zenlara's review
5.0
Jack Morin builds on ideas by John Money and Robert Stoller to articulate a paradoxical and nuanced model for understanding erotic motivations. His concept of core erotic themes, the four cornerstones, and the core erotic equation all feel satisfying as a framework for analysis of erotic experiences. This book is essentially a review of themes pulled from his Sexual Excitement Survey, so you get to hear the impressions of a seasoned sex therapist on the fantasies and retold encounters of more than 300 survey participants. There's also ways to use this book as a workbook to identify your own core erotic themes. This can come in handy if you're looking for ways to enhance your erotic life. I personally just appreciated going deeper into sex therapy literature.
vasilas's review
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
It’s strange reading a book about sex from the 90s because so many things seem old-fashioned but it had some useful ideas, particularly the CET and the emotional aphrodisiacs. I also like the emphasis on development and growth and it’s treatment of childhood sexuality.
jennyjc's review
informative
slow-paced
4.0
I liked and appreciated the information in this book and learned a lot. It has a lot in common with Come As You Are, but brought plenty of different ideas as well. I do think you need to be pretty darn interested in the topic from a psychological perspective, because it’s a book that feels much longer than it is, and is at times quite dry. Still very much worth the read.
distractmepls's review
2.0
This book...is dry and clinical. If you want to know /about/ the erotic, it's a fine read, but frankly I think you'd do better to find and read good erotica.
roastmayo's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting perspectives to help me rethink how I approach sexuality. His equation about attraction and obstacles leading to excitement seems counterintuitive initially, but then it makes a lot of sense especially with "troublesome" attractions or behaviors that people can have. His CET idea also seemed helpful and closely tied to a dynamic tradition. I like the step-by-step approach he gave for working with attractions or behaviors that was sex-positive.
The vignettes from his research were interesting and sometimes confusing. I wished there was more than his qualitative take on it, but more empirical research about his main points.
The vignettes from his research were interesting and sometimes confusing. I wished there was more than his qualitative take on it, but more empirical research about his main points.
masi's review against another edition
5.0
I think this book is an essential read for all couples who want to be happier together and to understand themselves.
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