15 Best Books About Sex That Are Worth the Read

In Becoming Cliterate, psychology professor and human sexuality expert Laurie Mintz, Ph.D., pulls together biology, sociology, linguistics, and sex therapy into a comprehensive, accessible, and helpful book about orgasm equality (and how to get it).

The legendary Esther Perel takes on a provocative and bold point of view in this book where she explores the interplay between domesticity and sexual desire. She poses certain questions like: Does good intimacy always mean good sex? It’ll truly make you think more about the way we define intimacy.

Emily Nagoski, Ph.D., has written books using ground-breaking research across disciplines to drive home the point that for women, the most important factor in creating and sustaining a solid sex life is all about how you feel about your sex life. Reviewers have dubbed it “A master class in the science of sex,” and we can see why.

Ian Kerner, Ph.D., explores how to please a woman in the oral department. This book is often described as a must-read for all looking for a more satisfying sex life.

Because not all books about sex need to be a guide to the best positions. New York Times bestselling author Peggy Orenstein writes about the sexual landscape that young women face and how they are going about dealing with it in an important book for people of all ages.

Laura Hiddinga’s book offers the ultimate guide to achieving your climax, whether that’s on your own or with a partner. The book comes complete with quickie tips, line drawings, and celebrity quotes for your entertainment.

Another book by Mintz, this set of stories shares both Mintz’s own experience (personal and professional) as well as those of other women, before offering a step-by-step guide to bring passion back into your life.

Aaron Spitz, M.D., served as an assistant clinical professor at UC Irvine's Department of Urology for 15 years, and in his book, guides you through everything from sexually transmitted infections to the science of blood flow for optimum penis health. It’s a must-read for anyone with the appendage or those that come in contact with them.

The title of this book alone is enough to warrant a read, and this best-seller has won awards for its ability to turn traditional sex therapy on its head. Stephen Snyder, M.D., taps into his 30 years as a sex therapist to help you keep sexual inspiration alive in a committed relationship.

Charles Silverstein, Ph.D., and Felice Picano co-authored this seminal piece on gay sex, which explores the ins and outs of gay life, love, and pleasure. Silverstein is the psychologist who helped lead the deletion of homosexuality as a mental disorder.

Acclaimed sex educator Barbara Carrellas combines erotic how-to and pleasure-centered spiritual wisdom in this in-depth guide to sex. Carrellas urges readers to practice Tantra for those “in search of the great cosmic orgasm.”

Pro-sex feminist Betty Dodson, Ph.D. authors this guide to fully enjoying the pleasures of self-love. This book addresses the taboo of masturbation and creates a straightforward guide that paints masturbation as a satisfying, vital form of sexual expression.

Intimacy expert and counselor Michaela Boehm details rituals and exercises in this book that demonstrate meaningful changes you can make to deepen your connection to yourself, your life, and your relationships.

Sex researcher Lori A. Brotto’s book offers an approach to improving desire, arousal, and satisfaction, regardless of the environment. New York Times best-selling author Ian Kerner calls it “a masterpiece and masterclass in female sexuality.”

The third edition of this classic book explores modern manifestations of love, intimacy, and identification, and includes interviews with poly millennials, tributes to polyamory pioneers, and offers tools for conflict resolution and instructions on how to improve interpersonal dynamics.