J Berman / L Berman: For women only, Paul Joannides: Guide to getting it on

Two excellent sex guides, quite different in tone and style, but each straightforward, affirming, sensible and - no matter how up with the play you think you are - startlingly informative.

For Women Only is specifically about women's sexual dysfunction, in the interest of women and their partners "enjoying more sexually satisfied lives". The authors, sisters, are co-directors of the Women's Sexual Health Clinic at Boston University Medical Centre.

Guide to Getting it on is far cheekier and very graphic, but nevertheless holistic and with an emphasis on relationships, respect and emotion that elevates the book far beyond technical manual status. The cartoon illustrations are too harsh and misrepresent the text which is unfailingly witty, fresh and eye-openingly inventive.

For women only: Little, Brown

$44.95

Guide to getting it on::Goofy Foot Press

$59.95