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Секс – моя жизнь. Откровенная история суррогатного партнера
Это откровенная биография женщины с необычной профессией, которая стала известной благодаря фильму «Суррогат» с Хелен Хант и Джоном Хоксом в главных ролях, номинированному на «Оскар». Шерил Коэн Грин уже больше 40 лет работает суррогатным партнером, она помогает своим клиентам преодолевать сексуальные проблемы. Эту профессию многие могут сравнить с проституцией, но разница в том, что цель суррогатного партнера не сексуальная близость, а подготовка клиента к здоровым сексуальным отношениям.
445 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
12 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 9, 2013
A clever autobiography of sex partner surrogate, Cheryl Cohen-Greene, of whom 'The Sessions', starring Helen Hunt, is based upon. Cohen-Greene recounts some her memorable experiences as a surrogate, working with patients suffering from physiological & psychological ailments preventing them from enjoying a fulfilling sex life. She also paints a portrait of her upbringing and relationships which shaped her attitudes toward sex and ultimately led her to surrogacy. An enlightening read that is sure to educate and possibly challenge your views on sexuality.
May 4, 2013
I hadn’t seen the movie, “Sessions,” prior to reading this book. I was interested in learning more about Cheryl after reading some reviews and seeing an interview with Helen Hunt, who portrays Cheryl in the movie and was nominated for Best Actress for an Academy Award.
The chapters switch between Cheryl’s surrogate clients and her work with each individual, and her personal life, discussing her conservative upbringing, her nonconformist marriage, motherhood, and what lead to her choosing her career as a sex surrogate. Her story is unique and direct.
I found it very interesting that she had such a hypocritical, judgmental view of her first husband’s choices. And her acrimonious attitude toward her mother’s conservative views seemed self-righteous to me. There is a big contrast to her character. She’s both compassionate and self-righteous.
What I missed from her clinical work was how her patients’ spouses/partners were included/excluded from her work. Perhaps that was discussed with the referring practitioner prior to them seeing Cheryl, but she didn’t address that aspect.
The book is very different from the movie. If you’ve seen the movie, there’s a fascinating contrast between this book and the film.
The chapters switch between Cheryl’s surrogate clients and her work with each individual, and her personal life, discussing her conservative upbringing, her nonconformist marriage, motherhood, and what lead to her choosing her career as a sex surrogate. Her story is unique and direct.
I found it very interesting that she had such a hypocritical, judgmental view of her first husband’s choices. And her acrimonious attitude toward her mother’s conservative views seemed self-righteous to me. There is a big contrast to her character. She’s both compassionate and self-righteous.
What I missed from her clinical work was how her patients’ spouses/partners were included/excluded from her work. Perhaps that was discussed with the referring practitioner prior to them seeing Cheryl, but she didn’t address that aspect.
The book is very different from the movie. If you’ve seen the movie, there’s a fascinating contrast between this book and the film.
April 23, 2015
3.5 stars. I came across this book while I was walking around chapters and it was their featured biography and thought it sounded interesting. I had never heard of a surrogate partner before so I found it quite interesting. The books starts off with "I've had over 900 partners". And I was like whoa! But I found the book to be more of her life with her husband and her open marriage than the surrogate partner. It opened up with some discussion and her history into how she got into this work but then I think that it went into alot about the dynamics of her marriage and the relationship with her husband so it kind of lost a few ratings for me there. It seemed like she really only talked about a few different clients. I would have thought that with over 900 partners that there would have been a few more interesting stories in there. But overall I would still recommend as it was interesting read and a completely different "occupation" then the most of us I would think!
April 24, 2021
Cheryl T. Cohen Green‘a memoir, delves into her personal and profesional life as a sexual therapist, touching some of her patients’ cases, among them, that of American poet Mark O’Bryen, who became paralyzed from the neck down during his childhood due to polio.
Based on the therapies received from Cohen Greene, O’Bryen wrote the essay “On Seeing a Sex Surrogate”, which inspired the movie “The Sessions” (2012) for which @helenhunt was awarded the Oscar.
Cheryl T. Cohen Greene’s story is candid, amazing, but mostly, made me aware of the so many and wide facets compassion and true service have, some of which we would never even imagine.
This is a mind-opening, belief-sweeping, amazing read. Very recommended.
Based on the therapies received from Cohen Greene, O’Bryen wrote the essay “On Seeing a Sex Surrogate”, which inspired the movie “The Sessions” (2012) for which @helenhunt was awarded the Oscar.
Cheryl T. Cohen Greene’s story is candid, amazing, but mostly, made me aware of the so many and wide facets compassion and true service have, some of which we would never even imagine.
This is a mind-opening, belief-sweeping, amazing read. Very recommended.
April 24, 2015
I have another swell sex-positive book to tell you about today. Anyone who frequents http://www.drdicksexadvice.com/ will already be familiar with my dear friend and esteemed colleague, Cheryl Cohen Greene. If ya don’t believe me type her name into the search function in the sidebar and PRESTO!
Not only will you find the fabulous two-part SEX WISDOM podcast we did together, you will find a posting about the movie The Sessions. You’ve seen it right? It’s the award-winning film staring John Hawkes, Helen Hunt, and William H. Macy. It’s the story of a man in an iron lung who wishes to lose his virginity. He contacts a professional surrogate partner with the help of his therapist and priest. Ms. Hunt plays Cheryl, the surrogate partner in the movie
Cheryl also contributed a chapter on sex and intimacy concerns for sick, elder and dying people for my book, The Amateur’s Guide To Death And Dying.
With all that as a preface, I now offer you Cheryl’s own story: An Intimate Life: Sex, Love, and My Journey as a Surrogate Partner. The first thing I want to say is this book is it's not a clinical or technical tome. It is an easily accessible memoir. And that, to my mind, is what makes it so fascinating.
She writes in the Introduction:
"I started this work in 1973, and my journey to it spans our society’s sexual revolution and my own. I grew up in the ‘40s and ‘50s, a time when sex education was—to put it mildly— lacking. As I educated myself, I found that most of what I had been taught about sex was distorted or wrong. The lessons came from the playground, the church, and the media. My parents could barely talk about sex, much less inform me about it."
What follows is a candid and often funny look into the personal and professional life of a woman on the cutting edge of our culture’s movement toward sexual wellbeing.
Cheryl comes out of her conservative Catholic upbringing and her often tortured family dynamics with what one would expect—her own sexual awakenings as well as the conspiracy of ignorance and repression that wanted to stifle it. This is a common story, the story of so many of us.
"Starting when I was around ten, I masturbated and brought myself to orgasm nearly every night. … If my nights began with anxiety, my days began with guilt. I became convinced that every earache, every toothache, every injury was God punishing me. … I couldn’t escape his gaze or his wrath. Sometimes I imagined my guardian angel looked away in disgust as I touched myself and rocked back and forth in my bed."
The miracle here is that this troubled tween would blossom into the remarkable sexologist she is today.
Some of the chapters in her book describe one or another of her hands on therapeutic encounters as a surrogate partner, but equally important and compelling are the chapters that describe Cheryl’s own sexual struggles as she moved to adulthood and beyond. Cheryl’s acceptance of her own sexuality enables her to build a career out of helping others do the very same thing.
"Everyone has a right to satisfying, loving sex, and, in my experience, that most often flows from strong communication, self-respect, and a willingness to explore."
Despite the frank discussion of sexual topics within the book, there is no prurience or sensationalism. For the most part, Cheryl’s clients are regular people, mostly men, who have pretty ordinary problems—erection and/or ejaculation concerns, dating difficulties, as well as self-esteem, guilt and shame issues. Cheryl helps each of her clients with the efficiency and confidence of the world-class sex educator she is. Most of her interaction involves her supplying her clients with some much-needed information, dispelling myths, and giving them permission to experiment. As she says;
"I continue to be amazed at how solid education delivered without judgment can eradicate much of the guilt and shame that turns life in the bedroom into a struggle instead of a pleasure."
Her most famous client, Mark O'Brien, the 36-six-year-old man who had spent most of his life in an iron lung after contracting polio at age 6, was the author of How I Became a Human Being: A Disabled Man's Quest for Independence, in which he writes about his experience with Cheryl. This, of course, was adapted into a film, The Sessions, which I mentioned above. For her part, Cheryl delivers a most poignant remembrance of Mark early in her book.
"I explained Sensual Touch to Mark. Although he was paralyzed, he still had sensation all over his body, so he would feel my hands moving up and down. … I encouraged him to try and recognize four common reactions: feeling neutral, feeling nurtured, feeling sensual and feeling sexual."
An Intimate Life chronicles Cheryl’s life-long interest in human sexuality. Her life and sometimes-turbulent loves are on display, but in the most considerate fashion. She teaches by example. She’s even able to speak with great compassion of her time living with and through cancer.
"As I inch toward seventy, I appreciate more and more how much I have to be grateful for and how fortunate I’ve been. I was lucky to find a wonderful career and to be surrounded by so many smart, adventurous, caring people. My personal sexual revolution auspiciously paralleled our culture’s, and in many ways was made possible by it. I am eternally grateful to the pioneers, rebels, and dreamers who made our society a little safer for women who embrace their sexuality."
There is so much I loved about this book, but mostly it’s the humanity I found in abundance. Her enlightened soul shines brightly from every page. Her no nonsense approach to all things sexual is an inspiration. And her perseverance to bring surrogate partner therapy into the mainstream is laudable.
"…what separates surrogates from prostitutes is significant. When people have difficulties grasping [that], I turn to my beloved and late friend Steven Brown’s cooking analogy that I’ve so often relied on to help me through that question: Seeing a prostitute is like going to a restaurant. Seeing a surrogate is like going to culinary school."
Finally, An Intimate Life is the culmination of Cheryl’s life as a sex educator, her surrogate partner therapy practice being just part of that mission. I highly recommend you read this book. You will, I assure you, come away from it as I have, a better person—enriched, informed, as well as entertained.
Cheryl, thank you for being in my life and being such an abiding inspiration. Thank you too for this marvelous book; now you can be in the lives of so many others who need you so that you can inspire them along their way.
Not only will you find the fabulous two-part SEX WISDOM podcast we did together, you will find a posting about the movie The Sessions. You’ve seen it right? It’s the award-winning film staring John Hawkes, Helen Hunt, and William H. Macy. It’s the story of a man in an iron lung who wishes to lose his virginity. He contacts a professional surrogate partner with the help of his therapist and priest. Ms. Hunt plays Cheryl, the surrogate partner in the movie
Cheryl also contributed a chapter on sex and intimacy concerns for sick, elder and dying people for my book, The Amateur’s Guide To Death And Dying.
With all that as a preface, I now offer you Cheryl’s own story: An Intimate Life: Sex, Love, and My Journey as a Surrogate Partner. The first thing I want to say is this book is it's not a clinical or technical tome. It is an easily accessible memoir. And that, to my mind, is what makes it so fascinating.
She writes in the Introduction:
"I started this work in 1973, and my journey to it spans our society’s sexual revolution and my own. I grew up in the ‘40s and ‘50s, a time when sex education was—to put it mildly— lacking. As I educated myself, I found that most of what I had been taught about sex was distorted or wrong. The lessons came from the playground, the church, and the media. My parents could barely talk about sex, much less inform me about it."
What follows is a candid and often funny look into the personal and professional life of a woman on the cutting edge of our culture’s movement toward sexual wellbeing.
Cheryl comes out of her conservative Catholic upbringing and her often tortured family dynamics with what one would expect—her own sexual awakenings as well as the conspiracy of ignorance and repression that wanted to stifle it. This is a common story, the story of so many of us.
"Starting when I was around ten, I masturbated and brought myself to orgasm nearly every night. … If my nights began with anxiety, my days began with guilt. I became convinced that every earache, every toothache, every injury was God punishing me. … I couldn’t escape his gaze or his wrath. Sometimes I imagined my guardian angel looked away in disgust as I touched myself and rocked back and forth in my bed."
The miracle here is that this troubled tween would blossom into the remarkable sexologist she is today.
Some of the chapters in her book describe one or another of her hands on therapeutic encounters as a surrogate partner, but equally important and compelling are the chapters that describe Cheryl’s own sexual struggles as she moved to adulthood and beyond. Cheryl’s acceptance of her own sexuality enables her to build a career out of helping others do the very same thing.
"Everyone has a right to satisfying, loving sex, and, in my experience, that most often flows from strong communication, self-respect, and a willingness to explore."
Despite the frank discussion of sexual topics within the book, there is no prurience or sensationalism. For the most part, Cheryl’s clients are regular people, mostly men, who have pretty ordinary problems—erection and/or ejaculation concerns, dating difficulties, as well as self-esteem, guilt and shame issues. Cheryl helps each of her clients with the efficiency and confidence of the world-class sex educator she is. Most of her interaction involves her supplying her clients with some much-needed information, dispelling myths, and giving them permission to experiment. As she says;
"I continue to be amazed at how solid education delivered without judgment can eradicate much of the guilt and shame that turns life in the bedroom into a struggle instead of a pleasure."
Her most famous client, Mark O'Brien, the 36-six-year-old man who had spent most of his life in an iron lung after contracting polio at age 6, was the author of How I Became a Human Being: A Disabled Man's Quest for Independence, in which he writes about his experience with Cheryl. This, of course, was adapted into a film, The Sessions, which I mentioned above. For her part, Cheryl delivers a most poignant remembrance of Mark early in her book.
"I explained Sensual Touch to Mark. Although he was paralyzed, he still had sensation all over his body, so he would feel my hands moving up and down. … I encouraged him to try and recognize four common reactions: feeling neutral, feeling nurtured, feeling sensual and feeling sexual."
An Intimate Life chronicles Cheryl’s life-long interest in human sexuality. Her life and sometimes-turbulent loves are on display, but in the most considerate fashion. She teaches by example. She’s even able to speak with great compassion of her time living with and through cancer.
"As I inch toward seventy, I appreciate more and more how much I have to be grateful for and how fortunate I’ve been. I was lucky to find a wonderful career and to be surrounded by so many smart, adventurous, caring people. My personal sexual revolution auspiciously paralleled our culture’s, and in many ways was made possible by it. I am eternally grateful to the pioneers, rebels, and dreamers who made our society a little safer for women who embrace their sexuality."
There is so much I loved about this book, but mostly it’s the humanity I found in abundance. Her enlightened soul shines brightly from every page. Her no nonsense approach to all things sexual is an inspiration. And her perseverance to bring surrogate partner therapy into the mainstream is laudable.
"…what separates surrogates from prostitutes is significant. When people have difficulties grasping [that], I turn to my beloved and late friend Steven Brown’s cooking analogy that I’ve so often relied on to help me through that question: Seeing a prostitute is like going to a restaurant. Seeing a surrogate is like going to culinary school."
Finally, An Intimate Life is the culmination of Cheryl’s life as a sex educator, her surrogate partner therapy practice being just part of that mission. I highly recommend you read this book. You will, I assure you, come away from it as I have, a better person—enriched, informed, as well as entertained.
Cheryl, thank you for being in my life and being such an abiding inspiration. Thank you too for this marvelous book; now you can be in the lives of so many others who need you so that you can inspire them along their way.
July 22, 2025
Finished in the waiting room before my mandatory worker's comp toe check-up.
Really enjoyed this book! At first, I was much more interested in the chapters about Cheryl's work than her personal life. But, by the end, I was really invested in her life and who she is as a person.
I skimmed some other reviews and several people seemed to be freaked out by the descriptions of her surrogate sessions, but honestly I could have used more! The first part of the book where she describes her work with Mark was so moving and detailed and interesting.
I really appreciated her reflections at the end of the book about aging and sexuality. Specifically, how her work with disabled people taught her to adapt to her circumstances and find pleasure and connection in the body you have, not the body you/others think you should have or the body you used to have.
3.5
Really enjoyed this book! At first, I was much more interested in the chapters about Cheryl's work than her personal life. But, by the end, I was really invested in her life and who she is as a person.
I skimmed some other reviews and several people seemed to be freaked out by the descriptions of her surrogate sessions, but honestly I could have used more! The first part of the book where she describes her work with Mark was so moving and detailed and interesting.
I really appreciated her reflections at the end of the book about aging and sexuality. Specifically, how her work with disabled people taught her to adapt to her circumstances and find pleasure and connection in the body you have, not the body you/others think you should have or the body you used to have.
3.5
August 23, 2018
Представьте девушку с мощным либидо. Она умеет видеть сексуальность в любом человеке, независимо от его возраста и физического состояния. При этом у нее настолько большое сердце, что она полностью принимает людей, без оценок и осуждения. Какая работа стала бы для нее идеальной?
До книги Шерил Коэн Грин «Секс — моя жизнь» я ни разу не слышала о профессии «суррогатный партнер». Суррогатный партнер помогает человеку разобраться в своих сексуальных проблемах и научиться выстраивать модель здоровых отношений. Часть сеансов проходит в кабинете, другая часть — в спальне.
На этих сеансах человеку помогают лучше узнать свое тело и принять его, признать свои желания, убрать комплексы и страхи. Это чем-то похоже на работу с психотерапевтом. Но только здесь вы поговорили и… переходите к телесным практикам. С поддержкой, одобрением и деликатными советами.
История Шерил начинается шокирующей фразой: «У меня было 900 партнеров». Да, это книга 18+ с подробным описанием интимных практик, клиентов и их историй. Но все же, для меня это книга о доброте и смелости. Читая историю жизни Шерил, я не могу не восхищаться её силой и самоотверженностью.
Люблю выражение: «Суди о дереве по плодам его». Методы суррогатной терапии могут показаться странными. Но они избавляют от страхов, которые мучают годами. Они помогают людям стать счастливее и увереннее в одной из базовых жизненных сфер.
Для меня это одна из самых интересных и необычных книг года. Очень рекомендую тем, кому секс иногда встречается в жизни.
До книги Шерил Коэн Грин «Секс — моя жизнь» я ни разу не слышала о профессии «суррогатный партнер». Суррогатный партнер помогает человеку разобраться в своих сексуальных проблемах и научиться выстраивать модель здоровых отношений. Часть сеансов проходит в кабинете, другая часть — в спальне.
На этих сеансах человеку помогают лучше узнать свое тело и принять его, признать свои желания, убрать комплексы и страхи. Это чем-то похоже на работу с психотерапевтом. Но только здесь вы поговорили и… переходите к телесным практикам. С поддержкой, одобрением и деликатными советами.
История Шерил начинается шокирующей фразой: «У меня было 900 партнеров». Да, это книга 18+ с подробным описанием интимных практик, клиентов и их историй. Но все же, для меня это книга о доброте и смелости. Читая историю жизни Шерил, я не могу не восхищаться её силой и самоотверженностью.
Люблю выражение: «Суди о дереве по плодам его». Методы суррогатной терапии могут показаться странными. Но они избавляют от страхов, которые мучают годами. Они помогают людям стать счастливее и увереннее в одной из базовых жизненных сфер.
Для меня это одна из самых интересных и необычных книг года. Очень рекомендую тем, кому секс иногда встречается в жизни.
April 17, 2014
I guess I am one of the few who had never heard of the movie The Sessions prior to reading the book, well what can I say, I live under a rock.
I read the book out of a curiosity for the surrogate process. I have read brief technical descriptions of the role that surrogates play, but I was hoping to get a better understanding of surrogacy which the book delivered but only partially to my satisfaction. It is a memoir of her life with some surrogacy tossed in. For most people this book probably is the correct mix of surrogacy and her life. For me it was a dipping of ones toes in the waters of surrogacy. While her life was interesting, I was far more interested in the surrogacy. I think what I was after is Masters and Johnson delivered with her warmth, perspective, and human touch. I would have liked a deeper understanding of how the specific therapies and exercises would help with specific problems. I also would have liked to know how the field has grown or not since Masters and Johnson. But also realize that I have an interest in sexuality, a lay hobbyist, like some people are interested in astronomy.
I found it interesting that she felt arousal and could experience genuine orgasm with her clients. I would imagine that would be an essential ingredient in the surrogate process, and it has to require a special personality. There is a curious mix of professional detachment and emotional availability that I find fascinating. People in the therapeutic and counseling professions are always very careful to maintain professional objectivity and avoid transference. A surrogate is in the odd position of taking that out to the hairy edge. Obviously not every one can do this sort of thing. As to the question, is she a prostitute? Absolutely not.
I think there is very much a place for surrogacy in society. I think that it does need to be conducted under the auspices of a regulating professional body that would provide research, training, therapeutic standards, and certification to surrogates. The training and certification process should be difficult and expensive (like any other professional education) which would guarantee the integrity of the surrogate and surrogacy process and would serve to winnow out those would be practitioners with less than noble intentions. I also think that surrogacy should the limited and a prescribed therapy as she described in the book. That is, a visit to a surrogate should be prescribed by a sexual therapist (the talk therapist) much like a physical therapy is prescribed by a MD. The results of each session should be discussed and evaluated by both the surrogate and talk therapist What I am driving at, I don't believe that one should be able to find a surrogate on Craig's List. I don't say this in terms of moral judgement, but rather recognizing that someone that has a sexual problem or dysfunction needs professional help...not some quack seeking to make a fast buck or indeed a mere front for prostitution. I also believe that surrogacy should be a treatment of last resort. In my own thinking, I would much prefer that a problem be resolved with couples therapy where a talk therapist works with the couple with counseling and provides exercises to the couple and all physical intimacy is limited to that couple. Of course the main difficulty with couples therapy is that it requires a couple. With modern dating where a sexual relationship is often established early on, having a sexual inhibition or dysfunction could make the notion of dating terrifying and as such make the process of establishing a committed relationship extremely difficult. This in my mind is where surrogacy can play an important role by allowing an individual to gain experience or therapeutic aid in a safe and emotionally neutral atmosphere. That is the client knows the surrogate relationship is limited and does not fear the pain and loss of a break-up with a committed partner.
Regarding the book, I feel that she did an adequate job of describing surrogacy for most people's tastes. It first and foremost is a memoir of her life and while surrogacy is described, it is not the main emphasis of the book.
I read the Kindle edition, which at the time of the review is not listed at Goodreads.
I read the book out of a curiosity for the surrogate process. I have read brief technical descriptions of the role that surrogates play, but I was hoping to get a better understanding of surrogacy which the book delivered but only partially to my satisfaction. It is a memoir of her life with some surrogacy tossed in. For most people this book probably is the correct mix of surrogacy and her life. For me it was a dipping of ones toes in the waters of surrogacy. While her life was interesting, I was far more interested in the surrogacy. I think what I was after is Masters and Johnson delivered with her warmth, perspective, and human touch. I would have liked a deeper understanding of how the specific therapies and exercises would help with specific problems. I also would have liked to know how the field has grown or not since Masters and Johnson. But also realize that I have an interest in sexuality, a lay hobbyist, like some people are interested in astronomy.
I found it interesting that she felt arousal and could experience genuine orgasm with her clients. I would imagine that would be an essential ingredient in the surrogate process, and it has to require a special personality. There is a curious mix of professional detachment and emotional availability that I find fascinating. People in the therapeutic and counseling professions are always very careful to maintain professional objectivity and avoid transference. A surrogate is in the odd position of taking that out to the hairy edge. Obviously not every one can do this sort of thing. As to the question, is she a prostitute? Absolutely not.
I think there is very much a place for surrogacy in society. I think that it does need to be conducted under the auspices of a regulating professional body that would provide research, training, therapeutic standards, and certification to surrogates. The training and certification process should be difficult and expensive (like any other professional education) which would guarantee the integrity of the surrogate and surrogacy process and would serve to winnow out those would be practitioners with less than noble intentions. I also think that surrogacy should the limited and a prescribed therapy as she described in the book. That is, a visit to a surrogate should be prescribed by a sexual therapist (the talk therapist) much like a physical therapy is prescribed by a MD. The results of each session should be discussed and evaluated by both the surrogate and talk therapist What I am driving at, I don't believe that one should be able to find a surrogate on Craig's List. I don't say this in terms of moral judgement, but rather recognizing that someone that has a sexual problem or dysfunction needs professional help...not some quack seeking to make a fast buck or indeed a mere front for prostitution. I also believe that surrogacy should be a treatment of last resort. In my own thinking, I would much prefer that a problem be resolved with couples therapy where a talk therapist works with the couple with counseling and provides exercises to the couple and all physical intimacy is limited to that couple. Of course the main difficulty with couples therapy is that it requires a couple. With modern dating where a sexual relationship is often established early on, having a sexual inhibition or dysfunction could make the notion of dating terrifying and as such make the process of establishing a committed relationship extremely difficult. This in my mind is where surrogacy can play an important role by allowing an individual to gain experience or therapeutic aid in a safe and emotionally neutral atmosphere. That is the client knows the surrogate relationship is limited and does not fear the pain and loss of a break-up with a committed partner.
Regarding the book, I feel that she did an adequate job of describing surrogacy for most people's tastes. It first and foremost is a memoir of her life and while surrogacy is described, it is not the main emphasis of the book.
I read the Kindle edition, which at the time of the review is not listed at Goodreads.
May 13, 2013
Like many readers, I picked this book up after the movie "The Sessions" (which was based on the author's life) came out in theaters. The author, Cheryl T Cohen Greene, who has established herself as a successful sex-surrogate, has an easy way of relaying her story which makes this book pleasant to read. You can tell that she is at ease with herself, and has the gift of storytelling mastered as a form of communication, most likely due to her many years work as a sex-surrogate.
I didn't know what to expect when I started reading this book, but I'm glad I picked it up.
Throughout the book, she makes it very clear that her goal is to bring "light" or understanding to her profession, and really educate people about what it is she does, and why it's so important. The openness and ease in which she talks about sex and her life, are disarming. She talks about her work without any sensationalism-- which I really appreciated, and brings a new meaning to the often overused term "sex-positive".
Throughout the book she emphasizes that she believes we should embrace our sexuality and be comfortable with ourselves, rather than treat sexuality as a taboo topic or sin. She accomplishes this without sounding scandalous, preachy, or overbearing.
This is a fascinating memoir presented in a clear, educated, and positive manner by a strong woman who has devoted her life's work to this cause.
I didn't know what to expect when I started reading this book, but I'm glad I picked it up.
Throughout the book, she makes it very clear that her goal is to bring "light" or understanding to her profession, and really educate people about what it is she does, and why it's so important. The openness and ease in which she talks about sex and her life, are disarming. She talks about her work without any sensationalism-- which I really appreciated, and brings a new meaning to the often overused term "sex-positive".
Throughout the book she emphasizes that she believes we should embrace our sexuality and be comfortable with ourselves, rather than treat sexuality as a taboo topic or sin. She accomplishes this without sounding scandalous, preachy, or overbearing.
This is a fascinating memoir presented in a clear, educated, and positive manner by a strong woman who has devoted her life's work to this cause.
May 23, 2016
Interesting life of a surrogate that seems self-edited at times not detailed enough. How did she become a surrogate--was there procedure or protocol involved or proper training? Qualifications?
Readers not used to being exposed to non-traditional lifestyle (for lack of a better term) may find her sometimes candid approach regarding sex as well as her own life unsettling.
The book is half recollection of previous clients, of which surprises me there wouldn't be MORE unique cases like Mark's (the first case she opens up with in the beginning) than the hum-drum more "common" issues that most people have, as well as half auto-biography. The writing style is sometimes overly simplistic for me. For someone with such a fascinating life the presentation of the material felt too simplified.
I would be curious what a biography would say about her life written by her children. At times the relationship with one of her spouses seemed at best questionable and at worst destructive.
Glad I read it, I just wished the presentation of the material had been better.
Readers not used to being exposed to non-traditional lifestyle (for lack of a better term) may find her sometimes candid approach regarding sex as well as her own life unsettling.
The book is half recollection of previous clients, of which surprises me there wouldn't be MORE unique cases like Mark's (the first case she opens up with in the beginning) than the hum-drum more "common" issues that most people have, as well as half auto-biography. The writing style is sometimes overly simplistic for me. For someone with such a fascinating life the presentation of the material felt too simplified.
I would be curious what a biography would say about her life written by her children. At times the relationship with one of her spouses seemed at best questionable and at worst destructive.
Glad I read it, I just wished the presentation of the material had been better.
February 10, 2014
Found this memoir in the "staff recommendations" section at the library. Since I enjoyed the movie (The Sessions), I decided to give the book a try. Overall I liked it -- I would probably give it 3.5 stars. At first the chapters alternate between stories of Cohen Greene's work with clients and her own life history. I found the early chapters about her client work very graphic and hard to read. The later chapters about surrogate partnership are less detailed (since the reader is already familiar with various techniques and exercises). It was the memoir parts of the book that really spoke to me, however, Cohen Greene has had such an interesting life, and her experiences mirror some major cultural changes and events of the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. Overall, since I really like memoirs, I found it worth reading.
April 18, 2013
I read the book first then saw the movie "Sessions". The movie had comedic relief interjected with the fictional priest character. However, the true story is what is really compelling. Cheryl Cohen Greene really opened my eyes to everyone’s right to claim their own sexuality. It's unfortunate that there aren't more male surrogate partners for women. So many women have been victimized either directly or by society at large. They need the proper kind of nurturing to guide them through to a better sense of self-esteem and to open up their own right to enjoy their sensual nature.
February 2, 2013
I, like many, also read this book as soon as I finished watching "The Sessions." I thought that the movie was very touching and wanted to learn more about the real Mark O'Brien and Cheryl as well. Reading An Intimate Life was an eye opener and I was filled with compassion. The way she helped and worked with her clients was amazing, her personal story touching and filled with so much love and hardship. The best thing was that Cheryl always found a way to pull through with support from others and looking back to the lessons she taught to clients. I would definitely recommend this book!
July 7, 2015
Great book. I like the casual style without talking down to a loaded subject matter. The alternating chapters between Cohen Greene's personal life and professional life really highlighted the balance she has between the two. Also, liked that she some chapters were about clients that didn't work out that she didn't portray her professional as a fix all for every sexual issue. Highly recommend this book and if you don't want to read it the movie, The Sessions, is also based on Cohen Greene and recommend that as well.
February 23, 2016
Cohen Greene is a therapeutic sex surrogate and tells fascinating stories from her practice, always with compassion for her clients and a passion for sex education. She is the sex surrogate played by Helen Hunt in the terrific movie "The Sessions" and tells the story of that experience first.
I was a bit less interested in the chapters that dealt with her personal life, but she did a fair job of connecting elements of her personal life with topics from her practice.
I was a bit less interested in the chapters that dealt with her personal life, but she did a fair job of connecting elements of her personal life with topics from her practice.
December 5, 2012
After seeing the Indie Film, The Sessions, starring Helen Hunt as the surrogate partner, Cheryl Cohen-Green, I was blown away. I wanted to know more. I immediately bought this memoir and was not disappointed. It's an honest view into the reality that not everyone lives inside the box that is American society's mores. If you like memoirs and want your mind opened a little bit more, I recommend it.
February 11, 2013
This is the book the movie, "The Sessions" is based on. I saw the movie and then wanted to read the book, and the book was great. Turns out the movie's screenplay is the first part of the first chapter of the book. I guess the Hollywood producers didn't get very far into the book. No matter, the movie was great, and the book is even better.
February 21, 2013
Interesting account of the life and work of the real life surrogate partner who inspired the movie The Sessions. At times, shocking but also an eye-opening look into a world that I never knew existed. Even after reading the book, I still am not sure about my stance on this profession, but I enjoyed hearing about her journey and how she ended up doing what she does.
August 5, 2014
What a warm and human book, with no bullshit. Like having a heart to heart talk with a good friend. Helps you get a perspective on your life and your issues, especially body and sexuality issues. Cheryl is such an amazing, empathetic and wise person. What a rich life she had!
Highly recommended read
Highly recommended read
November 17, 2012
The subject matter was fascinating, but the writing felt too much like it was crafted to appeal to the broadest audience possible. I wish Cohen-Greene had dug deeper into the emotional conflict and complexity that seems to be inherent in her work.
December 31, 2012
I am surprised how much I learned about sex, anatomy, biology, and empathy from this book. It would be amazing if all conversations about sexuality could be so frank, honest, and comfortable.
Side note: this was much sexier than 50 Shades and the other "down there" ilk.
Side note: this was much sexier than 50 Shades and the other "down there" ilk.
December 10, 2016
A Fascinating Portrait of a Compassionate but Complex Person
Cheryl is honest and insightful and blunt. Her story could easily be sensationalized but her humanity and kindness shine thru. I would love to know her.
Cheryl is honest and insightful and blunt. Her story could easily be sensationalized but her humanity and kindness shine thru. I would love to know her.
February 19, 2017
Wow. What an amazing story of a beautiful person, in such an important, much-needed vocation. I have so much respect for Cheryl and all that she has done. The world needs more Cheryls, and I have a new hero. What a trailblazer. Big respect!
December 9, 2012
I bought this book after seeing "The Sessions" and was fascinated by Cheryl's work as a surrogate. Fantastic, honest memoir with a great insight into the work of sexual surrogates.
March 6, 2013
Didn't finish the book. Not my cup of tea.
January 8, 2013
Read this because I saw the movie that featured the real story of Cheryl and Mark, a man with polio. Very interesting read!
August 4, 2014
It was good, but predictable
March 4, 2013
Very compelling. Cohen Greene's journey is fascinating and the book is a great read from first page to last.
April 14, 2013
Eh. The story is much better from the perspective of Mark O'Brien. The rare book that is vastly overshadowed by its movie.
April 8, 2021
Interesting and revealing ideas about sexuality. May be a little too graphic for many of my friends.
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