Skimming the Table of Contents in the new book, "Healthy Sex Drive, Healthy You: What Your Libido Reveals About Your Life" by Diana Hoppe, MD, I was immediately impressed by its comprehensive nature. From explaining the definition of libido, to exploring potential aphrodisiacs, to outlining common women’s health challenges, Hoppe covers a lot of ground. By balancing specific scientific explanations with advice and anecdotes, Hoppe ensures her book is not only accessible, but also interesting to many women. She strives to present a tool for women, not an encyclopedia of medical terminology and not a Cosmopolitan Magazine article, but rather a combination of the two: lesser-known scientific information and methods for applying it to everyday life, presented in a playful but professional tone. The result is a beautiful compromise, and a book I definitely recommend.
Though it encompasses a number of diverse topics, the main point of Hoppe’s book is clear; a woman’s sexual activity is an important part of her life and health, and maintaining the libido you desire is one part biology and nine parts attitude. Using scientific studies, her experience as a doctor and accounts by other women, she demonstrates that the brain is an absolutely integral member of a woman’s sexual organs, and therefore, thoughtful communication – with yourself, a partner and your doctor – is essential to a healthy sex drive. This in mind, Hoppe writes to stimulate her readers’ minds, requiring them to reflect on their lives with questions at the end of each chapter and constantly presenting information in new ways. She keeps the text interesting by sprinkling it with “FAQ” boxes, side-notes and periodic (often humorous) quotes. I especially appreciated her use of lists to offer straightforward advice and explanations.
Although Hoppe wrote this book to appeal to a large audience of women, the main criticism I have of her text is the narrow interpretation of women’s sexuality. She focuses on heterosexual partnerships and “traditional” gender stereotypes, failing to address homosexuality, transgender or transsexual individuals and single women. She doesn’t account for the hugely diverse preferences and personalities of women, instead making gender a simplified dichotomy: men want sex more than women; women are more emotional than men, etc. I’m sure Hoppe’s tendency towards mainstream interpretations of gender/sexuality was partly due to space limitations, but still – an open mind and more inclusive understanding of relationships are absolutely crucial for writers, researchers and doctors in the field of sexual health.
This oversight doesn’t mean the book isn’t a wealth of information anyone can find useful. My favorite chapter was on aphrodisiacs and food! Stay tuned for part 2 of my book review, where I’ll highlight some of the most interesting things I learned. And of course – don’t take my word for it – find a copy of the book yourself and share your opinion here!