Title: The Guide to Lesbian Sex Author: Jude Schell Publisher: Hylas Publishing Publish Date: 2005 Pages: 187 Genres:: Lesbian, How-To Guide, Non-Fiction, Self-Help, Sexual Health/Women, Women's Studies Reviewer: Layla Tichtchenko

Rating:

Upon opening Jude Schell’s The Guide to Lesbian Sex, you are greeted by a fresh-faced photo of a girl-next-door type with mostly photos shot in a grainy texture. These photos are somewhat reminiscent of an earlier time when sexuality was not so openly discussed. The introductory paragraphs that follow are laid out like a study in the animal wild kingdom observed from afar. Those beasts: humans; more specifically, women.

The first chapter begins by explaining that the attractions of a woman to another woman are mutually connected. Jude Schell further postulates that women are usually drawn to women like themselves, which was a bit unfounded. After all, look at lesbian couples where one of the women has a proclivity for dressing like a man. She does continue to recognize that as we change, so does what we are drawn to. And that ultimately those two things are an integral part of attraction.

The Guide to Lesbian Sex begins in a somewhat clinical manner but the dialogue soon escalates into a steamy glide into female sex. It begins to explore the ways of arousal, and there is an aside with a brief sexual encounter between two female lovers. The pictures are large, many, and varied. The chapters of Schell’s book are given simple one-word titles, such as “Flirt,” “Lick” and “Naughty.” They give only a hint of what is to come. They allow you to discover how the feminine desire works. The author is careful to point out the notion that for women, the attraction is mental as much as physical. Schell also introduces the concept of flirtations as not simply a means of seduction, but as a way for us to become better acquainted with the object of our attraction.

Although appreciative of the artistic nature of the primarily sepia-toned and black-and-white photography, I found the jumble of different photographic styles to be distracting and dull to look at. This book is filled with erotic suggestions for the adventurous lover. She points out that “maintaining a woman’s attention” is an integral part of keeping the passion of a relationship going.

Schell is able to describe erotic encounters and then return to the factual and insightful explanations of the chemical and mental aspects of sexuality. She approaches lesbian sexuality in a very refreshing and open manner. It was difficult not to be aroused by her sense of feminine sexuality. The only prerequisite for reading this book is an open mind. One should always approach any literary work with an open mind, but sexuality is an intricate and deeply personal journey which Schell elegantly illustrates not just with words, but also with photographs. And although I didn’t care much for the style of photography, it does do a good job of expressing the softness and strength that are intertwined in the female body and psyche. She shows us a perspective that, although only a feminine brain could produce, anyone should be able to appreciate.

Schell even touches on a subject that is taboo to so many: kinkiness. She offers a “Kinky 101” for lovers in chapters with titles like, “Kink” and “Nibble.” She tastefully and seductively displays lovers in many naughty positions. However, many of the positions shown may only appeal to a gymnast. There’s slight creative liberty and originality to the positions suggested.

In another chapter closer to the end where she has keeps the more advanced and juicy sexual play, she introduces the concept of splosh in a chapter of the same name. It is the act of adding food to your lovemaking. She suggests that you start the evening off with trip to the supermarket to acquire the things that one will be eating off the other.

Schell’s Guide to Lesbian Sex is a beacon of enlightenment for women who are repressed or simply unfamiliar with their bodies. I challenge anyone with a sex drive to sit down with this book and not come away excited or at least with a new perspective on female sexuality. I would recommend this book to all women and especially those who are unsure of their sexual preference or sexuality in general.