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It's Normal
Does size matter? Is masturbation harmful? What is the G-spot? Do men have a G-spot? Should you feel anxious and guilty about 'bad' thoughts? 'Relax! It's perfectly normal, ' says Dr Mahinder Watsa, India's foremost sexologist. In this book he addresses and explains all the issues and concerns that you might have about sex and sexuality. From understanding your body to teenage troubles, from the first night to safe sex, from infancy to sixty years and beyond, he gives advice and solutions for all these and more. Plus, with classic wit and humour, he deals with hundreds of queries from his readers across the country. It's Normal!, a comprehensive guide to sex, is an essential read.
280 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2015
52 people are currently reading
473 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 5, 2024
Thankfully, finally a sex education book by an Indian author that is somewhat good. I've been a fan of Dr.Watsa for quite a while, & when I discovered this book last year, I had to pick it up!
The book itself is divided into 2 sections, the first providing general sexual health information about a wide range of topics & the second section is full of questions he's answered as a columnist for the Mumbai Mirror over the years. He's blunt & witty, and the FAQ's would leave you mindblown!
The book is quite informative, but simultaneously cannot be used as the only source of receiving information. I would say it serves as more of a "myth busting" type of purpose.
It was a lot more feminist, and 'in with the times' than I expected. I wouldn't really call it progressive, but it's not regressive either. There are instances where being LGBT+ are not stated outwardly as not being a choice, even though he does not say that it is one either. This book was published before homosexuality was legalised in the country, so that may have played a role, but does not justify any statements for me. It also does not talk about other genders or many sexualities apart from bi or gay/lesbian.
I would still recommend this, because of the sheer variety of information it provides, probably though its not going to be as helpful for the LGBT+ community as it might be for heterosexual individuals.
The book itself is divided into 2 sections, the first providing general sexual health information about a wide range of topics & the second section is full of questions he's answered as a columnist for the Mumbai Mirror over the years. He's blunt & witty, and the FAQ's would leave you mindblown!
The book is quite informative, but simultaneously cannot be used as the only source of receiving information. I would say it serves as more of a "myth busting" type of purpose.
It was a lot more feminist, and 'in with the times' than I expected. I wouldn't really call it progressive, but it's not regressive either. There are instances where being LGBT+ are not stated outwardly as not being a choice, even though he does not say that it is one either. This book was published before homosexuality was legalised in the country, so that may have played a role, but does not justify any statements for me. It also does not talk about other genders or many sexualities apart from bi or gay/lesbian.
I would still recommend this, because of the sheer variety of information it provides, probably though its not going to be as helpful for the LGBT+ community as it might be for heterosexual individuals.
February 23, 2021
Hmmm... this book left me with mixed emotions. it was defo really good to read to the OG Indian sexpert Dr Watsa. It is no secret that he is super witty + I loved the importance he gave to foreplay, open and honest communication, respect and non-sexual affection as things that can make intercourse more enjoyable.
BUT a lot of his ideas seemed quite archaic.
For instance, he seemed really averse to premarital sex. Plus, he advised a trans individual against a sex change operation. He also stated that women have lower sexual libido and are less likely to have fetishises. This isn’t true. Women on average are just as sexual as men. They maybe socialised into hiding their desires or even oppressing and fearing them. Yet they are not biologically diff then men when it comes to wanting sex. Also, when talking about rape Dr Watsa defined it as a man having sex with a woman without her wishes. It is, however, known that men also get raped. Thus, defining the crime on the basis of gender takes away from such individuals’ trauma and the legal justice offered to them.
Overall, it is not a bad read and would defo recommend it if you want to get more sex Ed. But don’t let this be your only source. Get some books on the intersection of gender and sex to gain a more holistic view.
May I recommend:
Something I have read - Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life
Something I haven’t read but heard good things about: She Comes First, He Comes Next
BUT a lot of his ideas seemed quite archaic.
For instance, he seemed really averse to premarital sex. Plus, he advised a trans individual against a sex change operation. He also stated that women have lower sexual libido and are less likely to have fetishises. This isn’t true. Women on average are just as sexual as men. They maybe socialised into hiding their desires or even oppressing and fearing them. Yet they are not biologically diff then men when it comes to wanting sex. Also, when talking about rape Dr Watsa defined it as a man having sex with a woman without her wishes. It is, however, known that men also get raped. Thus, defining the crime on the basis of gender takes away from such individuals’ trauma and the legal justice offered to them.
Overall, it is not a bad read and would defo recommend it if you want to get more sex Ed. But don’t let this be your only source. Get some books on the intersection of gender and sex to gain a more holistic view.
May I recommend:
Something I have read - Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life
Something I haven’t read but heard good things about: She Comes First, He Comes Next
April 10, 2018
It wasn't hard and ended up being a quick, breezy affair. (That's what she said ! Ha !)
My rating might be a hit harsh given that I read the Emperor of All Maladies before this. If Watsa had the inclination or the talent, he could have made this into a masterpiece. Sex is probably one of the easiest and most universal things to talk about. Literature, Pop culture, movies, Juvenile jokes, double double-entendres, Feminism, history of sexuality.. It's all endlessly interesting; But let's focus on what the book has managed to accomplish.
The book is a much needed one particularly in conservative societies like India where there is no sex education and people's knowledge is based on what they have learnt from the internet, friends and in rare cases family. The book establishes the basics about sex, sexuality, safe sexual practices and tries to answer frequently asked questions. About half of the book focuses on questions previously sent in by readers. It's hard to maintain your interest after a while, as only a small section of the book and the questions would be relevant to you based on which phase of life you are in. (I don't want to know about slowing libido in the 5os and 60s. ) But what this book does is to try and establish the right attitude towards sex and sexuality. Looking at all the questions and topics addressed, you would feel that your issues, whatever they are, are for the most part normal. This is key, in a society where sex and sexuality are topics which are avoided and any strange behaviour is considered abnormal. Overall, it's a, dare I say, necessary read given the topics it touches on.
My rating might be a hit harsh given that I read the Emperor of All Maladies before this. If Watsa had the inclination or the talent, he could have made this into a masterpiece. Sex is probably one of the easiest and most universal things to talk about. Literature, Pop culture, movies, Juvenile jokes, double double-entendres, Feminism, history of sexuality.. It's all endlessly interesting; But let's focus on what the book has managed to accomplish.
The book is a much needed one particularly in conservative societies like India where there is no sex education and people's knowledge is based on what they have learnt from the internet, friends and in rare cases family. The book establishes the basics about sex, sexuality, safe sexual practices and tries to answer frequently asked questions. About half of the book focuses on questions previously sent in by readers. It's hard to maintain your interest after a while, as only a small section of the book and the questions would be relevant to you based on which phase of life you are in. (I don't want to know about slowing libido in the 5os and 60s. ) But what this book does is to try and establish the right attitude towards sex and sexuality. Looking at all the questions and topics addressed, you would feel that your issues, whatever they are, are for the most part normal. This is key, in a society where sex and sexuality are topics which are avoided and any strange behaviour is considered abnormal. Overall, it's a, dare I say, necessary read given the topics it touches on.
September 29, 2019
Simple language that clears misconceptions. Every Indian adult must read this. It is more than just about sex and how a less talked about topic is important for our overall well being.
I found the first few pages more interesting because Dr Watsa explains about sexual health in a very frank way. The Q&A format is also helpful but becomes a bit boring towards the end. It feels like reading the newspaper and not a book.
I wish you read it too!
I found the first few pages more interesting because Dr Watsa explains about sexual health in a very frank way. The Q&A format is also helpful but becomes a bit boring towards the end. It feels like reading the newspaper and not a book.
I wish you read it too!
March 17, 2019
Informative. Good book for a casual reading.
I felt that some questions were not answered properly i.e. without bias and purely medical answers. Best part of the book was the not at all judgmental tone of the doctor. The title of the book is very appropriate.
I felt that some questions were not answered properly i.e. without bias and purely medical answers. Best part of the book was the not at all judgmental tone of the doctor. The title of the book is very appropriate.
March 26, 2020
Best source of sex education for Indians
This book is probably all the knowledge you need before having a good health sex. Great source of sex ed.
This book is probably all the knowledge you need before having a good health sex. Great source of sex ed.
December 11, 2020
Its too good
September 10, 2021
I remembering hiding this book from everyone at home because sex is such a taboo in India! This book was informative, witty and hilarious. A must read for everyone!
October 20, 2015
It is about sex education! Faq's section are informative and definitely will laugh out loud for few queries and answers...
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews