In this book Zilbergeld takes a look at the places therapy and self transformation hold in our culture. He doesn't say that therapy is worthless (and in fact I seem to remember that he is a therapist himself with a significant reputation), but he does make a powerful case for his opinions that therapy and psychoanalysis are relentlessly overprescribed and oversold, both by practitioners and, surprisingly, by clients as well. He also marshals some impressive arguments in favor of his theory that practitioners and clients have a strong tendency to overestimate personal transformation attributed to therapy.

This is not a mindless attack on the crystal-worshiping therapy-and-self-actualization set. This is a very intelligent examination of how the various therapy disciplines have come to occupy the position that they do, and how their limitations have generally not been critically exposed before the public.

I consider this to be a very significant book, and I'm very disappointed to see that my opinion is apparently not very widely shared, given that the book is out of print.

This is a readable yet well referenced critique of modern psychiatry. The author's premise is that there is absolutely not one shred of scientific evidence to prove that psychiatry works. The alleged "cures" or helps are often natural processes at work -- especially in cyclic disorders -- or helps which could equally well be provided by friends, ministers, etc.

As a woman who is searching for the man of her dreams, I ran across this book, in a used bookstore, last week. I was stunned by how I have played into, and been held back by the 10 myths.

I was reading page 88 of this book, while sitting in a coffee shop, and even though the male sitting across the table from me was a stranger, I just had to ask him to read "The Letter From Your Penis" exercise. Luckily, he is a resident. We had a great conversation, which ended with his walking away, and into the bookstore, next door. This book affirmed my right to ask for and get what I want. I used this book to think back on past relationships, who I was, who he was, and what mattered then. Many of the exercises were easy for me to turn into being exercises about my own sexuality, my childhood programming, and what it means to be a great lover to the man of my dream. And, although I am not in a relationship right now, I am so grateful that reading this book, has enhanced what I will ask for, expect and get, in a man, long before either of us are off our feet.

This book is unmatched in its straightforwardness, casual tone, and careful mix of do-at-home exercises and author's ideas. It is more sociological than most other sex advice books as well, providing the necessary social context for men's sexualities. "It's Two Feet Long and Hard as Steel" is a great chapter.

Just when I thought MALE SEXUALITY could not get better, it did! This revised edition is a must have for both men and women who want to both learn more about their sexuality and enhance it. Bernie writes clearly, factually, compassionately, and without judgement. His book informs, gives permission, and is helpful in understanding what happens when things are not the way you'd like, sexually. He provides excersises that support insight, and information that allows growth. This book is a standard, and should be in anyone's library who is at all curious about their own sexuality and their sexual relationship. I recommend this book for both men and women. It promotes conversation and learning between partners, and provides accurate information.

Finally, a book that speaks with reasonableness and straightforwardness to men and women! This book offers suggestions and tools, in an insightful and respectful manner, for women and men to enhance not just their sexual lives but also their relationships with one another. I had lost faith in men's ability to think beyond the mechanics. Thank you for pursuing quality and not just quantity!