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Becoming Cliterate: Why Orgasm Equality Matters--And How to Get It
by
We’ve been thinking about sex all wrong. Mainstream media, movies, and porn have taught us that sex = penis + vagina, and everything else is just secondary. Standard penetration is how men most reliably achieve orgasm. The problem is, women don’t orgasm this way. We’ve separated our most reliable route to orgasm—clitoral stimulation—from how we feel we should orgasm—
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Hardcover, 288 pages
Published
May 9th 2017
by HarperOne
(first published 2017)
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Start your review of Becoming Cliterate: Why Orgasm Equality Matters--And How to Get It
Looking for a smart, sassy book about feminism and sexuality and equal-opportunity orgasms? Becoming Cliterate is your gal.
It’s this year’s Come As You Are! With a complete focus on vulvas! This book is set up like a college textbook for female orgasm, with some philosophy and pep talks and then some hands-on experimenting. And a chapter at the end for male partners to read. What more could you need?
From Taking Care of Yourself with Books at Book Riot.
It’s this year’s Come As You Are! With a complete focus on vulvas! This book is set up like a college textbook for female orgasm, with some philosophy and pep talks and then some hands-on experimenting. And a chapter at the end for male partners to read. What more could you need?
From Taking Care of Yourself with Books at Book Riot.
If I had to choose one word to summarize this book it would be "empowering." Mintz offers valuable information not only about female orgasm and the clitoris, but also about the female anatomy, mindfulness, and communication with your partner. And she does it all with humor and a great spirit!
Can't go wrong with this book. It's interesting (and annoying) how women's pleasure takes a major backseat to men's, historically. You might learn something, your partner might learn something. One little change for me is that I taught my daughter the word vulva and use it when applicable instead of the anatomically incorrect catchall "vagina." I hope it's the beginning of our open, appropriate, shame-free, body-positive conversations.
"Becoming Cliterate" by Dr Laurie Mintz is an amazing book for anyone who wants to learn about female sexuality and specifically the clitoris, the one human organ solely responsible for pleasure. According to research, only 5% of women achieve orgasms through penetration only, an overwhelming 95% need some form of clitorial stimulation. Yet we as a society almost never talk about the clitoris, men who learn about sex through porn think thay penetration is all a woman needs to orgasm. So in turn
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I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway (and I’m so glad I did). This is a very charming, sex positive and thorough look at the female orgasm that reads like a how to from your friendly local sexpert therapist who also happens to be a highly educated feminist. As a psychotherapist, I so appreciated the additional knowledge and ways of engaging with my clients around orgasm/pleasure/beliefs around what sex “should” be. All around one of the better psychology books I’ve read because I know I
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This book is relevant, amazingly written, and incredibly helpful! The teachings in it have not only drastically improved my sex life, but have changed the way I think about sex and increased my confidence and strengthened my sense of self outside the bedroom. In addition to being very practically helpful, it is so fun to read! Dr. Mintz is funny and it feels like she's talking directly to you. She is the cool, non-judgmental, sex-positive mom you never had! Definitely recommend!
This book was fantastic! If you’re ready to have your entire mindset shifted around your pleasure (ladies, I’m talking to you) and why your orgasms matter (plus, bonuses on how to get there!) then you need to read this gem of a book!
So glad I picked it up! Will be buying for all my friends.
So glad I picked it up! Will be buying for all my friends.
This book is an easy, lively read, and offers lots of good information about women's sexuality and especially the clitoris - what it is, how it contributes to arousal and pleasure, and how women can become more adept lovers (and self-lovers). That said, part of Mintz' purpose is to lay to rest the myth that good sex has to involve vaginal penetration, by a penis or anything else. To that end, she minimizes and then dismisses as largely irrelevant information about the g-spot and other loci of
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If you feel that men have it all there own way in the bedroom? or maybe you feel ripped off during sex? well this book is for you. This very detail book explains all about the woman's body, how to orgasm, and all the ins and out about how a woman feels about sex, before, during and after. All the tips on how to get the most out of your sex life. It encourage you to feel good about your body, and relax more then you normally do. It has lots of interesting facts through out the book, and the style
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I'm not sure what I expected Becoming Cliterate to be when I started reading, but it isn't what it was, which was a smart, funny look at the female orgasm. The author did an excellent job of presenting the information in a way that wasn't too clinical. She added sass and humor when needed to keep the reader engaged, but covered the female body and the science of how and why orgasms work--complete with a chapter for the male partner.
Full Disclosure: I was invited by the publisher to read this ...more
Full Disclosure: I was invited by the publisher to read this ...more
If you have had an orgasm, have not had an orgasm, care about having or giving orgasms.....this is probably on a must-read list for you. Laurie Mintz does an excellent job of dispelling the myth of how orgasms occur, why porn and movies have perpetuated this myth and totally ruined it for women, and how to ........the list goes on and on. Easy to read style that is just the right amount of girl talk and science. And yes..there is a chapter for men to read to. :)
Highly recommend! I actually got a chance to speak with the author recently. She is as empowering, friendly, and genuine as she comes across in the book. Great down-to-earth advice and education. I will definitely recommend this book to clients and friends.
This is so important. Everyone that has a cookie or loves someone with a cookie needs this book.
love. love. love. ...more
love. love. love. ...more
Informative, fun, and a super accessible read. I highly recommend the book to every woman, every feminist, anyone in favor of equality, and anyone who may have sex with a woman. There is information for everyone in here.
The author maintains a fun and comfortable tone while staying focused on her conviction to pursue sexual equality, reduce false or un-communicated expectations, and eradicate sexual guilt and shame for future generations. I have given this book to men and women as gifts for ...more
The author maintains a fun and comfortable tone while staying focused on her conviction to pursue sexual equality, reduce false or un-communicated expectations, and eradicate sexual guilt and shame for future generations. I have given this book to men and women as gifts for ...more
Some good information in this book. For the most part, there wasn't much that was new to me. Cementing biological knowledge mostly. However, that being said, if one knows nothing about the clit or isn't sure how to communicate with a potential partner, this book would be a valuable resource. I know people who would probably benefit from reading this. I very much appreciate Mintz's desire to change the cultural dialogue regarding sex, the clit, women's orgasms, intercourse, how society refers to
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This was interesting, but I think it would be better for men than women in that it opens their minds up to listening to what women want instead of assuming. But great for women, too, if it encourages them to care about their own pleasure rather than just that of their partners. Best line in the book, "it's impossible to have an orgasm while you're sucking your stomach in".
Jan 30, 2018
Steph Mecham
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
feminist-thought
This should seriously be required reading for all females and heterosexual males. Amazing.
This book is good and Dare I say it very hands on.
This book is SO FREAKING AWESOME. Practical, helpful, well-written, feminist, and (of course) so very sex-positive. Dr. Mintz walks us through anatomy, plus problems with our culture and how it affects our psychology around sex. She also gives an in-depth guide to getting to know your own anatomy (if you're a vulva-haver), and encourages you to spend some hands-on time learning your likes and dislikes.
I especially loved the section (she calls them sextions!) on communication--SUCH good advice ...more
I especially loved the section (she calls them sextions!) on communication--SUCH good advice ...more
If I could sum up this book in a sentence it would be:
'Only 4% of women report orgasming from vaginal penetration alone'
Appreciated the chapters on sex talks (and meta-communicating!). People suck at that.
And the research on how majority of women want more time up front not during thrusting.
An interesting discussion of 'virginity' and how penis focused that is.
and just a ton of resources for achieving a clitoral orgasm, talking about vibrators, and ways of rethinking sex to not mean mutual ...more
'Only 4% of women report orgasming from vaginal penetration alone'
Appreciated the chapters on sex talks (and meta-communicating!). People suck at that.
And the research on how majority of women want more time up front not during thrusting.
An interesting discussion of 'virginity' and how penis focused that is.
and just a ton of resources for achieving a clitoral orgasm, talking about vibrators, and ways of rethinking sex to not mean mutual ...more
This book should be a part of every woman's sex education. I really enjoyed reading the hardcover edition of this book and can't wait to read the updates in Dr. Mintz's new paperback edition. The book gave me new information about my body and my sexuality but I'm mostly thankful for how empowered I feel after reading this book. I feel liberated and to some degree validated in my thoughts and experiences. I'm also grateful for all the conversations about the need for orgasm equality and
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I listened to this book while driving, and I think it’s one that would be better read.
It contained a lot of useful information, that I think will be helpful for my clients in therapy. I particularly appreciated her discussion on the performance model that we so often get stuck in- women often feel their duty is to satisfy their partner, and turns sexual interaction into a performance rather than a shared enjoyable experience. We often view women’s sexual satisfaction as a prelude to “real sex” ...more
It contained a lot of useful information, that I think will be helpful for my clients in therapy. I particularly appreciated her discussion on the performance model that we so often get stuck in- women often feel their duty is to satisfy their partner, and turns sexual interaction into a performance rather than a shared enjoyable experience. We often view women’s sexual satisfaction as a prelude to “real sex” ...more
I received a draft early last year and got around to reading it now. Friendly conversational writing style. Hopefully the content is more concise in the final version. Target audience seems to be straight, cis women. Maybe best suited for someone who only watches [unrealistic] porn, doesn't know much about the clit, and hasn't been exposed to sex positive messages. Good content and resources, but not much here is novel for me.
This book might be useful for someone with classical heterosexual experiences.
It contains different info in a friendly way and may help to reveal some myths.
For my view, it's too much clitoris & orgasms oriented, sex is not only about getting equal orgasms on and on.
It contains different info in a friendly way and may help to reveal some myths.
For my view, it's too much clitoris & orgasms oriented, sex is not only about getting equal orgasms on and on.
This is yet another feminist book describing (in detail) how society is slanted against women. I picked it off the shelf because it was a "must read for everyone," and I concur. I would give this book as a gift, but that would be creepy, so just take my advise and read this work.
I received this book for free as part of a first reads promotion
Gratitude to the amazing author! Wonderful work!
And while I want to go out in the streets and convince every woman and man to buy and read this book, I am also conscious that we value books here not only on their merit in the world (otherwise most fiction books’ ratings will crumble down), but on the writing itself. And this book’s writing is basic, as in I don’t savor sentences and relish in the syntax and idioms and description. Now that you know that please do yours favor buy, read, apply ...more
And while I want to go out in the streets and convince every woman and man to buy and read this book, I am also conscious that we value books here not only on their merit in the world (otherwise most fiction books’ ratings will crumble down), but on the writing itself. And this book’s writing is basic, as in I don’t savor sentences and relish in the syntax and idioms and description. Now that you know that please do yours favor buy, read, apply ...more
It's been said in all of the other reviews - this is a very good book, directed toward helping women become more aware of their own bodies and more comfortable, understanding, and accepting of themselves and their needs, but it is a great resource for men! At each age milestone, you think you know everything there is to know about your bodies and even others' bodies, but there's truly no end to learning.
This is well-written, interspersed with humor, but still direct without being uncomfortable ...more
This is well-written, interspersed with humor, but still direct without being uncomfortable ...more
Jul 28, 2018
Shevon Quijano
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
lifetime-favorites
This book was AMAZING! I recommend it to all men and women alive. The goal of Becoming Cliterate is to get the word out that female orgasms are as important as male, but they happen much less frequently for a variety of reasons: a general fixation on men’s orgasms being the “goal”, the irrational fixation on G-spot orgasms, neglect or invalidation of clitoral orgasms, and the mental blocks that keep women from achieving orgasms. Mintz gives clear practical advice, resources, and practice tips to
...more
This book is revolutionary! I curated a twitter handle with lakhs of followers on #OrgasmEquality in India, while reading this book. I have recommended this book to many of my friends, most of who directly messaged me to know more about the book and also why I talk about it (so openly!). Why won't you?! Many friends have bought it since.
I love orgasms, so I did not need any convincing to buy this book. I wish I had known about it sooner. Anyone remotely interested in women's orgasms should read ...more
I love orgasms, so I did not need any convincing to buy this book. I wish I had known about it sooner. Anyone remotely interested in women's orgasms should read ...more
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Laurie Mintz (Ph.D.) is a tenured college professor at the University of Florida, who teaches the Psychology of Human Sexuality to over 150 students a year. She is also a licensed psychologist with over 25 years of experience working with private clients, on both general and sexual issues. She is the author of two books aimed at empowering women sexually: Becoming Cliterate and A Tired Woman's
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“Quality sex is only possible with true sexual equality. We've never--at any point in Western history--had a time where the majority of the population valued women's ways of orgasm as equal to a man's. It's time to change history.”
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