Book

The Guide to Getting It On

by Paul Joannides

📖 Overview

The Guide to Getting It On is a comprehensive sex education manual that covers topics from anatomy to relationships. Now in its tenth edition, this illustrated guide has become a standard reference text in many college human sexuality courses. The book addresses both basic and advanced aspects of human sexuality through straightforward explanations and candid discussions. Each chapter focuses on specific topics like consent, communication, pleasure, sexual health, gender, and orientation, incorporating current research and real-world examples. Scientific information is presented alongside practical advice, with illustrations and diagrams that support understanding of complex concepts. The writing maintains accessibility while tackling sensitive subjects with clarity and precision. This work represents an inclusive, sex-positive approach to education that emphasizes consent, safety, and mutual understanding between partners. The enduring relevance of the guide speaks to its role in promoting healthy attitudes toward sexuality and relationships.

👀 Reviews

Readers describe this sex education book as approachable, comprehensive and inclusive. The conversational tone and humorous illustrations make potentially awkward topics more comfortable to read about. Liked: - Clear explanations without medical jargon - Detailed coverage of consent, communication, and relationships - LGBTQ+ topics integrated throughout - Practical advice for different life stages and abilities - Updated editions address modern dating/tech Disliked: - Some find the casual writing style unprofessional - Religious readers note conflicts with their values - Later editions removed some topics readers valued - A few say the humor feels forced or juvenile Ratings: Amazon: 4.6/5 from 1,200+ reviews Goodreads: 4.3/5 from 3,800+ ratings "Finally, a sex book that doesn't make me feel stupid or ashamed" - Goodreads reviewer "Too explicit and irreverent for my taste" - Amazon reviewer "Should be required reading for adults and teens" - Reddit comment

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🤔 Interesting facts

🔹 The Guide to Getting It On has been translated into 14 languages and is used in college sexuality courses at more than 50 universities across North America. 🔹 Author Paul Joannides is a psychoanalyst who spent nearly a decade as a research assistant at California's Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality. 🔹 The book has gone through nine editions since its first publication in 1996, with each new edition being significantly updated to reflect changing attitudes and information about sexuality. 🔹 Unlike many sexuality guides, this book includes over 250 original illustrations drawn specifically for the text, helping to make complex topics more approachable and inclusive. 🔹 The author conducts extensive interviews with medical professionals, sex educators, and everyday people for each edition, incorporating real-world experiences and questions into the content.