I used this book along with many other books and scholarly articles to complete my doctoral examination. I found O'Donohue's book to be the best among those that I read. Each chapter contains unique and interesting information from some of the foremost researchers on sexual harassment.

It is difficult to find books about human sexuality which are both solidly scientific and easy to read. This one is both. Its contents follow a consistent pattern for each diagnostic entity and these stick as closely as possible to DSM-IV (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, American Psychiatric Association). Thus, each entity is introduced by descriptive considerations (diagnostic criteria, age of onset, etc.), epidemological factors (prevalence, incidence, risk), associated features, forensic issues, review of theories of etiology, and assessment of future directions.

The material covered is ample and includes most of the specific sexual deviances in the literature. Each chapter is followed by an extensive, recent bibliography. This is a text book and also a fine reference for people in mental health, law enforcement, and any profession involved with issues of human sexuality and it many ramifications.

It is not recommended for those who seek to indulge their prurient interests. A scholarly tone is maintained throughout the book, and it imparts its information in a straightforward and highly legible form. It does not attempt to obscure facts with unintelligible language.It navigates with a steady hand the treacherous waters that lie between prudery and prurience.

Brief summaries of many forms of sexual deviance, including history, epidemiology, theory, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of each. Excellent and extensive references follow each chapter. Fascinating and accesable to the general reader as well as professionals interested in reviewing alternative sexual practices.

Donohue dissects the machinations of the pre-eminent civil liberties organization from many perspectives -- family, churches, the private sector, criminals, the homeless -- and does an excellent job backing up his points with numerous sources. His argument is quite credible that, far from being concerned about the Bill of Rights for individuals, the ACLU delves head first into egalitarianism, embracing the creed of equal *group* rights that frequently contradict many of the Union's stated liberty values.

If the Union is so concerned about the Bill of Rights -- especially the 1st Amendment -- why doesn't it respect the rest of the Constitution's goals? For example, since the Bill of Rights was written as a guarantee of protection for the individual *from* government, how does the ACLU advocate that the 2nd Amendment is a *collective* right? Why does it consistently advocate governmental interference into the private sector at almost every turn in order to promote nebulous ideals? Donohue's exposing of the many 180 degree turns the Union has taken on various issues is a jaw-dropper.

I would have liked, perhaps, to have seen more of a balance as to what the ACLU has done *positively* w/regards to Donohue's selected topics. He basically cites only glossed-over generalities as to what the Union has done, usually in the opening paragraph of a chapter -- before diving right into the thrashing of his target. Sure, it's obvious what Mr. Donohue wants to do, but it would have read better, in my opinion, with more anecdotes from the other view.