Incredibly exciting and seemingly difficult, strap-on sex|The Adventurous Couples Guide to Strap-On Sex can be a somewhat daunting sexual act to many folks, me included. Fairy Butch’sThe Ultimate Guide to Strap-On Sex|The Ultimate Guide to Strap-On Sex described itself as a book about everything you need to know about great strap-on sex written by the “resident dildo expert” at Good Vibrations. Fairy Butch’s silly tone helps set the reader at ease, and the anecdotes sprinkled throughout make the whole thing an interesting read. Though it did go off on a few tangents and included out of date information on some products, I found it to be a good resource for much regarding this particular sexual exploit.

The book begins with a chapter on debunking myths about strap-on sex. It also claims to be a guide for heterosexual folks and gay men as well as lesbians and other folks with whom strap-on sex is generally associated. Fairy Butch stays true to form in making it an accessible book for everyone.

She spends the next few chapters discussing the pros and cons of dildo materials and construction, harnesses, and lubricants. While most of the information she provides is relevant, at some points it seems like the book is trying to sell you a product. And while this book was published in 2000, there isn’t much information on products like the Nexus|Sex toys reviews: Nexus Sr. or Feeldoe|Sex toys reviews: Feeldoe stout—double ended dildos that can make strap-on sex more enjoyable for both partners but also much more complicated. The chapter on lube definitely felt the most like a catalog—I would have preferred a short discussion on the various materials within lubricant and how to read the ingredients list rather than a repetitive directory of lubes.

Chapters six through eight are the bulk of the matter of my concerns for strap-on sex—positions, how the penetrator can be stimulated, and tips for taking the show on the road by packing.

Chapter nine intricately details the process of clit pumping. While extremely interesting, FB does little to link clit pumping with strap-on sex and how the two can be used in conjunction. It was quite weird to have a chapter on something a whole other book could be devoted to stuck in the middle of a guide to strap-on sex.

The last few chapters discuss how male folks can get involved in strap-on sex, strap-on sex from an anal perspective, and communicating sexual needs with your partner. At the end there is also a detailed bibliography and list of resources for those looking for more information.

Overall, this is a good basic book for those looking to start strapping it on, as well as beginners who don’t feel comfortable with their strapping abilities yet.