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Title details for Perv by Jesse Bering - Available

Perv

The Sexual Deviant in All of Us

by Jesse Bering
Jesse Bering
Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
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1 of 1 copy available


"As a sex writer, Jesse Bering is fearless—and peerless." —Dan Savage
"You are a sexual deviant. A pervert, through and through." We may not want to admit it, but as the award-winning columnist and psychologist Jesse Bering reveals in Perv, there is a spectrum of perversion along which we all sit. Whether it's voyeurism, exhibitionism, or your run-of-the-mill foot fetish, we all possess a suite of sexual tastes as unique as our fingerprints—and as secret as the rest of the skeletons we've hidden in our closets.
Combining cutting-edge studies and critiques of landmark research and conclusions drawn by Sigmund Freud, Alfred Kinsey, and the DSM-5, Bering pulls the curtain back on paraphilias, arguing that sexual deviance is commonplace. He explores the countless fetishists of the world, including people who wear a respectable suit during the day and handcuff a willing sexual partner at night. But he also takes us into the lives of "erotic outliers," such as a woman who falls madly in love with the Eiffel Tower; a pair of deeply affectionate identical twins; those with a particular penchant for statues; and others who are enamored of crevices not found on the human body.
Moving from science to politics, psychology, history, and his own reflections on growing up gay in America, Bering confronts hypocrisy, prejudice, and harm as they relate to sexuality on a global scale. Humanizing so-called deviants while at the same time asking serious questions about the differences between thought and action, he presents us with a challenge: to understand that our best hope of solving some of the most troubling problems of our age hinges entirely on the amoral study of sex.
As kinky as it is compassionate, illuminating, and engrossing, Perv is an irresistible and deeply personal book. "I can't promise you an orgasm at the end of our adventure," Bering writes, "but I can promise you a better understanding of why you get the ones you do."

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    October 8, 2013

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781427235268
      • File size: 199963 KB
      • Duration: 06:56:35

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Library Journal

      October 15, 2013

      Bering (Why Is the Penis Shaped Like That?) here turns sociological research on its head with this sophisticated, relentless, highly informative analysis of the ever-changing concept of "perversion" throughout human history. Chock-full of facts, statistics, and shocking test results, this is a fascinating look at the development of our "sexual blueprints," as well as a provocative exploration of how, and why, certain fetishes are deemed acceptable while others make us "perverts." Though the title clearly states that this is a work geared toward a mature audience, the content at times is truly graphic; this is definitely a book for those with open minds and strong stomachs who are willing to run the gamut of sexual fetishes, in detail. The abundance of Latin terminology and scientific language could prove a bit daunting to some, but the inclusion of humor and personal anecdotes maintains accessibility to a wider audience. Bering's familiarity with his text shines through his superb pacing and energetic narrative style. VERDICT Recommended for fans of Bering's previous works and those with an interest in sociology, particularly through a gender and sexuality lens.--Ashleigh Williams, Library Journal

      Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from July 29, 2013
      In a book as informative as it is entertaining, Bering (Why Is the Penis Shaped Like That?) argues for the efficacy of science and logic over irrational morals when addressing “sexual deviancy.” Citing numerous studies and historical sources, Bering makes the claim that, deep down, we are all sexual deviants in one form or another—and that sexual deviancy is, in fact, not deviant at all. From the beginning of human history, people have engaged in antiheteronormative behaviors, from bestiality to pedophilia. Furthermore, Bering shows how most sexual deviancy isn’t a choice, but rather is the result of a genetic predisposition over which the individual has no control. Laws and medical diagnoses controlling sexual activity should investigate whether the activities in question cause “harm” (though harm itself is subjective, and is therefore also a problematic way to assess behavior), rather than whether society is merely grossed out by them. This is clearly a personal topic for Bering, who is gay and, in fact, discusses his experiences of self-loathing and discrimination. Despite the occasional preachy paragraph, Bering’s latest is a delightful, intelligent, and thought-provoking addition to the growing body of our sexual knowledge of self. Agent: Peter Tallack, the Science Factory.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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