David Reuben

David Reuben is an American psychiatrist and author best known for his 1969 book "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask)," which became one of the best-selling books of the 1960s and was later adapted into a Woody Allen film. Reuben received his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University and practiced psychiatry in California. His work focused on sexual education and relationships, aiming to address widespread misconceptions about human sexuality during a time when such topics were rarely discussed openly. Beyond his most famous work, Reuben authored several other books on health and relationships, including "How to Get More Out of Sex" and "The Save Your Life Diet." His writing style combined medical information with accessible language, though some of his views and assertions have been questioned by later research. The lasting impact of Reuben's work lies primarily in his role as one of the first mainstream authors to bring frank discussions of sexuality into public discourse in the United States. While much of his medical advice is now considered outdated, his influence on breaking down communication barriers around sexual topics remains significant.

Readers view Reuben's "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex" as a product of its time. The book sold over 100 million copies in the 1960s-70s, but modern readers note its dated and sometimes inaccurate information. Readers appreciated: - Clear, straightforward writing style - Humor in addressing taboo topics - Making sex education accessible to the general public Common criticisms: - Outdated medical information - Heteronormative assumptions - Judgmental tone toward LGBTQ+ topics - Perpetuation of gender stereotypes On Goodreads, "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex" maintains a 3.6/5 rating from 2,800+ readers. Recent reviews frequently mention historical interest rather than practical value. One reader noted: "An interesting time capsule of sexual attitudes in the 1960s, but not useful as current medical advice." His other books receive limited reviews. "The Save Your Life Diet" (1975) averages 3.2/5 stars on Amazon, with readers criticizing its restrictive approach and lack of scientific evidence.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask) (1969) A comprehensive guide covering sexual behavior, relationships, and reproductive health using a question-and-answer format.

How to Get More Out of Sex (1974) A detailed examination of sexual techniques and relationship dynamics aimed at enhancing intimate partnerships.

The Save Your Life Diet (1975) A nutrition and health guide focused on the importance of dietary fiber and its role in preventing diseases.

Any Woman Can! (1976) An exploration of female sexuality and relationships, addressing common concerns and misconceptions.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Nutrition (1978) A guide to understanding basic nutrition principles, dietary needs, and food choices for health maintenance.

The Baby Book of Questions and Answers (1979) A handbook addressing common questions about pregnancy, childbirth, and early child development.

Alex Comfort wrote The Joy of Sex and combined medical knowledge with practical advice about intimate relationships. His background as a physician and his focus on making sexual information accessible to the general public mirrors Reuben's approach.

Helen Singer Kaplan authored The New Sex Therapy and pioneered sex therapy as a medical discipline. Her work as a psychiatrist dealing with sexual issues and relationships shares common ground with Reuben's clinical perspective.

Masters and Johnson published Human Sexual Response and conducted groundbreaking research on human sexuality in clinical settings. Their scientific approach to understanding sexual behavior and their role in breaking taboos around sex education aligns with Reuben's goals.

Ruth Westheimer wrote several books about sexuality and relationships while maintaining a medical perspective. Her work as a sex therapist and educator focuses on making complex topics understandable to general audiences, similar to Reuben's writing style.

Bernie Zilbergeld authored The New Male Sexuality and addressed psychological aspects of sexual behavior from a clinical viewpoint. His work as a psychologist focusing on male sexuality and relationships follows the path Reuben established in discussing traditionally taboo subjects.