Customer Reviews

Women on Top

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Buyer beware: there is a LOT of sex with animals in this book, and you're never warned ahead of time: the dogs just come out of nowhere and the average reader gets caught. I felt very guilty when I loaned this book to someone without warning her first and she was not pleased. I mean, don't get me wrong, fantasize about whatever you want...but this is not something I enjoyed reading about. While I admire and respect the concept of this book, it is also marred by Nancy Friday's hamhanded psychoanalysis. I frequently disagree with her theories and find that the best way to read this is to skip all that and jump right into the women's fantasies, some of which are really amazing. While the writers don't stand as representative of women in general (is such a thing possible?), I think the overall scope of the book is such that anyone- whatever sexuality, gender-identity, race, religion, or class- will find something of interest here, be it for education or arousal...and that's what a good book in this field should be, as far as I'm concerned. Negatives aside, I'd like to see a lot more of this out there. If Nerve.com and other such sites would focus less on commerce and big name authors we might start to see a change in the way Americans view sex...but I digress. Take a look at this one, but don't get your hopes too high.

I first found this book in my Dad's bedroom when I was 15-years old. I am now 21 and I still think it's incredible. The only thing that has changed is my appreciation for it. I now know how rare it is to find such fearless and honest erotica that really turns me on. Some of the fantasies, notwithstanding, aren't for me.

This book is also therapeutic: A friend of mine was recently thinking of seeing a sex therapist. She did, but I also helped by giving her my copy. She hasn't given it back, so this will be my third, counting my Dad's which I read until I moved out.

"Women on Top" is a great reminder or proclaimer of the fact that sex is a natural part of our existence and our everyday lives, and should not be taken for granted.

I think everyone over age 15 (depending on individual maturation) should own this book and be given a sexual education that includes teaching the biology, anatomy, intellect and emotions of sex.

I've owned this book for years, and it hasn't left my beside in all that time. When I bought it, I was in my twenties, and it made me realize that fantasy lives were not restricted to men. And that my fantasies were normal--even (gasp) healthy! Did I learn that from Friday? Nope. I ignored her introductions, as I'm sure most of us did. I figure it out from the numerous women who wrote her and shared their intimate moments. Although our fantasies may differ, they reaffirm that we have every right to relish our own sexuality.

On a side note: the Editorial review really ticked me off. Why is it just fine for men to fantasize using "dirty" words but if we use them, we're no longer feminine? Who declares we must be "dainty" in order to be evolved? Just know when you buy this book that it's not the flowery language you'll find in your drug store romance novel. It's real (sometimes a little out there, but real nonetheless).

I'm not embarrassed to admit that Nancy Friday's books come very close to being a woman's equivalent to Penthouse. We love the words--the men love the pictures. (okay, so I'm not embarrassed unless my mother-in-law reads this) It's all healthy. Go Nancy!

I found this book on a shelf at a library over 10 years ago. It was a hardcover book and the artwork was rather nondescript. What I browsed through within though is seared into my conscience and really opened my eyes to the world of female lust thought. I admit, NOTHING has ever aroused me like some of the entries inside - even hardcore [...]. It's all about intent, motive, desire. Is it real? Is it sincere? You could put the most flat out gorgeous woman in front of me and she might not have anywhere near the erotic intensity of a woman who society might deem "less than perfect" looks-wise. It almost always is the look in her eye, or the pitch of her voice, something that conveys warmth, you know? More than anything, seeing and feeling a palpable HUNGER, an aching so deep it hurts for satisfaction. I found a lot of that energy in this book and it was DIVINE. I wish Ms. Friday would release another compilation of this material.

Wow! I just stumbled upon this book by accident and was totally amazed by it. I really liked hearing all the stories about first sexual experiences and first becoming aware of one's sexuality at early ages, and how this self- concept of sexuality develops. I found the interpretations by the author to be eye-opening especially the ones dealing with how mothers and society in general have totally different expectations and feelings regarding the sexuality of daughters vs. sons. I do feel there is a double standard and girls are suppossed to be "good" and not want sexual things done to them. Where boys do not have this pressure or expectation put upon them in the same way. This book gave me more freedom in expressing my sexuality with my husband and there are things I've always wanted to try, but felt like I "shouldn't". I feel so much more in touch with my sensuality and this book has made my already good sex life, really really great. I also like the distinction the author makes between fantasy and reality and how she points out that there are some things we love to fantasize about doing, but would not want to do in reality - and that's normal.

There are so many things that I have always fantasied about, but was brought up in a sexually suppressed environment and was taught that they were wrong. Nancy has become like a friend holding my hand telling me that I am normal and that it's okay! I feel like a sexual weight has been lifted off of my shoulders and I can now live my life guilt free! I will be grateful forever for what I have realized in the short time that it took me to finish your book. My husband has even noticed a positive change in our sex life, now that I'm not as insecure! Thanks again, Nancy!

This is an excellent book and I think every man out there should read it too!!! I am a woman and there are so many things I often thought, and fantasized about, but I was brought up to feel this was wrong and " unhealthy ". Wrong for whom? This book really has taken a lot of that weight off my shoulders, and I incommodiously sent 4 copies out to people who made me feel the need to be sexually suppressed. This book tells stories about first sexual experiences and first becoming aware of one's sexuality at early ages, and how this self- concept of sexuality develops. It even explores a bit on the double standard society seems to have on the expectations that differ between boys and girls when growing up. I think this is a very significant issue, and it does happen weather you want to believe it or not. This book truly opened my eyes and allowed me the freedom to express my own sexuality! This book is great!!!

I bought this book looking for some shamless erotic reading, and I must say, this is deffinently not what I was looking for. There are a good number of erotic-themed stories, but there is even more background info about the writers of each story, and then analysis by the author as to what each fantasy "means". The book does make for interesting reading, but is not great for erotic purposes. I am very glad I am liberated as a woman, but I don't need politics in my sheets.

This book has stayed by my bedside since it came out in hardcover. Most of the stories left me breathless and eager to read more. I strongly recommed this book to singles who need alittle 'fantasy' to help them through a lonely night or for couples to snuggle up and read together. Very educational for men who would like a deeper understanding of how women work.

If we can get beyond the fact that all of us guys get super turned-on by this and love to read these fantasies, then we can objectively take a look at this book.

What is interesting to note is that women down deep have the same drives, basically that men do. They may have been taught to repress them or express them differently, but we are sexual beings-all of us male and female. Nancy Friday does a great job of reminding us of that fact. Yes, some things you read here are shocking and maybe unsettling, but remember, she just took the information sent to her and compiled the book.

I found this book fascinating for many reasons.