Author:Jesse Bering
In this eye-opening book, psychologist Jesse Bering argues that we are all sexual deviants on one level or another. He introduces us to the young woman who falls madly in love with the Eiffel Tower, a young man addicted to seductive sneezes, and a pair of deeply affectionate identical twins, among others. He challenges us to move beyond our attitudes towards ‘deviant’ sex and consider the alternative: what would happen if we rise above our fears and revulsions and accept our true natures?
With his signature wit and irreverent style, Bering pulls back the curtains on the history of perversions, the biological reasons behind our distaste for unusual sexual proclivities and the latest research on desire. Armed with reason, science and an insatiable appetite for knowledge, he humanises deviants while asking some provocative questions about the nature of hypocrisy, prejudice and when sexual desire can lead to harm.
A groundbreaking look at our complex relationship with our carnal urges and the ways in which we disguise, deny and shame the sexual deviant in all of us, Perv brings hidden desires into the spotlight.
An entertaining catalogue of the erotic carnival and a plea for tolerance
—— Bryan Appleyard , The Sunday TimesAs mind-boggling as it is informative
—— Independent on SundayIt's hard to disagree with Bering's generous liberalism
—— The TimesA serious and humane book
—— GuardianA whirlwind journey through the kinks of the human personality... In entertaining fashion, this psychologist aims to show that normal is just a number; that many of us have strange quirks so quite the moralising
—— The Times, Summer BooksA delightful, intelligent, and thought-provoking addition to the growing body of our sexual knowledge of self
—— Publishers WeeklyJesse Bering is the Hunter S. Thompson of science writing, and he is a delight to read - funny, smart, and madly provocative.
—— Professor Paul Bloom, Yale UniversityA colourful romp through psychology, philosophy and popular culture.
—— New HumanistA balanced and considered approach to this often inflammatory topic.
—— NatureA colorful romp through psychology, philosophy and popular culture.
—— New HumanistWitty... [Bering] employs examples and analogies that make his arguments seem like common sense rather than the hard-earned scientific insights they really are.
—— New ScientistProf Mischel argues that individuals can be taught self-control with persistence and a number of practical techniques ... [and] such skills are increasingly valuable.
—— The Financial TimesA picaresque journey through the human psyche - one in which the detours are at least as fascinating as the destination.
—— Mail on SundayThis book is best read as a memoir of gratification ... it is a fascinating read and a considerable achievement.
—— The EconomistMischel's insights are fascinating and rewarding.
—— Sunday TelegraphRising stars of 2015: one to watch
—— GuardianUsing a series of fascinating case studies as a framework, Dr O’Sullivan skillfully weaves the historical understanding, and misunderstanding, of functional illness into a series of narratives that are moving and thought provoking.
—— Adam Staten , British Journal of General PracticeA sympathetic, insightful study of psychosomatic illness
—— Charlie Hegarty , Catholic HeraldAn excellent study of psychosomatic disorders
—— Stuart Kelly , Scotland on SundayFascinating foray into the subject of how mental factors affect our health.
—— Simon Shaw , Mail on SundayHer Book, shortlisted for the 2016 Wellcome prize, describes case histories…with precision and compassion.
—— Jane Shilling , Daily MailIt’s not only a beautifully written book…it’s also a book to start a revolution in healthcare.
—— Helen Rumbelow , The TimesHumane and deeply sympathetic.
—— Jane Shilling , Daily TelegraphImpressively vivid and sympathetic argument for the reality of the mind’s more harrowing inventions.
—— Brian Dillon , Irish TimesA compassionate, honest and compelling read.
—— LadyShe mixes an easily accessible vocabulary with complex medical terms, something which I found both enjoyable and informative… Ultimately I found this book quite fascinating… I would recommend this book, which contains some hard hitting and highly personal stories.
—— Independent NurseA great immersion in psychosomatic problems… If you want to get a head-on feeling for the clinical experience of psychosomatic patients, read this book.
—— Edward Shorter , British Medical Journal[A] controversial but utterly compassionate memoir.
—— Damian Barr , GuardianIt is as addictive as a great box set makes you rethink some of your closest relationships and wonder about some of the people you know best; and above all, like all truly great book it is about love and compassion.
—— Sathnam Sanghera , The Times, Book of the YearEpstein is too respectful of the complexity of his subject matter to leap to any grand conclusions. The book was conceived partially as a rebuttal to glib theorising, and it is all the more fascinating as a result
—— Ken Early , Irish TimesFascinating from start to finish
—— Amanda Khouv , Women's FitnessEpstein forces us to rethink the very nature of athleticism
—— GrrlScientist , GuardianLooks at the science of extraordinary athletic performance.
—— Adam Whitehead , Daily TelegraphCaptivating… Dazzling and illuminating
—— Richard Moore , GuardianEpstein is not afraid to follow science in “trekking deep into the bramble patches of sensitive topics like gender and race"
—— ChoiceCaptivating… In a particularly fascinating chapter, Epstein investigates an old theory that purports to explain why Jamaica produces so many Olympic sprinters
—— Christie Ashwanden , Scotsman