Come as You Are

I. Introduction

Sex and relationship expert Dr. Emily Nagoski brings science into the bedroom with her 2015 bestseller, Come As You Are. Her aim is to explain what goes on in our brains and bodies when we experience sexual pleasure — or don’t, despite our best efforts. She believes that knowing why your body and brain respond to sex as they do enables you to make choices that will help make your sex life more pleasurable. She’s especially keen to debunk myths about cisgendered women’s sexualities — but adds that much of the book’s information should help people of all genders.

The book is especially appealing in its approachability. Nagoski clearly breaks down scientific theories, and she uses accessible metaphors to translate decades of research into terms even science novices can understand.

Her other mission is to reassure readers that while we are all fundamentally the same, our ideas about sex and even our bodies are also wonderfully diverse. Embracing your unique sexuality will open up new possibilities in your sex life and beyond, maximizing your personal potential for pleasure.

II. You Are Normal

III. Reading Between the Lines of Cultural Messages

IV. Accelerators and Brakes

V. Context Determines Your Sexual Response

VI. The Many Forms of Desire

VII. Controlling the Gears