The original Joy of Sex, published in 1979, became the lovemaking guide to intimate discovery and experimentation for a generation of adults...
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reviews
Dec 23, 2008
Beth F.
rated it: 
--When I was 15 and found this book hidden in the basement, I read it and it gave me quite a thrill.
--The 70's version is awesome and disgusting and awesome, awesome, awesome!
--The hairy man beast who was prominently featured in the original version of this book may be entirely to blame for my disgust of facial hair (thank goodness my husband shaves daily!)
--I’ve never seen the new version with the modern couple and don't care to. It would totally ruin the magic.
--The 70's version is awesome and disgusting and awesome, awesome, awesome!
--The hairy man beast who was prominently featured in the original version of this book may be entirely to blame for my disgust of facial hair (thank goodness my husband shaves daily!)
--I’ve never seen the new version with the modern couple and don't care to. It would totally ruin the magic.
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May 19, 2009
Now days many people in America read urban books involving sex, drugs, and violence. However they also read other books out there, but surprisingly several of them are banned because of it’s religious beliefs, violence, and sexual content. Personally I believe every book that’s out there should be available to the public.
One reason I think books should be available is because of its religious beliefs. At times people tend to question god, some are not quite sure who he/she is, and others More...
One reason I think books should be available is because of its religious beliefs. At times people tend to question god, some are not quite sure who he/she is, and others More...
Aug 09, 2008
Catherine
rated it: 
I find this rather G-rated in a hardcore world. I would probably feel comfortable giving this to my age 18 children if I had any. If you are really looking to reignite the spark, I don't know that this will do it, but you will know if you crack it open and find yourself saying 'been there, done that'. I do not consider myself kinky or used hard and put away wet, I probably fall more into the PRUDE catagory.
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Dec 16, 2009
Malbadeen
rated it: 
I read this too young and I particularly remember a part that talked about not wearing spiked boots during sex, because while it may be a visual turn on it can cause some unintended physical pain in the long run. I felt it was a good point and made a note to my prepubescent self to not have sex while wearing spiky boots.
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(2 people liked it)
Jun 04, 2010
Sharon
rated it:
Need to reignite fiery sparks of passion in your life? Master a few old tricks whilst learning new? Wanting to re-establish communication on all levels with your partner? – Then this book is for you!
Need in-depth knowledge on sexual experiences and an easy how-to-guide for that which you haven’t learnt yet? Just want to understand Woohoo a little better than you did before? Or are looking for advice/ideas/comfort and reassurance if you haven’t had any experience yet? – Then this book More...
Need in-depth knowledge on sexual experiences and an easy how-to-guide for that which you haven’t learnt yet? Just want to understand Woohoo a little better than you did before? Or are looking for advice/ideas/comfort and reassurance if you haven’t had any experience yet? – Then this book More...
Aug 17, 2008
Steve
rated it:
Perhaps some of the drawings may be considered 'out of date' by today's standards, this classic ought to be required reading for any adult who plans on exploring their sexuality with a partner, lover, boyfriend, girlfriend, wife or husband.
May 12, 2010
Evan
rated it:
It was a new edition, with revised content to update it, but as a friend mentioned, it wasn't really written for my generation or gender. Also, the writing is confusing. There was a sort of half-assed attempt at a dictionary format, so some sections start with just a noun phrase and some start with a full sentence. The inconsistency is confusing. Then, there are sentence that start with "For her, ..." but it isn't clear if they're talking about advice "for her" when she's
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Mar 18, 2010
FiveBooks
rated it:
Writer Kate Figes has chosen to discuss Alex Comfort's The Joy of Sex on FiveBooks as one of the top five on her subject - Sex and Marriage, saying that:
"It seems so innocent really now, all those daring explanations of S and M and positions, but it was before Aids and people were so optimistic. It was as though we’d discovered sex and free love."
The full interview is available here: http://five-books.com/interviews/kate-figes More...
"It seems so innocent really now, all those daring explanations of S and M and positions, but it was before Aids and people were so optimistic. It was as though we’d discovered sex and free love."
The full interview is available here: http://five-books.com/interviews/kate-figes More...
May 07, 2008
Ellee
rated it: 
Ok, ok, I know... Everybody's heard about it. I figured I'd read it to see if this book by Alex Comfort was in reality what I expected it to be. If all you expect upon opening this book is a racy book full of exotic photos, you'll be surprised. The Joy of Sex is actually very down-to-earth and not really at all titillating (pardon the pun). It's almost like a Chilton's guide to heterosexual sex. That being said, this book is most likely to be of help to relatively inexperienced couples, but even
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Jan 31, 2012
Chad
rated it:
My mom and dad got this for me to explain sex better when I came of age... it was one of the best ideas for that and plan on doing the same for my kids. Sex is important... and education on it just not thought about today.
For anyone out there, it explains in simple text and drawings of various positions, target areas, and more. Well worth the read young or old.
For anyone out there, it explains in simple text and drawings of various positions, target areas, and more. Well worth the read young or old.
May 26, 2011
David
rated it:
During the 1970s this was our guide. Those of us who are boomers had a good time swinging from the chandelier and more. Suddenly, we shook off the fetters of our Puritan past and discovered just how much fun sex could be. We did it here and there, we did it anywhere. A train, a train,yes we did in on a train and in the rain. This is still not a bad introduction.
Jun 29, 2009
Kristin
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i used to sneak this book out of parents room and secretly read it in my backyard in the dog days of summer in my budding youth. i remember very little... just the proliferation of body hair. what makes me laugh is that they really really wanted to make this into a movie in the 70's... starring john belushi no less!
Dec 15, 2011
Cosmic
rated it:
I found this to be alright. I do enjoy how they encourage women to not shave (another score for nature!) but don't enjoy how the advice for overweight people is basically "Loose weight, fatty." I picked this up for $1 at a library book sale, or else probably would not own it.
Nov 22, 2008
Jessica Frank
rated it:
The Joy of Sex was (and perhaps is still) the classic sex book of its time. It caused a bit of an uproar when originally published in 1979. I do not think this was a particularly shocking book--more a case of common sense.
Aug 11, 2011
Actually, I read the original ediion. Informative, but oooh did I get tired of seeing all those hairy, hairy people. Razors really can be your friend, ladies and gentlemen.
May 28, 2010
Janet
rated it:
Of course - I read this as a teen when trying to figure out what this whole sex thing was. Eye opening, but the real thing is so much better than reading it as a teen.
Feb 10, 2012
Fing
rated it:
This classic book taught me how to bang back in the day and I still look back at it when I pick up a stranger in a bar.
Oct 10, 2010
rebecca
rated it:
Wonderfully graphic. Honors the sensuality and eroticism of lovemaking. A must read for lovers of all ages.
Jan 08, 2009
Beth
rated it:
Well kind of. . .I have flipped through it. . .some might say I should have read it though!
Feb 26, 2008
Samantha
rated it:
aw come on!!!!!!! i don't think i have this particular version, but they keep reprinting it, and it just keeps getting better. i can't really recommend a particular chapter, cos then you'd know how kinky i was/am, but hey, everyone should have a copy on hand for various reasons...either for yourself on those cold winter nights, or when you think you've done it all and here comes another position! if you can find the version that has the pics of the hippies of the 60's, it's awesome to see how
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Jul 07, 2010
carl
rated it:
Mandatory '70s teenage reading! Would be fun to re-read,
see if I forgot anything ....
Apr 18, 2011
Nilchance
rated it: 
Heterosexist, all Caucasian illustrations, and a bonus dose of fat-phobia. Good times.
Dec 11, 2009
Michael
rated it:
Underlying theme: It's about couples having good communication and I would recommend.
