Posted by red on June 10th, 2009 in Review

DK Publishing have been dears to me. They gave me my beloved position guide, and my only book of aquatic erotica. Over the past…few…months, I have been getting increasingly delinquent on my book reviews for them (due to lack of recreational reading) and as such I have a small pile of book to get through. So, here’s a bundle of Anne Hooper books. This is a good way to do this, because it allows me to point out which is the best of a wide selection of similar books. My selection from Anne Hooper’s most recent offerings is…

Sex Play, by Anne Hooper – Rating:

In A Nutshell: A fun and flirty guide to all the different sexual flavors above and beyond vanilla. The book is classy and entertaining – definitely hot as well, and worthy of a leisurely perusal with your partner on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

What’s Awesome? The photography is sexy, but that aside, this book is very innocent and a lot of fun. It presents a plethora of options for an explorer looking to experience. It starts with sexy dress up – encouraging everything from gender queering to cute outfits – before touching in on kinky games, tantric sex, exhibitionism and finally, sex toys.

What’s Not So Awesome? The cover is a bit of an assault of extremely large letters – but never judge a book by its cover, right? It grazes the surface of a lot of things, but lacks in depth discussion and does not give references for further reading.

Recommended For…? Any curious explorers wondering what’s out there beyond the norm, and how it could be sexy.

XXX Sex Tonight, by Anne Hooper – Rating:

In A Nutshell: A nice, through, succinct “guide” on how to please a man, if you’re a woman. Lots of good tips presented in a light and fun fashion.

What’s Awesome? Lots! Sexy photos, and a ton of great information on the basics of how to be a great lover. Hooper starts out with the ever important self confidence, then moves through creating sexy atmospheres and vibes, into the nitty gritty of techniques (including a big section on condom use) and finally to good massage techniques for afterplay. It’s thorough and fun.

What’s Not So Awesome? It kind of made me feel like I was reading a version of cosmopolitan magazine made for women in their late 20’s. “Please your man!” “Read his mind!” “Be a Stepford Wife!” While I did, overall, end up enjoying this book, but it rubbed me the wrong way from the get-go. Perhaps I’m just too jaded and/or old. I think overall it’s just as good a book as the “Sex Play”, above.

Recommended For…? Someone wanting a sexy little guide to being a great lover – a book that titillates while informing well in all areas.

Kama Sutra Sexual Positions For Him and For Her , by Anne Hooper – Rating:

In A Nutshell: A nice little pocket sized guide to good, wholesome and hearty sex positions. Like other books touting the Kama Sutra label, this one features beautiful people on plush cusions and rich fabrics in addition to excellent sex positions. This book, however, can be read from either side – one direction “for him” and the other “for her”.

What’s Awesome? The book is subdivided into positions inspired by famous erotic texts – one of which is the kama sutra.

What’s Not So Awesome? I’m not sure what makes a position “for him” or “for her”, and it’s not obvious from the assortment of positions. Which is fine, I suppose…

Recommended For…? Anyone wanting a standard position book. Although honestly, there are better books out there.

Great Sex Tips, by Anne Hooper – Rating:

In A Nutshell: A confusing and hard to navigate pocket guide that does contain good information.

What’s Awesome? The pictures are cool in a really gritty sort of way – not exactly sexy.

What’s Not So Awesome? It suggests using mashed papaya as a lube.

Recommended For…? Skip this one – “Sex Play” is a MUCH better book that contains all the same information.

Great Sex Games, by Anne Hooper – Rating:

In A Nutshell: A pocket guide straight out of a late 90’s music video.

What’s Awesome? There’s some good info in there, for sure…

What’s Not So Awesome? It’s SO retro. The pictures of the vibrators made me giggle like mad. This book, and “Great Sex Tips” are re-releases from 2000, and it shows.

Recommended For…? Skip this one - “XXX Sex Tonight” is a much better option that has the same info.