Helpful Score: 1
This book was very disappointing. The title and description on the back cover implied that it would be entertaining or at least thought provoking, but it was surprisingly boring. In case you are tempted to read this book, I will now debunk each myth surrounding this book that you might believe before reading it:
"This book will provide a glimpse into a dark yet fascinating and secret world" - False! If you have seen any episodes of HBO's Real Sex television program then you already know the interests of the author's clients; it is unlikely you will learn anything new here.
"This book will be my guide to working off the grid as a dominatrix" - No! Though she does give some tips, they are pretty basic (shoes and costumes are important, etc.)
"This book will introduce me to a new sex-positive, strong female author, a la Susie Bright or Tristen Taormino" - Maybe - Shamburg has potential to be in that league of writers, but it is not realized in this book. I say this because the best essays are those that are not related to her work as a dominatrix; my favorite described complications caused by an IUD. In it she makes the case that women are subjected to birth control medications and devices with side effects which would not be considered acceptable in a product for the general population, or for non-family planning use. Her personal experience shows the physical and emotional consequences of one of these products.
Most of these essays were originally written for a New York Press column, so perhaps that is why they were less edgy than I had expected. Perhaps her next book will be better.
"This book will provide a glimpse into a dark yet fascinating and secret world" - False! If you have seen any episodes of HBO's Real Sex television program then you already know the interests of the author's clients; it is unlikely you will learn anything new here.
"This book will be my guide to working off the grid as a dominatrix" - No! Though she does give some tips, they are pretty basic (shoes and costumes are important, etc.)
"This book will introduce me to a new sex-positive, strong female author, a la Susie Bright or Tristen Taormino" - Maybe - Shamburg has potential to be in that league of writers, but it is not realized in this book. I say this because the best essays are those that are not related to her work as a dominatrix; my favorite described complications caused by an IUD. In it she makes the case that women are subjected to birth control medications and devices with side effects which would not be considered acceptable in a product for the general population, or for non-family planning use. Her personal experience shows the physical and emotional consequences of one of these products.
Most of these essays were originally written for a New York Press column, so perhaps that is why they were less edgy than I had expected. Perhaps her next book will be better.
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