Customer Reviews

The New Topping Book

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This updated edition of the classic "The Topping Book" contains all of the great information of the original, plus some updated info about "SM on the Internet," the proliferation of SM groups across the country, and so forth.

I've always enjoyed the authors' writing style (very informal, friendly, and to the point) in other books they've written together and The New Topping Book is no exception. It provides lots of good information and thoughtful points. I've been into SM for over a decade, yet there were still items in this book I hadn't thought of or considered before reading it.

The authors speak of "ritual" in SM. Very good point and the longer I do this sort of thing, the more I agree with them on this point. In fact, they devote a whole chapter to "spiritual SM," describing ways to incorporate ritual into your scene. They also talk about "shadow play," ie ways to do scenes with major emotional risk, both ways to do them and how to end them safely, and what to do if something goes wrong.

In fact early on in the book, Janet and Dossie discuss what to do when something goes wrong, and how to handle this, whether it's during the scene, right after, or even a day or several days later. This also goes for after care, for even when a scene goes great, one or both participants may want or need this.

Among other topics mentioned? As in the original edition, chapters feature topics like "What Is It About Topping Anyway" (ie 'why the attraction to it'), Rights and Responsibilities of a Top, Learning to Play, Ethics, even where and how to meet others (always of importance).

The end of the book has a short "resource guide" of books, support groups, even a couple of online resources for the reader to learn more. It's nice to see an update for this classic. Excellent job you two!

This is a good basic introduction to the concept of "topping" others. It covers all of the essential principles of ethics (honesty, disclosure, anonymity/"out"-ness, respect for limits, and every other critical area of ethical play). It also goes into detail about all areas of BDSM safety, from the physical (i.e., "never leave a bound person alone," basic principles of safer sex, the importance of experience before heavy play, etc.) to emotional safety--thorough negotiation, safewords, limits & the importance of respecting them, "top-drop", and other issues that may emerge. I especially appreciated the scenarios and vignettes the authors used to describe a scene and its happenings, and then deconstructing the scene to show how they handled themselves. The book does a great job of making the reader feel comfortable as a member of the BDSM world--it is gentle on the newbies!
The only issue I have with this and virtually all other books on being a top or a dom is that I was hoping it would give me more ideas about what to "do." I have read many of the basic primers on the subject and feel ready to go to the next level of actually trying out some of the techniques I am interested in. There just aren't many books that outline potential scenes or techniques--and they are sorely needed!! Perhaps Ms. Easton and Ms. Hardy/Ms. Lizst/Lady Green could give us another book in the future...?!?! I would buy it immediately!

This Book is a really good primer for aspiring tops, and those interested in BDSM. More experienced Domme's may find it covers information they already have, but you never have too much knowledge.The material was presented with level headed-ness and humor.

my Husband and i got the new bottoming and the new Topping book, and love them both. They have a great point of view from the two ladies to both sides, and lots of places to go to for more advice. A definite must for people living BDSM.

As a lifestyle top I loved this book's realistic and very down-to-earth approach. If you're looking for an easy, informative, and very non-threatening book on the top side of BDSM, this is your book.

I highly recommend "The New Topping Book," especially to prospective, new, or novice tops who are trying to get a handle on their role, and for "vanilla" folks who are just curious. It isn't designed to be a how-to as far as tying knots or wielding a flogger, and the authors point that out in the introduction. Rather, it explores the philosophical, personal, and social aspects of topping: what are a tops rights and responsibilities, how do you explore fantasies with a partner, introducing BDSM into an existing relationship, what one gets out of topping, and so on.

The book also helps (again, especially for new people) to dispell myths about BDSM practice. Some experienced tops could do well to read this book as it offers some realistic and humbling reminders.

If you have the older editions of this book from Greenery Press, don't buy this one. Instead this, as the earlier versions were, is a book for folks in their first few years of exploring being a BDSM top or dominant. There are a total of 44 new informative pages as well as several new pages of real-life encounters to illustrate the joys and skill required of any good top. Some of the materials have been revised, reorganized and expanded upon. Two new chapters have been added as well. No, this isn't a how-to do specific activities sort of book but a how to think and approach relationships. There are a ton of how-to activities books and frankly much of that is best learned hands-on with a more experienced top. A great book for newbiea written by two women with decades of experience playing with both men and women in the top and bottom roles. I do miss the drawings by Fish however.

This book is detailed, well thought and well written. If you are at all interested in the lifestyle this book is a must have.

Ever since I had bought this book. A lot of things had come make sense where I am coming being topping but not like most general of others who like the different lifestyle and turn out there is not only one lifestyle same compare to others. It is interest reading and learn something that I have had never thought of myself such certain of structure that make me look at this in positive of view.

Some of this may seem like common sense, but it's a book you should read anyway. There are insights, especially between the lines.

If you only read one book to become familiar with the rewards and responsibilities of being a Top -- this is the book to read. With the companion volume, The New Bottoming Book, this team really explores the range of emotions and sensations exchanged between Tops and bottoms in play and long term relationships.

The book covers not only toys and techniques; more importantly, it covers the emotional and spiritual aspects of power exchange play, taken from the unique perspective only long-time players who "work both sides of the street" can bring. Their use of language is precise and exquisite, evoking memories or invoking fantasies with ease and grace.

Every Top should have a copy on the nightstand; every bottom should sneak a peak at the pages as well!