Book Review: Come As You Are - Dr Emily Nagoski
There’s a reason why Emily Nagoski’s Come As You Are is a New York Times bestseller. This book beautifully explores the research behind a fulfilling and pleasurable sex life for women. The years of working and researching within the area of sexuality and relationships certainly shows in this book. Emily carefully critiques the gender norms and social scripts Western society has formed that ultimately limit women’s sexuality and empowerment, encouraging women to take back control of their desire and context so that pleasure is more easily accessible. Emily has a way of explaining concepts in an engaging and easily accessible way, making this book appealing to the masses. I often recommend this as a resource for clients who want to learn the basics of sexuality and sexual wellbeing. Although this book mostly discusses research pertaining to females, this book is a great read for all genders.
Emily beautifully explores topics such as anatomy, the Dual Control Model, the emotional and cultural contexts of sex, arousal, desire, orgasm, sex-positivity and confidence. With the core message of this book being that yes, you are normal, this book offers validation and reassurance to all those feeling “broken” or “abnormal”. I highly recommend reading or listening to this book and will often utilize worksheets available on Emily Nagoski’s website with clients. For example, the Sexy Contexts Worksheet is a great way of deciphering the context in which desire is accessible or not accessible. This can really help clients in understanding what their sexual excitors and inhibitors are, and can be used as a tool to communicate with partners. There is no book I recommend more than this one. Happy reading!
Purchase here:
https://www.amazon.com.au/Come-You-Are-Surprising-Transform/dp/1982165316
https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Come-As-You-Are-Revised-and-Updated-Audiobook/1797119265
https://www.dymocks.com.au/come-as-you-are-by-emily-nagoski-9781925228014
If you’re not a fan of reading, you can listen to the book on Audible or you can visit Emily’s podcast: Come As You Are on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts or Stitcher.