Gay author Jesse Bering PhD earns a starred PW review for Perv: The Sexual Deviant in All of Us
"In a book as informative as it is entertaining, Bering argues for the efficacy of science and logic over irrational morals when addressing sexual deviancy. Citing numerous studies and historical sources, Bering makes the claim that, deep down, we are all sexual deviants in one form or another—and that sexual deviancy is, in fact, not deviant at all... Laws and medical diagnoses controlling sexual activity should investigate whether the activities in question cause harm (though harm itself is subjective, and is therefore also a problematic way to assess behavior), rather than whether society is merely grossed out by them. This is clearly a personal topic for Bering, who is gay and, in fact, discusses his experiences of self-loathing and discrimination. . . a delightful, intelligent, and thought-provoking addition to the growing body of our sexual knowledge of self."
The book was a NYT Editors' Choice and highly praised by the Boston Globe, Kirkus, Booklist, Laurie Santos ("fascinating and surprising"), Dan Savage ("peerless"), Paul Bloom ("unusual and wonderful"), and The Scientist which said, "Against a colorful backdrop of science, history, and psychology, Bering calls on human society to stop judging people’s sexual preferences based on a personal belief about what’s normal or natural, instead asking what is harmful. [He] throws a bucket of ice-cold water on topics that often become overheated by the fires of morality, religion, and politics."
Comments