From SFSI

Recommended Books

These are the books we most often recommend to callers to our switchboard. Every time you follow these links to Amazon.com and buy items, Amazon.com donates a portion of the proceeds to SFSI to support our mission to provide free, anonymous, accurate, non-judgemental information about sex.

Additionally, many who graduated from our class in sexuality and volunteered at our switchboard went on to become important writers in human sexuality. You might want to peruse our partial list of books from SFSI graduates.

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Alameda County Adolescent Provider's Guide
Published by Health Initiatives for Youth, this guide provides information and resource contacts for folks providing services (on any topic, not just sex-related issues) to the youth of Alameda County.
http://www.hify.org/apg.htm

Anal Pleasure & Health: A Guide for Men and Women by Jack Morin [Buy]
An excellent book that helps men and women of all orientations appreciate anal pleasure. Topics include getting used to your own body, anal intercourse, rimming, and health and safety issues.
ISBN 0940208202

Becoming Orgasmic by Julia R. Heiman, Leslie Lo Piccolo, Joseph Lopiccolo, published by Piatkus Books (1988) [Buy]
A sexual and personal growth program for women.
ISBN 0861887980

Big Big Love: A Sourcebook on Sex for People of Size and Those Who Love Them by Hanne Blank, published by Greenery Press [Buy]
A great resource on practical tips for having sex as or with a larger sized partner -- e.g. pragmatic stuff like how to perform oral sex on a partner with huge thighs
ISBN 1890159166

Tickle his Pickle by Sadie Allison [Buy]
A Penis Instruction Manual
ISBN 0970661126

TOYGASMS! by Sadie Allison [Buy]
The Insider's Guide to Sex Toys and Techniques.
ISBN 0970661118

Tickle Your Fancy by Sadie Allison [Buy]
A Woman's Guide to Sexual Self-Pleasure
ISBN 097066110X

Let's Talk Sex by Isadora Alman [Buy]
Q & A on Sex and Relationships
ISBN 1844281744

Sex Information, May I Help You? by Isadora Alman [Buy]
Isadora's report of her years as a SFSI volunteer.
ISBN 0940208148

Femalia by Joani Blank [Buy]
...as editor. A collection of thirty-two excellent-quality color photographs, both to celebrate the beauty of these often-hidden parts, and to provide women with references to help them answer their own questions. Check out a special SFSI book review of this book.
ISBN 0940208156

First Person Sexual by Joani Blank [Buy]
Women & Men Write About Self-Pleasuring
ISBN 0940208172

Good Vibrations: The New Complete Guide to Vibrators by Joani Blank [Buy]
ISBN 0940208261

Herotica 2 by Joani Blank [Buy]
A Collection of Women's Erotic Fiction (with Susie Bright - editors)
ISBN 0940208245

I Am My Lover by Joani Blank [Buy]
Pictures of women pleasuring themselves (with Phyllis Christopher - editors)
ISBN 0940208180

Kids First Book About Sex by Joani Blank [Buy]
ISBN 0940208075

Playbook for Kids About Sex by Joani Blank [Buy]
ISBN 0907179169

Playbook for Men About Sex by Joani Blank [Buy]
ISBN 0960232486

Playbook for Women About Sex by Joani Blank [Buy]
ISBN 0940208040

Still Doing It by Joani Blank [Buy]
Women and men over sixty write about their sexuality
ISBN 094020827X

Best Bisexual Erotica 2000 by Bill Brent, Carol Queen [Buy]
ISBN 1892723018

Black Book by Bill Brent [Buy]
The guide for the erotic explorer
ISBN 0963740156

Make a Zine by Bill Brent [Buy]
A guide to self-publishing disguised as a book on how to produce a 'zine
ISBN 0963740148

The Best American Erotica 1993 by Susie Bright (editor) [Buy]
ISBN 0684845148

The Best American Erotica 1994 by Susie Bright (editor) [Buy]
ISBN 0671899422

The Best American Erotica 1995 by Susie Bright (editor) [Buy]
ISBN 0684801639

The Best American Erotica 1996 by Susie Bright (editor) [Buy]
ISBN 0684818302

The Best American Erotica 1997 by Susie Bright (editor) [Buy]
ISBN 068481823X

The Best American Erotica 1999 by Susie Bright (editor) [Buy]
ISBN 0684843951

The Best American Erotica 2000 by Susie Bright (editor) [Buy]
ISBN 068484396X

Ear Candy by Susie Bright (editor) [Buy]
ISBN 1886238189

Food, Sex, & Relationships by Susie Bright (editor) [Buy]
...on audio cassette
ISBN 1564554791

Changing Bodies, Changing Lives: A Book for Teens on Sex and Relationships by Ruth Bell [Buy]
This book, from the original authors of Our Bodies, Ourselves, provides information on the physical and emotional aspects of puberty, sexuality, healthcare, sexually transmitted diseases, safer sex and birth control, living with violence, mental health, and eating disorders.
ISBN 081292990X

Contraceptive Technology by Robert A. Hatcher, published by Ardent Media Inc [Buy]
The crucial desk reference for anyone involved in reproductive health education. The 19th edition is due out in early 2008 but is not yet available at Amazon. For preorders of the 19th edition directly from the author's webiste see http://www.managingcontraception.com/shopping/product.php?productid=16158&cat=0&page=1
ISBN 0966490266

Dick: A User's Guide by Michele C. Moore and Caroline de Costa, published by Marlowe & Company [Buy]
Written for men and women of all ages, two doctors demystify the penis with a wide range of education about anatomy and function along with advice on safe handling and proper maintenance.
ISBN 1569244294

The Drag King Book by Judith "Jack" Halberstam, Del LaGrace Volcano, published by Serpent's Tail [Buy]
This book covers the lives and performances of modern male impersonators in photos and text.
ISBN 1852426071

The Ethical Slut: A Guide to Infinite Possibilities by Dossie Easton and Catherine A. Liszt [Buy]
The authors provide a non-judgmental look at multiple-partner lifestyles and discuss practical advice for making it work with the right attitudes and communication skills and finding what works for everyone involved.
ISBN 1890159018

Female Ejaculation and the G-spot by Deborah Sundahl, published by Fusion Press (2004) [Buy]
ISBN 1904132383

Femalia by Joani Blank [Buy]
A collection of thirty-two excellent-quality color photographs, both to celebrate the beauty of these often-hidden parts, and to provide women with references to help them answer their own questions.
ISBN 0940208156

Fertility Awareness Handbook by Barbara Kass-Annese [Buy]
A book describing the Fertility Awareness Method of determining whether or not you are fertile, so that you can either avoid, or increase your chances of getting pregnant.
ISBN 0897930967

The G-Spot and Other Recent Discoveries about Human Sexuality by Alice Kahn Ladas, Beverly Whipple, and John D. Perry, published by Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1982 [Buy]
ISBN 0440130409

GLBTQ: The Survival Guide for Queer and Questioning Teens by Kelly Huegel, published by Free Spirit Publishing [Buy]
ISBN 1575421267

Good Vibrations Guide To Sex by Cathy Winks, Anne Semans, published by Cleis Press [Buy]
A wonderful guide to sex for people of all ages and interests. An excellent introduction to lots of subjects about sex for men and women. Brought to you by the people who run the excellent store Good Vibrations. Discusses physical as well as behavioral aspects of sex.
ISBN 1573440698

It's a Girl Thing: How to Stay Healthy, Safe and in Charge by Mavis Jukes, published by Knopf Books for Young Readers [Buy]
A guide to sex-related issues for prepubescent and adolescent girls.
ISBN 0679873929

A Kid's First Book About Sex by Joani Blank, published by Down There Press [Buy]
An introduction to sexuality for young readers, discussing feelings, bodies, and developing a positive self-image.
ISBN 0940208075

The Lazy Crossdresser by Charles Anders, published by Greenery Press [Buy]
This guide gives men advice on experimenting with crossdressing including tips on shopping, makeup, hair, and more.
ISBN 1890159379

Miss Vera's Cross-Dress for Success: A Resource Guide for Boys Who Want to Be Girls by Veronica Vera, published by Villard [Buy]
As headmistress of her own finishing school for boys who want to be girls, Veronica Vera dispenses advice and encouragement on everything the crossdresser needs to know from buying panties to picking a good tranny name.
ISBN 0812991958

The New Male Sexuality, Revised Edition by Bernie Zilbergeld, Ph.D., published by Bantam Books (1992) [Buy]
The revised classic book on sex information for men.
ISBN 0553380427

The New Ourselves, Growing Older: Revised and Updated by Paula B. Doress-Worters and Diana Laskin Siegal, in cooperation with The Boston Women's Health Book Collective, published by Touchstone [Buy]
ISBN 0671872974

A New View of a Woman's Body by Federation of Feminist Women’s Health Center, published by Feminist Press [Buy]
A fully illustrated guide to the female body.
ISBN 0962994502

On the Safe Edge: A Manual for SM Play by Trevor Jacques, Michael Hamilton, Dr. Dale [Buy]
Reference book and introduction for S&M (sadism/masochism), with great information about maintaining psychological safety and physical safety.
ISBN 1895857058

Our Bodies, Ourselves: A New Edition for a New Era by Boston Women's Health Collective, published by Touchstone [Buy]
An excellent introduction to sexuality for women and girls, and discusses physical as well as behavioral aspects of sex.
ISBN 0743256115

Paying For It by Greta Christina (Editor), published by Greenery Press [Buy]
Subtitled "A Guide By Sex Workers for Their Customers," this is a consumer handbook and etiquette guide for sex work clients.
ISBN 189015959X

Playbook for Kids About Sex by Joani Blank (Author), Marcia Quackenbush (Illustrator), published by Down There Press [Buy]
This interactive "workbook" is designed to introduce children to ideas about sexuality and self-image and encourage them to express and explore their feelings and reactions right in the book.
ISBN 096023246X

S.E.X.: The All-You-Need-To-Know Progressive Sexuality Guide to Get You Through High School and College by Heather Corinna, published by Marlowe & Company [Buy]
From the founder and editor of Scarleteen, this guide is full of sexuality information geared toward readers aged 16-22 of all genders and orientations.
ISBN 1600940102

Sex For One: The Joy of Selfloving by Betty Dodson, published by Three Rivers Press [Buy]
For more than 20 years, Betty Dodson has been dedicated to taking the shame out of masturbation, showing it to be a healthy form of sexual expression. With warmth and intelligence, and informative line drawings, Dodson explains how anyone can learn to fully enjoy the pleasures of self-love, pointing out that masturbation is still the safest sex.
ISBN 0517886073

Sex Over 50 by Joel Block, PhD with Susan Crain Bakos, published by Prentice Hall Press [Buy]
ISBN 0735200580

Sex Work: Writings by Women in the Sex Industry by Frederique Delacoste (Editor), Priscilla Alexander (Editor), published by Cleis Press [Buy]
This collection includes both personal stories from a variety of sex workers and academic writing on the subject of sex for money.
ISBN 1573440426

Sexual Pharmacology: Drugs That Affect Sexual Functioning by Theresa L. Crenshaw, M.D. & James P. Goldberg, published by W. W. Norton & Company [Buy]
Detailed reference book for doctors and therapists about the positive and negative effects on sexual function for both prescription drugs and abused substances.
ISBN 0393701441

Still Doing It by Joani Blank (ed.), published by Down There Press [Buy]
Women and men over 60 write about their sexuality
ISBN 094020827X

Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health by Toni Weschler, published by Collins [Buy]
A thorough guide to the fertility awareness method (FAM) which women can use to recognize and track their fertility cycles whether they're trying to conceive or trying to avoid pregnancy.
ISBN 0060881909

The Guy Book: An Owner's Manual by Mavis Jukes, published by Crown Books for Young Readers [Buy]
This guide for prepubescent and adolescent boys provides sex information in the style of a car manual.
ISBN 0679890289

The Multi-Orgasmic Couple: Sexual Secrets Every Couple Should Know by Mantak Chia, Maneewan Chia, Douglas Abrams and Rachel Carlton Abrams, published by HarperOne [Buy]
This book contains a series of exercises rooted in the Taoist sexuality tradition to help couples to learn a deeper sensitivity to their individual sexual energy and how to cultivate the flow of sexual energy between each other.
ISBN 0062516140

The Multi-Orgasmic Man: Sexual Secrets Every Man Should Know by Mantak Chia [Buy]
We refer people to this book as a resource for shortening the period between ejaculations. It has helped many men.
ISBN 0062513362

The Multi-Orgasmic Woman: Sexual Secrets Every Woman Should Know by Mantak Chia and Rachel Carlton Abrams, published by Rodale Books [Buy]
The authors combine their knowledge of Taoist sexuality tradition and Western medical research in a program of exercises designed to teach women to increase the length, intensity, and number of their orgasms.
ISBN 1594864853

The "What's Happening to My Body" Book for Boys by Lynda Madaras, published by Newmarket [Buy]
Earlier editions of this book were subtitled "a Growing-up Guide for Parents and Sons".
ISBN 1557047650

The "What's Happening to My Body" Book for Girls by Lynda Madaras, published by Newmarket [Buy]
Earlier editions of this book were subtitled "a Growing-up Guide for Parents and Daughters".
ISBN 1557047642

Turning Pro: A Guide to Sex Work for the Ambitious and the Intrigued by Magdalene Meretrix, published by Greenery Press [Buy]
An essential manual for anybody considering a career as a phone sex operator, escort, call girl, exotic dancer, adult film performer or any other kind of sex worker.
ISBN 1890159301

The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Men by Bill Brent, published by Cleis Press [Buy]
Covers everything a man might want to know about giving or receiving anal sex with male or female partners.
ISBN 157344121X

The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Women by Tristan Taormino, published by Cleis Press [Buy]
The title really says it all.
ISBN 1573442216

The Ultimate Guide to Sex and Disability: For All of Us Who Live with Disabilities, Chronic Pain, and Illness by Miriam Kaufman, Cory Silverberg, & Fran Odette, published by Cleis Press [Buy]
Addresses ways to build a positive sex life that works with ones needs and abilities no matter what your age, gender, orientation, or physical challenges. Discusses emotional issues such as self-image and communicating with partners about sex and disability as well as suggesting positions best suited to specific needs, ways to modify sex toys, and techniques to deal with pain and fatigue during sex.
ISBN 1573443042

The Ultimate Guide to Sexual Fantasy: How to Turn Your Fantasies into Reality by Violet Blue, published by Cleis Press [Buy]
Violet Blue discusses ways to expand your sexual reality by learning how to ask your partner for and ways to engage in a wide variety of sexual fantasies.
ISBN 1573441902

Ultimate Kiss: Sensual Guide to Oral Lovemaking by Jacqueline Franklin, published by Media Press (2001) [Buy]
Available as both a book and a video. A good guide to oral sex. Warning: the video is cheesy and star's the members of the A-Team. Caveat Emptor. May be dated.
ISBN 0917181174

"What's Happening To Me?" by Peter Mayle, published by Lyle Stuart [Buy]
Using information and cartoons that are both humorous and accurate without being too graphic, this book discusses the mental and physical changes that take place during puberty in a way that's non-threatening and encourages discussion when children want more information about these changes.
ISBN 0818403128

"Where Did I Come From?" by Peter Mayle, published by Lyle Stuart [Buy]
This book is geared to answering the "how are babies made" questions of younger children with information and cartoons that are accurate without being excessively graphic and scientific. Covers anatomical differences between men and women, love making (as a monogamous, heterosexual, married couple), conception, stages of fetal development, and birth.
ISBN 0818402539

The Whole Lesbian Sex Book: A Passionate Guide for All of Us by Felice Newman [Buy]
An excellent book for lesbians by lesbians.
ISBN 1573441996

Whores and Other Feminists by Jill Nagle (editor), published by Routledge [Buy]
This collection uses essays by the workers themselves and by academics to addresses the feminist perspectives of women who embrace their choice to be sex workers.
ISBN 0415918227

A Young Woman's Survival Guide by Health Initiatives For Youth [Buy]
ISBN 0978686705