The Goddess Orgasm by Eve Marx is an eclectic mix of sex advice and sexual practices from all over the world. Interspersed with historical, medical and psychological background information there are first person accounts of womens experience when applying Marx’ wisdom.

Reading this book feels like sitting around the table with friends talking about sex, sharing our experiences, and exchanging advice. Despite its casual and friendly feel, The Goddess Orgasm is well-researched. It covers everything from sexual positions to aphrodisiac foods to masturbation techniques, with a lot of forays off the beaten path.

The book is divided into six chapters: Preparing for Goddessex, Immersing Yourself in Sensuality, Loving Yourself, Adding Other People to Your Orgasmic Equation, The Big O, and The Zen of Goddess Orgasm. Each chapter contains subheadings like: Finding Your G-Spot, Pick a Position, Breathe Deep, Good Vibrations, Fantastic Fantasy, and Primping and Preparation.

Although most of the ground that it covers is typical for sex guides of this kind, and much of the advice presented is only news to beginners, The Goddess Orgasm manages to make the usual topics seem new and different by treating them in a more contemporary and interesting manner.

I would have enjoyed reading The Goddess Orgasm even more if it was illustrated. I can imagine some wonderful sources of images for this book including Indian sculpture, traditional womens' crafts, recording artists' cover art and other images from pop culture. The book isn't enriched by those images, and it's weaker for the omission.

Most of the practices presented in The Goddess Orgasm are conventional enough to be acceptable to most readers. There's nothing shocking or offensive here. It's just tried and true wisdom, organized conveniently, and viewed in a new light. Heteronormativity is assumed here, and there are no references to nonheterosexual activity.

Though I'm not a beginner I enjoyed reading The Goddess Orgasm, and learned a few new techniques too. Sometimes it's not the information itself but the way that it is presented that makes the difference. I've applied several of the tips already and will have no trouble incorporating more of the practices into my daily life.