BDSM 101

by Reverend Jen

From the mind that brought you the memoirs Elf Girl and Live Nude Elf comes BDSM 101 , a no-nonsense manual for those readers interested in learning about bondage and discipline; dominance and submission; and sadism, masochism, or sadomasochism.

For years, Rev. Jen has been coaching her readers on all sex-related matters through her articles in Penthouse and posts on Nerve , an online magazine. A self-proclaimed authority on the subject of sex (and specifically BDSM), Jen spent her early twenties working as a professional submissive at a swanky Manhattan dungeon before becoming a sex surrogate for a renowned therapist.

In BDSM 101 , Jen shares rare insight into this oftentimes misunderstood world. Practical instructions are given

Included are steamy, sometimes ridiculous anecdotes from Jen’s past, interviews with her wacky artist friends, and basic illustrations. According to the author, “This book is what would happen if Marquis de Sade, Andy Warhol, and Dorothy Parker got together and made a nymphomaniac Bride of Frankenstein.”

Useful, entertaining, and written with rare candor, BDSM 101 is a book that can offer spark to the fires of love in any relationship.

Genres: BDSM, Sexuality, Nonfiction, Reference

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2013

About the author

Reverend Jen got her B.F.A. in painting from the School of Visual Arts in NYC in 1990 and has since experienced no financial success whatsoever. She is a performer, painter, playwright, columnist, ASS Magazine founder, Troll Museum curator and Patron Saint of the Uncool. For 12 years she hosted the Anti-Slam, a weekly open mike on Manhattans Lower East Side. She has performed all over the world at venues that include PS122, the Soho Theater in London, and the Kunstverein in Munich."

Reviews

[Φωτεινή Κεσεδοπούλου · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's indeed an introductory book to BDSM. Well written, with humor, explains what BDSM is about, fetishes (quite enlightening, that part), techniques and really really reeeally highlights security and consent. It merely scratches the surface though. If you're now starting your journey, read it. If you're already well into BDSM, I'd suggest you skip it.

[whitney van vleet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as part of my preliminary literature pool for my dissertation research. I found it very informative, non-vanilla shaming, and consent-focused— which I feel is so important in a topic area such as BDSM. A great introduction to those researching human sexuality and/or those looking to experiment for themselves.

[Talls Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and informative, with anecdotes here and there to add color! Really just a primer on the essentials, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I already knew through internet osmosis. Loved the section about therapy, the regular references to the watchphrase safe sane and consensual, and the humor throughout. Good stuff!

[Lavi · Rating 3 out of 5]

very interesting!

[Erica Guzzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would feel comfortable handing this to a beginner

[Teddy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some unsafe advice here. Don't buy rope from Home Depot and use whatever knots you want, don't make your own gags, and definitely don't put ice cubes straight in your vagina.

[Lucy Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

really helpful, beginner friendly book. I got it when I was first joining the community, and it helped me to get a look at it in a more realistic way. I have been in the community for 11 years now and still quote some of the lines from this with my partner, and It helps me think of the situations from other perspectives. They do a wonderful job of talking about the important things, covering all the basics that you need to know to help you not get taken advantage of when you are just joining as a sub but I can also imagine it being helpful as a dom in hearing from other doms in a way you might not have otherwise. It's the book I always recommend to newbies as an easy read which lots of good info

[Todd Greenly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than most intro books

Covered more areas of bdrm than other intro books. It was a quick read. I'm disappointed in that there's is no bibliography or other reading suggestions.

[Lexy B · Rating 1 out of 5]

Definitely not good representation of BDSM

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good beginners guide. Easy to read and uncomplicated.

[Jessica Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Alot of information, stays focused on beginners which was helpful as advanced material would be useless. Great read all around.

[Mary Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overall primer that answers those pesky questions...😉

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolute garbage book
The information in here ranges to simply inaccurate to downright irresponsible

[Rev. Cody Barker, CRMT, CCH · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most useful of things mentioned were the safety tips. I also liked how it included little graphs as exercises for those who are getting started. Really loved the writing style and funny antics. This book is written from a “Professional Submissives” point of view and it is a great survey of all the stuff you might run into. Plenty of personal experiences to help illustrate and not a “downer”. Short, easy to read and a good primer before trying to tackle the subject with any real conviction.

I’m disappointed in that there’s is no bibliography or other reading suggestions. The book is to short and some of the topics covered need a lot more detail.

Would I buy this book again? Yes as this would be a good refresher on the basics of BDSM/kink. Would I recommend it to others? Yes but only to those that are truly new to the lifestyle.

[James Weakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Start to a Journey

Rev. Jen provides an excellent starter course in this book, which serves well as a novice instructional guide. Rev. Jen is honest about her limits, her experience, and the moments where she inlists the help of friends in forming the knowledge base in this guide. The current that runs through everything she includes is the notion of consent and safety. She is candid about all acts and situations in which she's been involved. She also discusses the risks associated with these behaviors. For the kinkster who doesn't yet know where to begin, BDSM 101 provides a great start on the road to deep relationships and fulfillment.

[Mr. Draconis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful introductory book on BDSM. I really love the fact that the author put herself in to the book by sharing her experiences. This book is also easy to read and understand which to a beginner is a bonus. The only thing I do wish this book did was go in to a little bit more detail and not just generally describe various things. All in all I would recommend this book to others interested in BDSM.

[Lisa Geddes · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a tounge in cheek look at one of the most well known types of kinky adult fun, a good read.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting read great intro. informative and humorous

[Jack Bruno · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was junk food, and fun for that reason. I didn't learn a thing, but it was a primer and pretty surface level at that. There was some weird ageism and fat phobia that wasn't cute. The conversational tone was fun though.

[Karen]

This is a book for any beginner or open minded curiosity. It allows a look inside a world often blindly judged. I'd suggest this book for any one with judgment to show the culture as it is.