book for anyone ever interested in learning about D/s lifestyle. Great for learning about headspace, how to treat as well as respect your partner.
Mar 08, 2008
Jennifer
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This is the book I tell any of my friends to read that are starting to show intrest in BDSM. It's a classic!
Jul 31, 2008
Richard
rated it:
Call it "BDSM 101". A light-hearted, but informative, look at the BDSM lifestyle.
Jul 27, 2008
Canice
rated it:
This is a great book for those who are new to the S/m and/or D/s lifestyles.
Jun 25, 2009
Pollys
rated it:
A competent and insightful view of the world of SM. Can be a little overweening at times but a helpful starter book none the less
