8 Must-Read Books to Elevate Your Sexual Culture

The most famous book about sex is undoubtedly the Kama Sutra. The title has become so iconic that you can now find various spin-offs like “Kama Sutra of Communication,” “Kama Sutra for Public Speakers,” and even “Kama Sutra for Book Lovers.” While these titles might suggest essential poses for reading, communicating, or public speaking, the classic Kama Sutra focuses more on the philosophy of love rather than just sexual positions. However, many publishers often reduce this philosophy to a mere illustrated guide on “How to Do It.” When readers see books with “Sex” in the title, they often expect another manual on sexual positions. However, the culture of sex is so vast and ancient that the science of sexology alone cannot cover its depths. Sex is a topic explored by history, biology, psychology, and literature. Each of these fields has produced masterpieces that can provide unexpected insights to elevate your sexual life to new heights.

1. “Sex in Human Loving” by Eric Berne

Eric Berne, the world’s most widely read psychotherapist, usually addresses general issues in human relationships. However, in this work, he dedicates an entire book to sex. Berne explores how individuals feel and behave when involved in sexual relationships. He pays significant attention to “sexual games,” which are not role-playing games but rather psychological scripts that people follow. Berne argues that we often act according to specific “programs” or “scripts” in our sexual interactions. Understanding and aligning these scripts with our partner’s can enrich our personal lives and strengthen our mental health.

2. “What Women Want” by Emily Nagoski

After the famous film with Mel Gibson, the world learned a lot about what women want. Now, there’s a chance to understand how they want it. Despite its playful title, the book is a serious exploration of female sexuality and the female body from biological and neuropsychological perspectives. Written in an accessible language, the book explains how to overcome psychological complexes related to sex and body image, and how to achieve happiness in one’s sexual life. The author also debunks many “scary” myths about sexual life and explains why there is no female Viagra.

3. “Sex at Dawn: The Prehistoric Origins of Modern Sexuality” by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jethá

This richly illustrated book explores the evolution of human sexuality from prehistoric times to the present day. The authors delve into philosophical questions linked to biological laws and invite readers to find answers together. While moral issues related to sex are complex and lack definitive answers, the authors examine each question from both male and female perspectives, encouraging readers to consider various viewpoints. This engaging read explores why sex is perceived the way it is in modern society.

4. “The History of Sexual Prohibitions and Prescriptions” by Oleg Ivik

If you want to understand a person, look at their friends. If you want to understand what’s most interesting about sex, explore what has been forbidden. Throughout history, various aspects of sexual life have captivated public attention. What is considered normal in one country might be seen as a terrible perversion in another. The book is not just a description of interesting prohibitions; it also offers a humorous take on particularly piquant moments, ensuring readers are neither bored nor embarrassed.

5. “Sex in Cinema and Literature” by Mikhail Beylkin

Mikhail Beylkin, head of the Center for Sexual Health in Chelyabinsk, has written his sixth book on sexology. This book is notable for its wide range of topics, primarily focusing on sexual deviations and unusual manifestations of sexuality in cinema and classic literature. It also explores how these phenomena can be reflected in the real world. To make the book more than just a collection of reflections, Beylkin includes a practical chapter on psychotherapeutic techniques to enhance one’s sexuality.

6. “Dr. Tatiana’s Sex Advice to All Creation” by Olivia Judson

Don’t be alarmed by the title; the “creatures” referred to are indeed animals and insects. The author studies their sexual behavior from a biological perspective, sharing strange and unusual facts and drawing parallels with human sexual psychology and behavior. The book is formatted as a series of letters from animals to a sexologist, describing their personal problems. While not all of these issues can be directly applied to human life, some similarities can offer a new perspective on our own sexual lives, helping us understand that some of our problems and behaviors are rooted in biology.

7. “Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex” by Mary Roach

Mary Roach, a liberated journalist known for her popular science books on taboo topics, aims to remove the stigma and secrecy surrounding sex. She argues that sex should be discussed openly and explores how physiology affects sex. Roach provides insights on how to make sexual life more vibrant and fulfilling by investing time and effort into it.

8. “The Joy of Sex: Love and Sex in Medieval Russia” by Yevgeny Moroz

While the USSR famously claimed that sex did not exist, medieval Russia had a rich sexual culture. Yevgeny Moroz’s historical research delves into ancient sources, including birch bark manuscripts and foreign accounts, to uncover the sexual culture and traditions of ancient Slavs. The book reveals that the sexual life of ancient Slavs, from which our erotic traditions stem, was diverse and uninhibited. The aura of mystery around sex emerged later, during the times of balls and court intrigues, while our more ancient ancestors saw sex as a natural part of life.