Knowledge extends far beyond the classroom and intertwines with various fascinating interests. For those looking to dive into great nonfiction reads that are not a snooze-fest and are worthwhile, I recommend ten amazing reads regarding women’s health and the science of human sexuality:
# 1: Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life by Dr. Emily Nagoski
Nagoski’s writing is entertaining, accessible, and educational as she straightforwardly explains complex scientific ideas. She emphasizes the value of individuality in sexual interactions and acknowledges that there is no one strategy that works for all sex situations and romantic relationships. Nagoski encourages readers to embrace their individual desires and discover what is effective for them instead. She accomplishes this by introducing the concept of brakes and accelerators to help readers understand and manage their sexual desires. Nagoski defines brakes as factors that inhibit or reduce desire, whereas accelerators are factors that increase or enhance desire.
Overall, “Come as You Are” is an empowering and thought-provoking book that will challenge your assumptions and broaden your horizons. Whether you’re in a committed relationship or just starting to explore your sexuality, this book has something to offer everyone.
#2: A Curious History of Sex by Kate Lister
If you’re fascinated by the history of sex and sexuality, Kate Lister’s “A Curious History of Sex” is a must-read. She packs a wealth of information into this concise and well-researched book, keeping her writing engaging and exciting. Lister’s emphasis on the diversity of human sexual experience throughout history distinguishes “A Curious History of Sex” from other books. She discusses ancient cultures, the power of religion, the development of sexual identities, and technology’s role in shifting sexual norms.
Her book is thought-provoking and engaging overall, making it a good choice for anybody interested in the evolution of human sexuality. This book is well worth your time, regardless of whether you’re a history buff or just interested in the subject. Additionally, she hosts the Betwixt The Sheets podcast, which features material related to this book.
#3: Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex by Mary Roach
If you’re looking for a book that will get you hot and bothered (in a totally scientific way), this one is for you. Roach’s writing is a bit dense and requires some scientific knowledge to understand, but it is well worth the read. Roach covers a wide range of subjects, such as the history of sexual research, the physiology of arousal, and technology’s influence on modern sexual practices. She looks at the development of sexual science and the forerunners who helped us understand human sexuality. Roach tells the stories of various scientists and researchers, including Alfred Kinsey, William Masters, and Virginia Johnson, in a style that is both informative and enjoyable.
Roach has published several additional works that examine the confluence of science and the odd in addition to “Bonk.” “Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife” analyzes the scientific evidence (or lack thereof) for life after death, whereas “Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers” examines the different applications of cadavers in scientific research and medicine.
These works, like “Bonk,” are chock-full of interesting scientific details, amusing tales, and Roach’s particular brand of cleverness and comedy.
#4: The Pain Gap: How Sexism and Racism in Healthcare Kill Women by Anushay Hossain
This stirring and eye-opening book reveals the intersections between racism and sexism that result in considerable discrepancies in women’s access to healthcare. Hossain’s work is intensely personal and offers a distinctive viewpoint on this significant yet often disregarded problem. She stresses intersectionality by acknowledging that women do not form a single group. Black, Indigenous, and other women of colour experience things quite differently than white women.
This novel is a must-read for anyone interested in healthcare, feminism, and social justice. Examine the powerful and necessary message about the importance of equity and justice in the healthcare system and illuminate your understanding of healthcare with this read.
#5: Vibrator Nation: How Feminist Sex-Toy Stores Changed the Business of Pleasure by Lynn Comella
This fascinating read describes how feminist sex-toy stores transformed the American adult entertainment market and the significant figures and events that influenced the growth of these businesses from the 1960s to the present.
As Comella notes, “Feminists from the 1960s turned the male-dominant, adult sex-toy store industry, in the U.S., into a haven for women, queer, and anyone else who wanted to explore, learn, and discuss their sexual desires with like-minded people.” She emphasizes how these establishments have questioned conventional ideas of sexuality and offered a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for individuals to seek out their desires. Anyone interested in the development of feminism, sexual emancipation, or adult entertainment history must read this. This book is one you won’t regret reading, whether you’re a gender studies student, a historian, or simply an individual intrigued by the topic.
#6: The History of Sexuality: An Introduction by Michel Foucault
The foundational work of sexuality, gender, and power was substantially transformed by this novel’s innovative and fundamental work. Foucault presents a distinctive viewpoint on the development of sexuality throughout history and how social, cultural, and political factors have influenced it in his dense and complicated writing. Although this read is certainly more academic and speaks to high theory, it is a worthwhile novel that will broaden your understanding of our contemporary western sexual environments.
Something unique about this book is Dusenbury’s emphasis on the “bikini medicine” approach, which refers to doctors’ habit of focusing on women’s reproductive health while ignoring other essential parts of their overall health. For example, she cites research showing that men are more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia than women, even when they have the same symptoms. This strategy, according to Dusenbury, fosters detrimental gender stereotypes and contributes to the denial and misdiagnosis of women’s health issues.
Dusenbury does an amazing job of examining how science and medicine have historically disregarded or discounted women’s health concerns. She explores the history of these prejudices from history to the present, noting how they have survived and the actions being taken to overcome them. To learn more about what goes unheard of in the medical field, check this out.
Dr. Sarah Hill’s novel is a significant and relevant work that challenges our perception of contraception and its function of hormones in women’s health. Hill’s writing is captivating, insightful, and eye-opening, and she provides a new and nuanced viewpoint on this frequently misunderstood matter.
She aims to highlight the significance of educating women about birth control beyond what they are pushed to believe blindly, which makes her contentious viewpoints on the subject intriguing. She claims that many women are not provided with all the information they require to make educated decisions regarding their reproductive health, which has a detrimental effect on their holistic well-being.
University students, in particular, would benefit from reading this book, as they can be in a stage of their life where they are making reproductive health decisions but may not have all the knowledge they need. Hill empowers university students to make informed decisions about their reproductive health by delivering a detailed and nuanced grasp of the wide variety of birth control options, and the possible dangers and advantages of each.
As a whole, this is an essential read for anybody contemplating reproductive health considerations. Hill’s work is fascinating and informational, and her message is much needed in today’s environment. If you’re a university student, a healthcare practitioner, or perhaps someone interested in these subjects, make sure to pick up a copy at your local bookstore.
This wacky novel is a humorous and realistic look at sex and relationships.
Kerner’s straightforward writing style and his ability to make even the most uncomfortable subjects approachable and amusing really makes this read stand out. Kerner is consistently open, frank, and entertaining, whether he’s giving tips on handling a mediocre sex life or navigating the tricky seas of dating and relationships. Kerner is willing to approach even the most controversial and delicate subjects with comedy and elegance. He doesn’t hold back when talking about subjects like adultery, pornography, and the occasionally unpleasant mechanics of experimenting with different positions in the bedroom. And he succeeds in doing so in a way that is both enlightening and entertaining.
Essentially, even young university students who want to better their love life should read this. The world now definitely needs to know Kerner’s message; this book is definitely worth your time, whether you’re single, dating, or in a committed relationship.
#10: Becoming Cliterate: Why Orgasm Equality Matters—And How to Get It by Dr. Laurie Mintz
Many of the conventional beliefs regarding female sexuality and orgasm are questioned by Mintz. She presents an insightful viewpoint on the intricate and frequently misunderstood realm of female pleasure through a balance of experimental findings, personal tales, and useful advice.
The novel’s emphasis on valuing orgasm equality is fascinatingly handled in a fresh way. According to Mintz, pursuing orgasm equality is essential for creating happier and more fulfilling relationships while also challenging bedroom fairness. “Becoming Cliterate” assists readers in better advocating for their own enjoyment and needs by offering a detailed and nuanced view of female sexuality, and how it has been ambiguous and oppressed throughout time.
Mintz also stresses recognizing that sex extends beyond penetration, and that language influences our perception of pleasure. She claims that focusing on penetration as the defining feature of sex fosters detrimental gender stereotypes and the notion that women’s enjoyment is subordinate to men’s. Mintz demonstrates how utilizing inclusive terminology and broadening our idea of “sex” may contribute to a more equal and joyful experience for all parties. She describes, for example, how adding oral and physical stimulation into experiences may increase pleasure and closeness between couples. Mintz invites readers to think critically about how they approach pleasure and fight for their desires by rejecting restrictive views about sex.
The field of women’s health and sexuality broadly intersects with various topics and interests. Regardless of who you are, your background, or your interests, you will find an amazing read with one of these authors. Indigo, Book Outlet, or your local library are great places to start when hunting down these reads!