Title: Em & Lo’s Sex Toy: An A-Z Guide to Bedside Accessories Author: Emma Taylor & Lorelei Sharkey a.k.a. Em & Lo Publisher: Chronicle Books Publish Date: 2006 Pages: 202 Genres:: Non-Fiction, Self-Help Reviewer: Layla Tichtchenko

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Where do sex toys come from? And do you need protection from them? No STDs and no pregnancy, right? Em & Lo answer these and many other questions in their book Sex Toy. Em & Lo (or Emma Taylor and Lorelei Sharkey) as they affectionately refer to themselves and each other, present a simple-to-read guide to the ins and outs (no pun intended) of the sex toy trade. They offer both personal and professional advice. Sex Toy is a dictionary of debauchery. There is information on everything, including why you should probably use a condom on some dildos even if you’re not sharing it with anyone. Plus, they give a casual and down-to-earth tone to the text. They seemingly strive to set standards in an industry in which (as they point out) there are none.

Small and discreet, with a blue and orange color motif, it can fit easily into a purse or small bag. Although books with removable covers can be a hassle, especially when the covers keep sliding off, this one has a plastic slip cover that combines with the paperback portion to make the cover title complete, even if “Sex Toy” is emblazoned on the front in bright orange letters. There is no table of contents, since the book is an A-Z guide, the contents are very obviously in alphabetical order by subject. The introduction a.k.a. “Toy Story” is a great glimpse into the minds that came up with such a book. Sex Toy is more than a book of definitions; it is a book of resources.

As you thumb through the pages, as most people will probably not read it from cover to cover, you see that Em & Lo have really done their homework and had a good time doing so too. They don’t just tell you what they think, but cite scientific research regarding toxicity of various toy materials. This info is imperatively necessary. There are still so many people unaware of the dangerous chemicals in these various “novelties.” Sex Toy goes steps further by suggesting companies that sell sex toys with standards. Em & Lo give you resources, such as books and websites to read more about safety practices regarding everything from anal stimulation to things that go in the vagina or things that should stay out of it.

There were few problems with this tantalizing tome of sexy treats. Their casual style and shortened lingo was at times a bit difficult to decipher. Perhaps it’s just a sign of the times and the apparent evolution of English. There is mention in the beginning of Sex Toy of two states who still ban the sale of sex toys and later there is mention of three. This was a bit unclear. But just to be on the safe side, don’t go to these states looking for erotic toys.

Sex Toy is a valuable source of info that even the most seasoned dominatrix or leather men can appreciate. This book is well worth its retail price and you will not only benefit from the knowledge within but you will want to pass it around to all your friends. But, just in case they don’t want to let it go once lent, you should probably give them a copy of their own. I highly recommend Sex Toy to everyone from the most vanilla to the most extreme reading from inside a gimp suit. People from all walks of life and all sexual predilections will walk away with tidbits of valuable information from Em & Lo’s Sex Toy.