Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns: The Romance and Sexual Sorcery of Sadomasochism

Funny, entertaining and educational! Anyone curious about BDSM should read this first, to get an insight into the psychological mindset of its practitioners. Good diagrams of the body, showing where pressure points are and where NOT to smack your sub. From previous reviews, it seems like you either love this book or hate this book. I'm a member of the former--I loved it!

Basic BDSM 101, this book was handed to me when I first inquired about kink to a friend in the know. I'm so very very glad it was the first book I read. I recommend it to everyone as their first Lifestyle read; whether top, bottom, dom, sub, master, slave, switch, or undecided...or if you love someone who identifies by any of those labels. A little bit of everything from a couple who know, with an impressive appendix, this one will get you started on the right track, wherever you choose to travel down the rabbit hole.

I really enjoyed this book. It was funny, the material was easy to understand. It's very good for people who are beginning or are thinking about dipping their toes into the BDSM pool. It did take me several months to finish reading it, but that's only because I was also reading other books at the same time. I find that while helpful, a lot of the information is more for Dominants than for submissives. With that being said, it's very important for submissives to know what a good, responsible Dominant should know.
So yes, highly recommended.

This is an introduction to bondage and discipline for neophytes. As authors and practitioners, Miller and Devon provide the Dom/sub perspectives in an alternating light and serious discussion. In short, pithy paragraphs within 13 chapters, organization is progressive. The authors begin with a rudimentary explanation, overview and examination of the psychology of bondage and discipline, then a strong emphasis on finding and maintaining relationships, followed by several chapters on descriptions and admonitions on an extended variety of activities, "the eroticism of pain and humiliation," and a last chapter guide to "toys" and dungeons. Appendices provide information on support groups and organizations, Websites and stores, suggested show more periodicals and readings and a concluding statement on domestic violence from the National Leather Association. Access to the text is well supported by descriptive Table of Contents, a glossary and a very good index.

This title is on kinky sex only to the extent that such activities are included in b&d. And, how could it not be? But, it should not be approached as a book simply on sexual activities. Perhaps, a look at sensual activities is closer to the authors' intent.

Photos and drawings are tasteful, pertinent and located exactly where they are needed. The photographs are in black and white. Reproduction is good enough to get an idea "what it is" or "what's going on." Most of the time. At 8 1/2" x 11" the book is printed in clear and very readable type.

With the deep penetration of the Internet, much of what is included in the book can be found on the Web. To find it all in one place, so well presented and with a thoughtful balance might still be beyond the capacity of a BDSM Wikipedia. Miller and Devon might consider a 2nd edition. show less

It's a great intro to kink book for heterosexual people, ideally male doms or female subs. Not as great for those who don't fit into those groups, but still decent.

While a good introduction on the surface, this book is pretty basic and doesn't go into detail as much as I would like. There are many, many pictures, which for some may be a plus but for me just takes away from the informational parts.

Interesting introduction to the sport. ;)

(Perhaps a bit less informative than I might have liked.)