Sensual Celibacy: The Sexy Woman's Guide to Using Abstinence for Recharging Your Spirit, Discovering Your Passions, Achieving Greater Intimacy in Your Next Relationship [Paperback]

Donna Marie Williams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 11, 1999

ABSTINENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW STRONGER

If you're single and in between relationships -- or just about to embark on a new one -- then you can't underestimate the importance of making the right choices when it comes to physical intimacy. When should it happen? If it's already a part of your relationship, is it meaningful to both of you? Is there a strong emotional foundation in place? Or did you jump right in -- and get hurt? And how can you preserve your self-respect the next time around?

Donna Marie Williams wrestled with these questions for years until she discovered the empowering nature of celibacy: abstaining from sex for a self-determined time while embracing new opportunities for self-discovery, personal growth, and heightened self-esteem. Now she shares her knowledge in a simple but effective 10-step program that will help you lead a happier, healthier, and even sexier life. Sensual Celibacy reveals:

* Why charting your relationship history can be a real eye opener

* How celibacy can help you focus on what you really want out of life

* Ways to stay true to your celibacy commitment, even if you're in a relationship

* When to end your celibacy, with intelligence, confidence, and joy

If you're ready to rethink your approach to relationships and reconnect with yourself, then let Sensual Celibacy guide you to a happier, healthier lifestyle.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Donna Marie Williams, author of Sensual Celibacy, discusses the realms of self-discovery in abstinence." -- Black Elegance, February 1999

"If I were to copy Oprah and have a book club, I'd have to feature Sensual Celibacy." -- Arkansas Democrat Gazette, July 4, 1999

"Recommended reading for anyone who is considering putting away the black satin sheets ... for a period of erotic introspection." -- Salon.com, August 14, 1999

"Sexless and Satisfied." -- Essence, July 1999

About the Author

Donna Marie Williams is the author of Black-Eyed Peas for the Soul (Fireside) and Sister Feelgood: 365 Days of Health and Fitness for Our Bodies and Our Souls (Crown). She lives near Chicago.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Touchstone; Original edition (March 11, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684833514
• ISBN-13: 978-0684833514
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #677,762 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

My blog, The Celebrity Editor (http://thecelebrityeditor.blogspot.com/), is for writing entrepreneurs (mostly self-published authors) who must produce content for their businesses and causes. I provide motivation and ideas on marketing, self-promotion, writing/editing, and self-publishing. I also provide writing, editing, and production management services. I've written self-help and inspirational books, including Sensual Celibacy (Simon & Schuster), Sister Feelgood (Crown), and Black-Eyed Peas for the Soul (Simon & Schuster).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tells truths that need telling, February 15, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sensual Celibacy: The Sexy Woman's Guide to Using Abstinence for Recharging Your Spirit, Discovering Your Passions, Achieving Greater Intimacy in Your Next Relationship (Paperback)

This book seemed like a godsend when I found it just after my most recent breakup -- Williams exactly described the feelings I was having. Working through the book has been a roller coaster ride for me, making me face painful truths about myself and my relationship history but bringing me welcome clarity on some points. I especially appreciate the truth that Williams tells about what it does to a woman's soul to have sex with a man who's not committed to her. I was fuzzy on this concept and lied to myself to keep ahold of exciting sex but never again will I have sex without insisting on a safe context.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars True Intimacy, February 17, 2000

By 

MotherLodeBeth "MotherLodeBeth" (Sierras of California) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Sensual Celibacy: The Sexy Woman's Guide to Using Abstinence for Recharging Your Spirit, Discovering Your Passions, Achieving Greater Intimacy in Your Next Relationship (Paperback)

I just finished re-reading the book for the umpteenth time and have recommended it to a Celibacy discussion board I belong to. Celibacy as the author discusses does not mean "dead" to life and all it's riches. Ms Williams actually shows that celibacy can bring a person to a greater level of love and understanding and self respect. And I think she is a hero for having the guts to discuss in an open and honest fashion how sex in today's society often leaves a void and a hunger for true intimacy that can only be found when we know love and respect ourselves. This is not an anti sex book. It isn't a book that points fingers. But if you feel like an odd ball because you have chosen to be celibate for any reason you will find a friend in the author. I am going to give copies of the book to women friends, who are celibate due to a spouse being disabled or because they simple want to know themselves better before succumbing to the next guy that comes along. And each time I re-read the book I get more from it. Many of those I know who are celibate have come to realize that they want more from sex. Some have bigger life goals and have no desire to get involved with someone and thus become intimate. Some believe they simply need to concentrate on their college work or profession and that later on when they are emotionally and otherwise ready to get involved that they will. I admit most of these friends are female but I do know some males as well who are celibate and all are very attractive men and successful so it isn't as if they are losers who couldn't get a date anyway.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative,Helpful, and Enlightening, December 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Sensual Celibacy: The Sexy Woman's Guide to Using Abstinence for Recharging Your Spirit, Discovering Your Passions, Achieving Greater Intimacy in Your Next Relationship (Paperback)

I bought this book a few months ago, and I have found it to be a very good read. Since then, I have recommended it to friends of mine. It is very in-depth as to embracing a celibate lifestyle,your feelings towards it, how to have relationships and still be celibate and more. I really enjoyed it....