For some time now, I have been looking for a good thorough introduction into the art of tantric sex. I have been listening to podcasts, searching blogs, reading websites, but I was just not able to find one place that could really tell me what tantra is, and how to do it. Finally, I decided it was time I read a book.

Honestly, I choose Urban Tantra|Urban Tantra; Sacred Sex for the Twenty-first Century because the cover is really sexy. I know you aren’t supposed to judge a book by its cover, but in this case, it was definitely the right choice.

Barbara Carrellas is an excellent writer, and the entire book was a pleasure to read. I was struck by how queer friendly her work is. She makes a point to talk only of male and female bodied people – not of males and females – and is sensitive to the myriad of different people who will be reading her book. In addition, there is simply a playfulness that comes out in the first sentence, and continues to shine through until the last that makes reading even the minutia fun.

Also, this book is incredibly informative and user friendly. The book breaks down what tantra is, where it comes from, how to practice tantra, and techniques on how to make your tantra practice your own/fit tantra into a very busy schedule. Basically I see three main sections of this book. One: an introduction explaining the basics of tantra. Two: how to practice tantra; a. by yourself, and b. with a partner. Three: taking tantra to the next level. This section includes how to throw a sex party, how to have group sex without fracturing your relationship, and various ways to have make “sex magic”. Sex magic includes advice on sex for stress relief, sex to cure lower back pain, sex to heal sexual wounds, etc.

All in all, this book exceeded my expectations, and I’m sure it will continue to be a heavily used resource for many years to come. I am looking forward to experimenting with tantric sex first by myself, and then sharing this with future partners. I think this book can speak to a very large audience, and everyone has something to learn from reading it.