February 4, 2010

Books

The Big Book of Sex Toys: Get a Load of These Dildos

by Kelly O

I fucking hate Valentine's Day. It can be a real shitty day for single people. It's often pretty awful for couples, too—expectations crushed, fresh seeds of doubt planted. And who decided that people like teddy bears? Or roses? Instead of spending all that cash on so much pink and red disposable CRAP, why don't more people celebrate by buying, say, a nice new Njoy Fun Wand? Or maybe one of those new high-tech, MP3-playing OhMiBod vibrators? There's a lingering misconception that sex toys are for "losers" and/or people who can't get laid. In reality, sex toys are for WINNERS. Singles and couples. Even owning one good toy—evvv-reee-body wins.

But what to buy? There's a lot out there. Well, if there's anyone you can and should trust, it's Tristan Taormino. In The Big Book of Sex Toys, the author, sex educator, feminist, and adult-film director covers all the newest, hottest, top-of-the-line hardware—styles, prices, functions, and, most importantly, mini-tutorials and pictures to take the guesswork out of just exactly how to use something called a "Thumbelina" or a "Pfun Plug." The 248-page book covers tons and TONS of toys—bullets, bunnies, buzzing things, cock rings, dildos, strap-ons, flexi-beads, bondage on a budget, um... slippery things, slings, swings, and just about everything in between.

Taormino says in the intro, "Just as technology has revolutionized our everyday lives, I believe sex toys have the potential to transform our sex lives." I think what she means is, why have good sex when you could be having GREAT sex? Not at least thumbing through this book for new ideas is almost as stupid as buying someone a teddy bear this Valentine's Day. It's 2010, people. Viva la revolution!