Modern Sexuality: The Truth about Sex and Relationships

by Michael Aaron

Human sexuality today stands at the crossroads between biological diversity and social conformity, and a battle between the two rages in the media, in social institutions, and in our daily lives. As a sex therapist, Michael Aaron witnesses this struggle each and every day as it plays out on his therapy couch. Modern The Truth about Sex and Relationships examines how biology and society collide head-on in the realm of human sexuality. Here, Aaron carefully and convincingly debunks some of the most commonly held beliefs about sexuality – that it is learned and can be changed; that “abnormal” sexual behavior is pathological; that healthy sexuality involves intimacy; that intimacy is the same to everyone; and that sexuality must have a clearly defined purpose.

Using groundbreaking brain-imaging studies and cutting- edge psychological insights,Modern Sexuality presents the overwhelming case for sexual diversity including orientation, non-traditional relationships, and even specific fantasies and kinks. In a world where sexual “outsiders” battle for acceptance, this work helps to explore the variety of sexual expressions from a normative standpoint, helping readers to understand that their own desires and those of others can happily exist on the same continuum.

Genres: Psychology, Sexuality

224 pages, Hardcover

Published October 17, 2016

Reviews

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Latest peer reviewed scientific compendium on human sexual identity, orientation and behaviours coupled with Aaron's experience as a sex therapist. The book normalises the discussion and "de-pathologizes" less socially accepted preferences or behaviours between consenting adults. It also shares helpful exercises for those who are struggling with their preferences as it defends that "knowing oneself sexually and really experiencing it to its full vitality is one of our main gifts of living and being human". Michael Aaron seems to be an experienced therapist and I am curious to read what he writes next.

[Sara Halb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for lay-readers and clinicians. Very easy and quick read.

[Alex O'Donnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A primer. It goes over basic sexuality studies terms and theory in part 1. Part 2 deals primarily with overcoming sexual anxiety/shame and relationship problems. Part 2 is the better part, especially if you're looking to explore your sexual side.

[Anna]

Review forthcoming in Publisher's Weekly. This title offers a brief survey of current sexological research on sexual health and relationships, taking the opportunity to dispell contemporary myths about sexual wellbeing and offer steps toward freeing readers from sexual shame and unhappiness. The book will offer little new to those familiar with current research and, despite the author's clinical work with sexual minorities, is disappointingly hetero-centric. I'd recommend Emily Nagoski's Come as You Are or Rachel Hill's Sex Myth for similar yet more substantive reads.