Customer Reviews

The Guide to Getting It On

5 star:		(109)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Among the many lovely items I received from my Queen on Valentine's Day was this: "The Guide To Getting It On!" by Paul Joannides, published in 2000 by Goofy Foot Press. This is a huge 698-page oversized paperback book that covers just about every sex topic you can think of, with an especial emphasis on every aspect of The Deed itself. It's delightfully light-hearted and yet it's amazingly informative, discussing all sorts of topics in a frank, playful style that makes it a delight to read. Sample chapters in the book include:

Chapt. 9 - Sunsets, Orgasms, & Hand Grenades. Having an orgasm, the different types of orgasms a person can have (an orgasm in two-person sex usually doesn't feel like an orgasm from masturbation, for instance), faking orgasms, how it feels to different people.

Oral Sex - Chapt. 17 - Popsicles & Penises and Chapt. 18 - Vulvas & Honey Pots. Techniques on giving (and receiving) head, why different people don't taste the same, beard burn, using your teeth, advice for men from females (and for women from men), different positions.

Chapt. 34 - Techno Breasts and Weenie Angst - feeling inadequate about your body, and how to feel better because you're not a Playboy/girl model.

Plus: Getting naked, massages, nipples, sex fantasies, birth control (all types, including abstinence), pregnancy, sex laws, goofy sex terms, legitimate sex terms, and much much MUCH more.

Most of the book is large text, but there are many drawn illustrations (not photos), most of which are of people smiling and enjoying themselves as they illustrate whatever the current chapter is talking about. In fact, the whole book feels that way: it wants to make you smile, enjoy yourself, and have FUN with sex -- whatever sex-related topic you're trying to learn about.

After glancing through the book for the past couple of days, I'm
already convinced that this is the type of book that I'd like to leave in a semi-comspicuous place at home, and let my kids find it and look through it on their own when they get old enough to need to know about this stuff. It's witty, informative, not deceptive, and it tries to instill common sense as well: Have fun, help your partner have fun, and BE CAREFUL not to get into trouble (pregnancy, STD, break the law, etc.). Even if you've been doing it since you were old enough to know what "it" is, you'll probably still find some useful information in here.

In short, this book is well worth looking into. You may have trouble finding it at a used-book store, because it's a small-press publication; and I suspect that not many people are going to want to get rid of it after they buy it. But you might get lucky....

The above is my response to this book. When I first started looking though it and reading some of what Paul Joannides has to say, I thought, "Right on!" And the more I read, the more I felt this way. Mr. Joannides deserves some kind of "Medal of Honor" for writing a comprehensive, non-judgmental and at times hip and irreverent look at the world of sexuality. He leaves virtually no topic uncovered. Dang, why wasn't a book like this around twenty years ago? I could have really used it back then! He also obviously put a great deal of effort and love into this book which spans almost 700 pages. Not only is it informative and humorous, but it gets its subject matter across in a down-to-earth and common-sense style. I also loved all the illustrations in the book....

This book in my humble opinion should be mandatory reading for every Human Sexuality class taught, it truly is that good. I lost count of all the various chapters in the book, but among them are [chapters on various types of sex] sex and aging, and a chapter about sex laws (and some of them are truly shocking). Most chapters also feature comments from readers of earlier editions of this book or those who filled out surveys on the publisher's web site; all of which are also highly informative and interesting.

I give this book five stars, only because I can't give it six. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to learn more about sex, relationships, what makes the "opposite gender" act the way they do, in other words virtually everyone!

When it comes to sex guides, there is no shortage. Many are written just to titillate the reader. Many are a guidebook to kink and assume that the reader already knows the basics for more straightforward sexual fun. Some ridiculously romanticize while others read like a medical school text.

Paul Joannides' "The Guide to Getting It On!" is the ideal sex guide. It deals with the basics as well as the more adventuresome stuff. It presents health issues with honest clarity, but is never frightening or clinical. It is a thick tome, but a remarkably fast read. Joannides is thorough, yet concise.

This is the best book on the market dealing with this subject matter. The advice for how to bring up children with healthy, age appropriate views about sex is invaluable. The only problem I have with this book is that I wish I'd written it myself.

Buy this book with confidence. If you are a sex guide hobbyist, you'll love it. If you are a complete novice to the topic you'll love it. There's none better.

I know that moniker above sounds exaggerated, but if there's a better book on sex able to be understood by as many different types, ages, and experienced folk, you let me know.

(I'm going to make one more statement that sounds exaggerated, but isn't: If this book was put in the hands of every American pre-teen during that dry (or non-existent) school sex-ed program, I sincerely believe we would have teens making far better choices about when and how to explore their sexuality, as well as more meaningful sex, orgasms, and enjoyment for when they become sexually active adults. What I'm trying to say is that the sex education quotient here is just that -- and because it has no agenda, it's honest about the pros and cons of everything from heavy petting to intercourse--including frank discussion of disease, the cost of teen pregancy, etc. I love an early section that lists all the responsibilities that come along with a fully sexual relationship...it then challenges the reader to answer the question of whether or not they are ready to take on every single eventuality should it occur. If not, it cheerfully steers you towards a more progressive sexual development (with plenty of tips) but makes it clear that you should NOT be having intercourse. I think that one problem with American sexuality is that we don't really deal with it until the "time" comes, instead of progressively building our sexual experience alongside our building of physical and emotional maturity. If we did that, on a more reasoned and comfortable timetable, we'd all be better off. This book lets all of us know that there are plenty of things to do with those "urges." And not all of them require intercourse. YET, is this a book for kids? No, it's genuinely a book for everyone.)

The book's style is easy reading, light but not offensive, and complete. With everything from sex tips, to sex history, to chapters on approaching sex while one partner pregnant, disabled, on her period, has erectile dysfunction, etc. You can't beat the content, and its straightforward understandable presentation in any other sex book out there.

(The pictures are cool, too -- fun, realistic drawings, not cold, clinical photos.)

When I worked for my college newspaper, I reviewed this book.The publisher sent a review copy to our paper, and both men and women on the staff engaged in all levels of subterfuge to swipe the book. I had a hell of a time keeping it on my desk long enough to write the review, then I tried to steal it for myself. I wasn't fast enough, though, and it disappeared. SO i had a long conversation with the author, whom I can say sounds like a plain-old-down-to-earth guy who happens to know a famous comic book artist (Daerick Gross) and a hell of a lot about sex. What a book. It's refreshing, honest, unpretentious. I hope he sells a million copies and can take an early retirement to Palm Beach or Patagonia or someplace nice. Paul, seeing the amazon listing made me recall the great interview you gave me (it was probably spring 99 or 98, and inspired me to put the volume on the Christmas list of someone I know ... During our interview, the author told me that in his practice as an analyst, he often wanted to suggest a book about a healthy sex life, but he could never find any. So, he wrote his own. This is the book about sex you wish you had. Great writing, Excellent illustrations (Ever wonder what happened when Peter Parker and Mary Jane (or whatever her name was) were behind closed doors?). If you're a reader considering a purchase, may I advise? BUY THIS BOOK. OR JUST SEND THE AUTHOR A SHOEBOX FULL OF MONEY. EITHER ONE.

The Guide is written in a clear, casual style and is peppered with enjoyable quotes from real couples and sex therapists. The line drawings were beautiful.

I can honestly say that I curled up and read the 700 page tome like it was light beach reading. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

However, I would not buy this book as a sex bible. First, it covers far more about the intricacies of sex as a cultural phenomenon than you want in a book of sex advice and tips. Whole chapters are devoted to such sexual tangents as the role of sex in religion or the history of syphilis. While this is fun reading -- and great for understanding how sex works in an emotional sense -- it takes up room that could be better spent giving more practical tips. For example, the chapter on sex during menstruation: the author spends several pages discussing the history of the development of sanitary napkins and tampons, more discussing the shame or acceptance people feel about menstruation in the workplace, and a few pages musing on whether theories about stress leads to earlier menarche. There are perhaps six lines about sex, to the effect of "Some people like having intercourse during a woman's period. Some don't. Blood washes out of sheets, usually." At the end of the chapter he justifies his ommitance of the discussion of oral sex by joking that anyone who would consider such a thing must be a vampire. There was NO discussion of methods of making sex during a period cleaner or more enjoyable, NO discussion of alternatives to intercourse, NO discussion of potential risks or lack thereof in performing oral sex during the period, etc. That's just one small chapter -- in general, the book was high on interesting fluff but low on useful content. It's a great addition to your bookshelf, but get another book if you want a real guide to sex.

As a warning, this book is very clearly written by a straight male and as a result the book is heavily slanted for heterosexual couples. The author does make attempts to be open minded, but rarely includes useful information on lesbian sex. He assumes the reader is in a heterosexual relationship -- if you aren't, you may want to look elsewhere.

First I have to say I read this book several years ago then loaned it to a friend who "lost it", so my thoughts about it are not based on a fresh read. However, after having read everything about sex I could ever get my hands on, from How Babies are Made to hot scenes in novels to The Joys of Oral Sex to Kama Sutra to Gray's Anatomy, I gushed over this book to all of my friends. It was a fabulous read, light-hearted and entertaining.

What I enjoyed the most was the emphasis on communication with one's partner. I've been with men who seem to memorize technique, and no matter how good they are at operations, the sexual pleasure never approaches the ecstasy of being with someone who knows how to be creative, playful and attentive to his (or her) partner. That is what this book is all about - cultivating those aspects of sex. It does have a few delightful tips on methodology here and there, and some fun and very well done illustrations, but the goal seems to be to bring a sense of wonder and openness to the bedroom. If you are looking for Sex Techniques 101, keep shopping. If you want ideas on how to create a safe, fun, creative environment for sexual exploration, BUY IT!

As long as you go into this book knowing that it is kind of an introductory book dealing with sex you'll be very happy. This book injects some fun and humor and sensuality into its discussions of sex, a welcome relief from the neurotic images of sex we're all bombarded with by the media. The illustrations manage to be far more erotic and sensual than photography could ever be, and the dialogue in the book is peppered with humor. If you're consider yourself a sexual 'veteran' you would probably be better off getting a good book on Tantra to further explore your sexuality. But if you're looking for a fun sensual book that breaks through our society's hangups about sex and gives a lot of helpful advice this book is excellent.

This book is a wealth of knowledge. No matter if you are a neophyte or a Latin-lover. Read this book. Highly recommended for all. Life in the sack a little tame? Read this book. Looking for tips? Read this book. Want to know a little more about what makes her tick? Read this book. The best thing is it's not just about sex, it's about all the extra's, like how to treat her after a hard day at work, how to make the other person unwind and WANT to do something. They spend enough time on how a relationship should work, but without being condesending. Then there is a lot of info about things you might not of thought of. Want to know how to size a butt-plug? Read this book. Want to know how to get him off with your hand or mouth? Read this book.

It's not smutty or low-brow, lots of informative info with high-class (yet tasty) drawings for, um, illustration of key concepts shall we say. I take my hat off to the writers for this one.

Sure helped me :oD

Ride Free - Mk.

bold and witty, this hefty tome is a stellar discussion of what to do and how to do it for total mind/body fulfillment. the world would be a much happier place if "getting it on" was required reading in high school sex ed. (esp. with the handy diagrams for beginners and the uninformed.)

this guide unabashedly and responsibly emphasizes sexual stimulation, satisfaction, and safety -- with a healthy dose of clever humor thrown in. just peruse the glossary for a quick laugh.

would have expected some more information on same-gender sex and fetishes/fantasies -- but coming in at 700 pages already, i can see where those topics are for another book. if nothing else, "getting it on" is impetus and inspiration to initiate sexual communication for mutual enjoyment.

personally, while i've never considered myself a slacker in the sack, i bought this book with a new boyfriend -- to very satisfying results following a shared (and oft-interrupted) read on a snowy vermont sunday. highly suggest other readers employ the joy of pop quizzes, (still something to sweat over!).