In the Garden of Desire: Women's Sexual Fantasies as a Gateway to Passion and Pleasure - Softcover

Maltz, Wendy; Boss, Suzie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0767901614 ISBN 13: 9780767901611

Publisher: Broadway, 1998

Synopsis

Delving into the uncharted territory of women's sexual imaginations, acclaimed sex expert Wendy Maltz and journalist Suzie Boss expand the boundaries of what we know about female desire and satisfaction.

Drawing on intimate interviews with women of all ages and lifestyles, Maltz and Boss take readers on a journey of passion, pleasure, and self-discovery as they:Describe the origins of women's sexual fantasies Identify the six most common fantasy roles--the Pretty Maiden, the Victim, the Wild Woman, the Dominatrix, the Beloved, and the Voyeur Illuminate the diverse functions of sexual fantasies from stimulating orgasm to improving one's self-image Help women discover their own fantasy style and change unwanted fantasies Offer advice on how and when to talk about one's fantasies with one's partner In this candid and inspiring book, women--and their lovers--will learn how to use the power of their imaginations to heighten sexual expression and self-awareness and achieve new levels of intimacy.

About this title

Review

Popular books on women's sexual fantasies tend to deliver soft core thrills and tips for a more fulfilling sex life, but disappoint readers hoping for outrageous abandon. Though well-crafted and often erotically charged, In the Garden of Desire is no exception, although it does offer insight into how fantasies evolve and how our sexuality is shaped by early experiences, whether pleasurable, disapproving, or abusive. It reminds us, too, that sex is, like humor, a matter of personal taste. Elaborate scenarios that electrify some of us--from sex-play with a true-hearted, sure-handed lover to nipple clamps--leave others shrugging.

Sex therapist Wendy Maltz and journalist Suzie Boss commendably avoid reducing fantasies to typically simplistic categories, noting that this strips them of the very plot build-up and sensuality that turn many women on. The authors are sanguine about disturbing or violent desires, merely commenting that "fantasies work best for us when they feel optional." To that end, they suggest ways to rewrite unpleasantly obsessive or personally oppressive scripts without completely extinguishing their fire. --Francesca Coltrera

From the Publisher

"Pleasurable, fascinating, and 'exciting' to read, In the Garden of Desire offers you new flowers for your internal garden and will help you feel wonderful about them."
--Susan Page, author of How One of You Can Bring the Two of You Together

"In the Garden of Desire teaches women to listen to our deepest longings, to honor our visions, and to recognize that our fantasies can be our guides and teachers on the path to wholeness. Read the book and you will find new ways of becoming a fulfilled and ecstatic lover."
--Margo Anand, author of The Art of Sexual Ecstasy

"At last, a wonderful and important book that reveals the full power of women's sexual imagination--to play, to excite, to haunt, to heal. I will recommend it widely."
--Gina Ogden, Ph.D., author of Women Who Love Sex

"In the Garden of Desire proves once again that women are a wonderful, sexy, strong, and vulnerable clan."
--JoAnn Loulan

About this edition

• Publisher: Broadway
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0767901614
• ISBN 13: 9780767901611
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304