Review: Recreational Sex by Patti Thomas

[JustAskJulie]

This was the first (and for many years the only) book I read on swinging. I read it when it first came out and ever since had remembered it having some great advice for newbies. I was a newbie myself when I read it.

I just read it again and overall my opinion has not changed I would still highly recommend this book. It has some great information and Patti has shared much of herself in this book in an often humorous way. There are interviews with other swingers as well as her own stories of how she got started in swinging, and even how she became the Editor of the largest swinger contact magazine around. This is not a long book and will probably take you less than an hour to read all the way through.

The magazine (Connection Magazine) is no longer around in magazine form and unfortunately much of what was included in the book back in 1997 is no longer current either. However, much of it is. Out of 15 chapters only 3 have become outdated over the years since the book was written. Chapter 10 on Conventions, Campouts and Trips starts out talking about the LSO convention (which unfortunately is no more), it also includes several other events that no longer exist. However, it has great information about going to conventions and such overall, so it's still worth a skim. Chapter 11: "How to Connect with other Swing Partners" is primarily devoted to contact magazines. And Chapter 14 is a listing of Swing Clubs and Organizations. Much like Chapter 10, much of it is outdated and many of the current clubs are not included in the list.

The other 12 chapters in this book are well worth reading; whether newbie or slightly experienced there are good points throughout. The Chapter on Single Men in the Lifestyle makes some excellent points and provides some great advice for the single men. Chapter 6: "Getting out of a Bad Situation" is a must read for anyone. And Chapter 7: "Various Types of Swing Parties" is a great primer on clubs, socials and house parties.

I had previously reviewed the book "Together Sex" by Ed & Dana Allen and said that I recommended it to those who were interested in throwing house parties. That recommendation still stands due to some of the great content on hosting a party. However, I would also recommend those same people read this book as well, especially chapter 8: "Erotic Ice Breaker Games for Parties". The chapter contains just what its title claims.

Overall, this is a great book and I recommend it to everyone. Just understand that there are a few chapters you'll probably end up just skimming through or skipping altogether.