Celibate Sex: Musings on Being Loved, Single, Twisted, and Holy

by Abbie Smith

With transparency, Abbie Smith examines the raw emotions of always being the bridesmaid but never the bride. She delves into the heartache and confusion of being single when your heart longs for something else. By using a conversational style and her personal story, Abbie helps you acknowledge the feelings and reality of being single in today’s world, where sexuality is misconstrued and widely exploited.

Genres: Relationships, Religion

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 22, 2013

Reviews

[Abram Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read on sexuality and singleness in quite a while.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the writing to be a bit complicated at times. I got lost in the words very easily, but instead of trying to read over it until it made sense, I soldiered on just because I wanted to finish the book (I started it in June). Sometimes the author detached herself from the technical stuff and spoke as a single woman as opposed to a biblical theologian. I found her more relatable at these times, and not as condemned as when she was in biblio-speak mode. I was hoping for a more down to earth discussion (as Shelley Hitz, for example), but overall, the book brought up some interesting points and left me with stuff to think about.

[Jeff Bobin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up after hearing it as recommended reading at Jubilee last year. While writing this on sexuality the author was single and reflecting on what that meant to honor God and deal with normal sexual urges. She does a good job of giving a lot to think about that will challenge those that want to believe that whatever you want to do is OK.

I thought it was worth the read but could have gone deeper in a number of places.

[Leigh Kramer · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I agreed with a good deal of the content, the writing style was dry and not engaging, which is unfortunate because this is a topic that should be explored more widely. Smith and I differ on a few points (i.e. she appears to advocate for complementarianism), which colors the way she approaches celibacy and also why I felt there wasn't much new here. Still, for people who haven't read much on the topic, it might be a decent introduction.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not just for singles. I read the book to gain a better insight on being a single adult in today's culture. What I found was a book that challenged me, married for 37 years, in every aspect of my walk with God. I loved is book. And for all you singles, it isn't cheesy nor an "easy fix" book.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really resonated with a lot of the things I've been thinking about lately. It is very powerful, sincere, filled with truth and pain. Recommended for those who are single, and those who know single people.

[Daniel Brockhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book. It takes a little while for the book to get going, but if you are a Christian single or care to dive a bit into their plight, bear through the beginning. The middle and end are worth reading this author's thoughts.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good book. It discusses alot of things the church tends to avoid. Some days I loved this book and then I didn't like it. some chapters were boring and others kept me engaged. However, i gave it a four because the author was not fake. she used the Bible alot throughout.

[Chesna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Complementarian as the day is long, unfortunately.