I received Embraceable after interviewing the author August McLaughlin for my radio show Eros Evolution. She had talked about disordered eating and overcoming anorexia on the show.

Published in 2015, this book is part-memoir and part-anthology where McLaughlin shares her own journey to sexual empowerment, from Minnesota girl to international model turned anorexia survivor to sexuality writer and host of Girl Boner®.

McLaughlin opened the book by first defining the difference between sex and sexuality, then highlighting some of the most common myths that keep countless women from embracing their sexuality, guiding with relevant research findings and some historical perspective. McLaughlin’s story titled “The Orgasm That Changed My Life” written with honesty, humor and vulnerability is the first of 13 stories.

The book shares stories of other women aged 20s to 80s who are living proof that sexual embracement is possible and worthy. These stories touch on Asexuality, Sexual Assault, Motherhood, Slut Shaming, Body Image, Religion, Kink, Sex Toys, Porn and more. Sensitively written and carefully curated to portray a spectrum of different sexual expressions and personalities, I was touched by these brave accounts and feel this book should be regarded as a cultural anthology – a snapshot of the culture of our times.

McLaughlin encourages us to see our sexuality is our own – worth nurturing, celebrating and exploring as we see fit throughout our life and is never, ever shame-worthy. I would recommend this book to women who want to heal their relationship with sexuality and find courage in the voices of other women. You are embraceable. We all are.

Who is Martha?

Dr. Martha Tara Lee is Founder and Clinical Sexologist of Eros Coaching. She is a certified sexologist with a Doctorate in Human Sexuality. She provides sexuality and relationship coaching for individuals and couples, conducts sexual education workshops and speaks at public events. She is the author of the books Love, Sex and Everything In-Between, and Orgasmic Yoga. She is also the host of the weekly radio show Eros Evolution on OMTimes Radio. For more, visit www.ErosCoaching.com or email info@eroscoaching.com.