April’s Erotic Reading List
Books That Turn Me On and Teach Me Something
Why Erotic Reading Still Matters
Books have long been part of erotic awakening. Some arouse the body. Others expand the mind. The best ones do both. This month, I am sharing a curated reading list of titles that have inspired, informed, and empowered me. Some are sensual. Others are educational. All of them invite you to connect more deeply with your pleasure, your body, and your truth.
Whether you are curled up alone under the covers or reading aloud with a partner, these books are designed to nourish your erotic self.
Sex for One by Betty Dodson
This classic remains one of the most powerful sex education books ever written. Betty Dodson was a trailblazer in self-pleasure, consent, and sexual liberation.
Why I recommend it
This is not just a book about masturbation. It is a guide to autonomy, joy, and embodied self-respect. Dodson teaches that solo pleasure is not second-best. It is foundational.
Ideal for
Anyone looking to reconnect with their body on their own terms.
The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Women by Tristan Taormino
This book is a modern manual for anal exploration, written with clarity, compassion, and respect. It covers anatomy, preparation, communication, and technique without shame or assumption.
Why I recommend it
Tristan offers a balanced approach that honors safety, desire, and the emotional side of anal play. She makes space for all experience levels.
Favorite takeaway
Anal sex is about trust, not toughness.
The Anal Sex Position Guide by Dr. Patti Britton
This book is a visual resource that focuses on inclusive, body-aware positioning. It celebrates different body types, levels of flexibility, and personal comfort.
Why I recommend it
It provides practical advice in a non-intimidating format. It is a great book for couples to browse together and use as inspiration for playful exploration.
Best use
Open to a random page with your partner and try what you see.
Pucker Up: A Hands-On Guide to Ecstatic Sex by Tristan Taormino
This is another gem from Tristan that moves beyond technique into connection. It includes oral, manual, anal, and full-body approaches to touch, all grounded in respect and real-world wisdom.
Why I recommend it
It is radically inclusive and teaches presence in addition to skill. You will not just learn what to do. You will learn how to listen to your partner’s body and your own.
Recommended for
Anyone seeking more depth, pleasure, and play in their sex life.
The Truth About Female Ejaculation by Carol Queen and Eric Leven
This short but powerful booklet is a companion to Queen’s work in The Sacred Prostitute. It explores the anatomy, emotional resonance, and cultural context of female ejaculation.
Why I recommend it
It blends science and story, validating the full spectrum of experience. It also reclaims female ejaculation as a normal and profound form of expression.
Best takeaway
Being wet is not just physical. It is emotional, cultural, and often political.
The Erotic Mind by Jack Morin
This is a deeper psychological exploration of erotic fantasy, kink, and desire. Morin explains how turn-ons form, why taboo can be hot, and how eroticism reflects unmet needs or hidden truths.
Why I recommend it
It gave me language for the parts of desire that felt complicated. It also reframed fantasy as a site of healing, not shame.
Best for
Anyone interested in exploring the emotional and psychological side of sex and kink.
Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski
This is a must-read for every vulva-owner. Nagoski unpacks how desire works, how stress affects arousal, and why context matters more than we think.
Why I recommend it
It is trauma-informed, science-backed, and incredibly affirming. It helps you understand your body with compassion rather than judgment.
Best way to read it
Keep highlighters nearby. You will want to mark every page.
Bonus Pick: Erotic Stories for Soulful Lovers
This anthology was created by members of our own community. It includes erotic fiction written with heart, honesty, and imagination.
Why I recommend it
Real stories from real people hit differently. These tales are intimate, varied, and beautifully human.
Coming soon
We will be opening submissions again later this year. Your voice belongs in the erotic canon too.
Ideas for Reading with Pleasure
Erotic reading is not just about learning. It can be a sensual practice. Try any of the following to make your reading more embodied.
Read aloud to a partner
Highlight sections you want to try
Journal about what turns you on or surprises you
Touch yourself while reading to heighten sensation and intimacy
Pleasure does not only live in action. It also lives in imagination and reflection.
Nina Says
Books were my first sexual education. They helped me discover what I wanted, what I believed, and where I needed healing. Reading about sex is not just informative. It is rebellious. It is healing. And it is deeply joyful.
If a book turns you on and teaches you something, it is doing sacred work.