Sex for Guys.

Dave Jenkinson is a professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba and the author of the “Portraits” section of Emergency Librarian.

A shoo-in for libraries’ “Most stolen books” list, Sex For Guys takes a 21st-century stance in responding to male adolescents’ seemingly timeless concerns about the whole realm of “sex.” Published in Sweden in 2004 and now translated and North Americanized in some of its content, the book’s 13 chapters were authored by a 21-year-old freelance Swedish journalist whose youthfulness likely contributed to his frank, nonjudgmental writing style. Forssberg, however, does have opinions which he freely expresses, especially in the equality between the sexes and homosexuality chapters wherein he exhorts readers to abandon outdated macho attitudes.

The two opening chapters certainly grab readers’ attention by dealing with the penis (and young males’ fears about not being “normal”) and that terra incognita, the vagina. Because girls will hopefully also pick up this book, both chapters could use illustrations to assist readers in finding their way around. From genitalia, Forssberg turns to guys’ apprehensions about “Kisses” (when/how) plus falling in/out of love. “Equality” and “Gay” chapters naturally follow “Love.” “Masturbation” considers that actuality for both genders. “Porn” recognizes porn’s contemporary omnipresence, but Forssberg advises adolescents against utilizing it as a sex primer. “Contraception” and “Sexually Transmitted Infections” chapters provide needed core information.

Not a how-to guide, “The First Time” addresses some of adolescents’ fears around that event while “Orgasm” considers various male “O” anxieties. The closing chapter, “Other Good Things to Know About Sex,” deals with the word “No” plus oral and anal sex. Forssberg provides other viewpoints by frequently interjecting brief excerpts from interviews with adolescents of both genders. Highly recommended.