Best Human Sexuality Books of 2026

Lost in Trans Nation: A Child Psychiatrist's Guide Out of the Madness by Dr. Miriam Grossman is a wake-up call to parents, therapists, and medical professionals about the dangers of blindly affirming a child's self-diagnosis of being transgender. The author, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, urges parents to trust their instincts and reject the ideologically driven misinformation that steers them towards risky decisions. She argues that the core belief that biology can and should be denied is a repudiation of reality and a mockery of hard science. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the current debate on gender identity and the potential harm it can cause to children.

This book argues that the Church of the Nazarene should become fully LGBTQ+ affirming, providing a voice to those who seek fundamental change. The essays, written by both queer and straight individuals, present strong reasons for this change, drawing on personal experiences and highlighting the need for the denomination to align with its core value of love. The book offers hope for a denomination that is rapidly shrinking due to its views on LGBTQ+ matters. The essays are the start of a much-needed conversation for the church and the LGBTQIA+ community. Overall, this book is a powerful call to action for the Church of the Nazarene to embrace diversity and inclusivity.

The Big Black Book of Sex Positions is an oversize, full-color guide to spice up your sex life. With over 69 tantalizing positions, this book is accessible and approachable, offering exciting and steamy sex positions for both penetrative and oral sex. In addition, it includes sections on foreplay, toys, setting the mood, exercises, BDSM, and sex positions for overweight individuals. The authors suggest trying each and every position to create a deeper sexual connection with your partner. Written by Jennifer Baritchi and Rob Alex, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to take their sex life to a whole-new level.

My Body by Emily Ratajkowski is a deeply personal exploration of feminism, sexuality, power, and the commodification of women. The book offers a nuanced and incisive examination of the culture's fetishization of girls and female beauty, the perverse dynamics of the fashion and film industries, and the gray area between consent and abuse. Ratajkowski's writing is brave, honest, and intelligent, making for a captivating read. Overall, My Body is a thought-provoking and timely contribution to the ongoing conversation about women's rights and the objectification of women in society.

The Evolution of Desire by David M. Buss is a fascinating book that explores the conflicts and mysteries of love through the lens of evolutionary psychology. Based on one of the largest studies of human mating ever undertaken, this book presents a unified theory of human mating behavior, drawing on a wide range of examples from different cultures and species. Buss reveals what men and women want, and why their desires differ so radically. This definitive edition of the classic work of evolutionary psychology is updated to reflect the latest scientific research on human mating. It is a book filled with insight, surprises, and lucid explanations of the latest ideas and discoveries from the sciences of love and sex.

This third edition of "What Every Mental Health Professional Needs to Know About Sex" is a comprehensive resource for assessing and treating sexual health concerns. It covers the latest theoretical approaches, pharmacological treatments, and ethical/legal concerns. The book offers strategies to help both the client and therapist become more comfortable with sexuality, including new case examples that emphasize diversity and the latest technology in telemental health. With helpful informational worksheets, activities, and resources, this book is an indispensable guide for mental health professionals. Overall, this book is an excellent resource that provides valuable insights into contemporary concerns and offers practical solutions for treating sexual concerns.

Sexuality Beyond Consent challenges the cultural obsession with healing trauma and explores alternative ways to approach sexuality beyond the concept of consent. The author, Saketopoulou, argues for a queer form of consent that involves risking experience and enduring the strange in ourselves. The book uses clinical and cultural case studies, including theatrical and cinematic works, to illustrate how trauma and sexuality intersect in the aesthetic domain. The author theorizes sadism as a form of interpersonal and social care. This book is a must-read for those interested in psychoanalysis, queer theory, and critical race theory.

Three Women by Lisa Taddeo is a riveting true story about the sex lives of three American women based on nearly a decade of reporting. The book explores desire, heartbreak, and infatuation in all its messy, complicated nuance. The stories of Lina, Maggie, and Sloane are carnal, brave, and beautifully flawed, making this book a groundbreaking and breathtaking read. The author's immersive research and literary reportage make it an astonishing work that reminds us that we are not alone in our experiences. Overall, Three Women is a nonfiction literary masterpiece that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

Non-Toxic Masculinity by Zachary Wagner is a thought-provoking read that aims to break the toxic cycle and recover a healthy identity for men. The author's personal experiences and reflections on the harmful teachings of the American church provide a renewed vision for Christian male sexuality founded in empathy and selflessness. The book unmasks the pitfalls of "purity culture" and reminds men that male sexuality preaches the embodied gospel truth that "every man is called to be a father to the world in his own way." This book is a must-read for all Christian men looking for a new yet distinctly Christian way forward.

Mary Eberstadt's book, "Adam and Eve after the Pill, Revisited," presents a thought-provoking examination of the sexual revolution's impact on society, politics, and Christianity. With compelling arguments, the book connects the dots between the breakdown of traditional morality, the rise of sexual confusion, and the increasing polarization of Western politics. Eberstadt's analysis of the revolution's infiltration of the churches is particularly poignant. Overall, "Adam and Eve after the Pill, Revisited" is a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of Western society and Christianity. It provides an indispensable blueprint for today's revisionism and a manifesto for a more humane order to come.