need book recomdendations

hello,

I need book recommendations. So here is the situation. When growing up my parents and I did not discuss anything having to do with human development/sexuality. Everything I learned about it came from sex ed at school. (which was sorely lacking). Now (at 27) I feel like I need to go back and learn that stuff that I missed when growing up. I was wondering if anyone had any book suggestions for that. I'm not looking for a book for teenagers (though if that is all there is out there I will take those too.) I'm not looking for a college text either. I want something that will tell me what is normal and expected. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Please don't laugh at me.

Thanks.

I've heard Our Bodies, Our Selves is a good resource. I've never looked at it myself, though. If you go to your library, they'll probably have a good selection you can look it so you don't have to buy any.

Good luck! And don't feel awkward about this I think it's a very good idea!

My mom actually got me the book 'Deal With It!" by Gurl.com when I was in highschool. The book is a little 'high school' attitude, but it's very imformative and deals with everything from friendship to sexual issues. I'd reccomend it.

I have "our bodies, our selves" and i think its a good beginning. there's also "succulent wild woman" by sark, which is a really good one about embracing and loving yourself and being confident in who you are as a woman...

Googley, do you have a close girlfriend you can talk to about personal stuff? I have one good friend that I can talk to about anything, and I mean ANYTHING. Books are great, but there is nothing like real world wisdom and advise.

I have a daughter just a year younger than you and I am (happily) amazed at the questions she feels she can ask me. She always says..."this might be TMI...BUT..." and asks me whatever it is. Heck, I'll be your "surrogate" Mom in that role if you want me to. PM me anytime.

While not a sex ed book, this will help you to realize some of the inner feelings and motivations. Women Who Run with the Wolves
by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Ph.D.
Ballantine Books, 1992

That's indeed a wonderful book.

Haha, you remind me of my mom. When I was about 14, I heard the term "BJ" in school (and it was said abbreviated, not the full words) and didn't know what it was...and I was embarrassed to ask any of my friends. I didn't have the internet then either. So I just went home and asked my mom and she told me in a very frank way, she didn't laugh or act surprised. I really wanted to know so I would seem "with it" at school. LOL way to go Mom!

Yes, SARK's books are great; she was sexually abused (I believe by her brother) as a young woman and deals with becoming herself in spite of that.

I have never heard of a book that would be quite like you are wishing for. I think there is no "normal" it just is what one feels good about for one's self. I know I didn't become sexually active until I was quite old and didn't marry until I was 39 but I knew I was "normal" in the sense that I was born with all the right physical "equipment" and desires that go with them, etc. :-) I think if I had your interests, I would read lots of good, young adult books about coming of age, etc.

It's okay googley, I also fill the same role as you and am not really sure how to "catch up". Could you ask yourself why you want to catch up and maybe that will help you find something? Do you just want to catch up because you feel you're 27 and "should" know. Or is it because you're ready for sex? Or is it just because you're curious?

I understand on not wanting a text book, or a teenage book. I feel like they lack important parts, like how to be intimate. They don't necessarily give you like a step by step, controlled process of the experience either. Well first this will happen and then you do this. I'm not sure those kind exist... because I'm not sure it's always uniform? Maybe? But I would also like a manual... because otherwise it makes me nervous to think about.

i'm 16. i dont really talk to my mom about this stuff either, but i'm sure friends can give you all the info you need/ want, possibly more random stuff you really don't want to know. Also, online you can find all sorts of thing. Google rocks.