Sophia C. reviewed on 7/22/2010 + 289 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 5

Even if you have no desire whatsoever to assume the title role, The Ethical Slut: A guide to infinite sexual possibilities is a valuable and informative read. 'Slut' is used here in a reclaimed sense, to mean someone "who has the courage to lead life according to the radical proposition that sex is nice and pleasure is good for you." Authors Dossie Easton and Catherine Liszt do an admirable job discussing the world view and possible lifestyle choices of an ethical slut, but their greatest accomplishment is describing some of the skills necessary for polyamorous living. These are essentially the interpersonal skills that anyone should develop: how to understand, cope with, and modulate one's own feelings (including jealousy and insecurity), listen, communicate one's needs and wants, reassure and give love to others. Dossie and Catherine write with sensitivity and humor, outlining general principles and tips rather than specific how-to's. They make it clear that sluthood involves a lot of hard work, emotional and logistic. Nonetheless, this book will open new doors, by asking you to examine and perhaps defend the attitudes behind your own choices in sexuality, showing what else is possible, and encouraging you to develop generally useful interpersonal skills. Especially recommended to those interested in gender studies, polyamory and the philosophy of sex, this book will be a worthy addition to anyone's to-be-read list.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details