Book Review: Sex Detox, by Ian Kerner, Ph.D.

I recieved this book almost a month ago from Gather to review, but upon reading it decided to go ahead and do the exercises as stated in the book. So here almost 30 days later (the book is designed to go for 30 days but I didn't really need that much time) I can now review it as it was intended to be read. 

The book is intended to be a "self help" for your sex life.  As I don't have a whole lot of hang ups it didn't take the full 30, but the author allows for this and even tells you to breeeze through sections a bit faster if they do not apply or you just do not need as much time on them.  Conversely it states you can spend MORE time on the sections you think you need to. 

The Detox is not just about going "without" for a full thirty days in an effort to recharge your sex life:  to once again feel that yearning you did in the begining of your relationship or for singles to regain that special feeling you had before you actually started haveing sex.  The yearing desire and feeling like your clothes might just burst into flame you were so hot for someone.  

It is also about detoxing your mind of all the preconcieved notions it has about sex.  The things that turn you off or tune you out and your exploration of the WHY'S of those.  The book takes you step by step and MAKES you THINK about the hows and whys of each of your preconcieved notions about sex.  From your up bringing to your first experiences how each helped to form your opionions about sex.

The book is divided into sections an intro in for eveyone, then a section for couples, and then for singles.  After each detox section there is the REJUVINATION section which I have to say is WAY more fun then the rest of the book.  The rejuvination is intended to help you relearn to touch, anticipate, and talk to your significant other.  This can be a very enjoyable experience.

What I liked about this book are all the case examples the author gives to explain what he is talking about.  I appreciated some of the explanations of  human nature of they why men did this or why women did that.  I found it interesting and helpful.

What I didn't like was the journaling and breathing exercises they made me feel like an idiot or that I had something to hide.  So after the first few days I did stop and I will admit to buring the pages that I did write.  I took all the little quizes on  paper and kept "score" as it were but I did stop journaling.  These things are in my head after all, so why do I need them on paper? 

All in all a good book if you are a couple who is struggling with any issues.  Although we do not have any issues, I thought it might be interesting and help me with a few of my "hangups" or maybe give our sex life a boost, but as my husband did NOT want to participate (our sex life is pretty good) it was not as helpful as it might have been for us. 

I must say if you are just mildly having problems this would be a good book but if you have any major issues do as the author suggest and get real professional help, a book is not going to  do it. 

The author expresses himself well and get his ideas across in a straightforward manner that forestalls any embarassment on the readers part. This writing style makes it easy to read. He explains himself and all the "big words" he uses, which also makes him easy to follow.  He has an easy manner which comes across in his writing and make him seem like an old friend to whom you can confide in.  I found the book well thought out and helpful.  I hope anyone else who reads it find it the same.