5 Books to Get You in the Mood

What are you going to bring to the bedroom this Valentine’s Day? May we suggest a book, or five? Whether you want to add a little excitement to your sex life, escape into a modern day Romeo and Juliet or discover the inspiration for some of culture’s most sensual poems, there’s something on our Valentine’s Day book list for you. There’s even an anti-Valentine’s day option for the more cynical of heart.

 

Partners In Passion: A Guide to Great Sex, Emotional Intimacy and Long-term Love by Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson

Drawing from their own personal and professional experience, married Tantric instructors Michaels and Johnson put readers on the path towards a long-term intimacy that is both exciting and satisfying. Full of how-to suggestions and exercises; interviews with couples from diverse backgrounds, relationship styles, and orientations who are enjoying “erotically vibrant partnerships;” and a section on creating and maintaining an active sex life at an advanced age, Partners in Passion contains a wealth of information that may surprise readers.

 

e.e. cummings: A Life by Susan Cheever

“i like my body when it is with your body. It is so quite new a thing.Muscles better and nerves more.”

The poet e. e. cummings has been called “a master;” “hideous;” and, while he was alive, a “daringly original poet with more vitality and more sheer uncompromising talent than any other living American writer.” In Susan Cheever’s illuminating biography we follow Cummings, who died in 1962 at the age of 68, as he becomes one of America’s preeminent 20th century poets; experimenting with form, punctuation, and syntax, and creating sexually conscious works that still thrill readers today.

 

The Case of the Love Commandos by Tarquin Hall

Young star-crossed lovers forced to hide their love because of their families — sound familiar? This contemporary Romeo and Juliet is set within India’s caste system. Tulsi is in love with Ram, but she’s from a high-caste family and he’s an “untouchable.” When Ram goes missing, Vish Puri, a 50-something Punjabi super sleuth is brought in to find him. The fourth in the India’s Most Private Investigator series is another engaging adventure that brings the cultural complexities of India to life.

 

Kissing: A Field Guide by Violet Blue

Violet Blue believes kissing is an art form and she wants to show you every trick for the ultimate lip lock — whether you’re back on the dating scene or want to “jump start that erotic spark” with your partner, there’s plenty of take-away here. Learn how to time a kiss flawlessly, how to deliver (and receive) a first kiss, and how to ask for kisses with body language. Time to pucker up!

 

Are Men Obsolete? by Hanna Rosin, Maureen Dowd, Caitlin Moran and Camille Paglia

Not the sentimental type? Does Valentine’s Day bring out your cantankerous side? Well, consider bringing up this argument when the romantic revelry gets too much to take. In this edition of the Munk Debates — Canada’s premier debate series — renowned author and editor Hanna Rosin and Pulitzer Prize–winning columnist Maureen Dowd square off against New York Times–bestselling author Caitlin Moran and academic trailblazer Camille Paglia to debate the future of men.