Dive into an extensive collection of books on sexuality, relationships, and education. This guide features a wide array of resources spanning erotica, consent, sexual education, polyamory, BDSM, and more. Whether you’re seeking a literary escape, practical guidance, or insights into intimacy, this curated list of books on sexuality is your ultimate resource.

Understanding sexuality is a lifelong journey, and the right book can provide the insights, empathy, and inspiration needed to navigate this complex topic. From classic erotic literature that has stood the test of time to modern explorations of desire and consent, these books shed light on the multifaceted nature of intimacy. For those looking to deepen their knowledge, educational reads offer practical advice and research-based insights into relationships, attraction, and sexual health.

Why focus on books? Literature has always been a powerful tool for exploring the most personal and universal aspects of our humanity. Books on sexuality can challenge societal norms, expand your understanding of intimacy, and provide a safe space for exploring fantasies and desires. Whether you’re drawn to the artful prose of erotic poetry, the stories of individuals navigating gender and relationships, or the science behind attraction, this collection brings together the very best reads on the subject.

This guide isn’t just for personal growth—it’s also a resource for educators, parents, and partners. Whether you’re guiding a teen through their first conversations about consent or discussing non-monogamy in your own relationship, these books on sexuality provide language, strategies, and stories to support meaningful conversations.

Below, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of literature across a variety of categories. From fiction to educational resources, there’s something here to suit every reader’s interests. Start your journey today and discover how these books on sexuality can inspire, educate, and transform.

Categories of Books on Sexuality

Classic Erotica

These timeless works have shaped the genre of erotica and continue to captivate readers with their exploration of desire and relationships.

• My Secret Garden by Nancy Friday
• Delta of Venus by Anaïs Nin
• Emmanuelle by Emmanuelle Arsan
• Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D. H. Lawrence
• Story of O by Pauline Réage
• The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
• A Sport and a Pastime by James Salter
• Bad Behavior by Mary Gaitskill
• Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson
• The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera
• Couples by John Updike
• Endless Love by Scott Spencer
• The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler
• Justine by Marquis de Sade
• The 120 Days of Sodom by Marquis de Sade
• Philosophy in the Bedroom by Marquis de Sade

Modern Erotica

Contemporary stories offering fresh, bold, and thought-provoking takes on desire and intimacy.

• All Fours by Miranda July
• J.T. Geissinger (anything)
• Sara Cate (anything)
• A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
  
• Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
• Praise by Sara Cate
• Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren
• Priest by Sierra Simone
• Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
• The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai
• Neon Gods by Katee Robert

Historical Erotica

Set in fascinating historical contexts, these books bring the past alive with stories of love and sensuality.

• Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters
• The Last Nude by Ellis Avery
• The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

Short Stories

Anthologies that pack a powerful punch with quick yet impactful explorations of intimacy and fantasy.

• Spanked by Rachel Kramer Bussel
• Want curated by Gillian Anderson
• Anonymous Sex (edited by Hillary Jordan & Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan)
• Lust by Susan Minot
• Kink (edited by Garth Greenwell & R.O. Kwon)
• Women on Top of the World (edited by Lucy-Anne Holmes)
• Give It to Me! by Lisa Opel

Erotic Poetry

Poetry that beautifully captures the complexities of desire, passion, and love.

• Life of the Party by Olivia Gatwood
• Slug by Hollie McNish

Queer Erotic Literature

Stories celebrating LGBTQ+ experiences, identities, and relationships.

• Milk Fed by Melissa Broder 
• Paul Takes the Form of a Mortal Girl by Andrea Lawlor 
• Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado
• Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
• Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman
• Orlando by Virginia Woolf
• Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg

Books on Polyamory and Non-Monogamy

Essential guides and narratives for those exploring consensual non-monogamy and open relationships.

• The Ethical Slut by Dossie Easton and Janet Hardy
• Opening Up: A Guide to Creating and Sustaining Open Relationships by Tristan Taormino
• Polyamory in the 21st Century by Deborah Anapol

Books on Kinks and BDSM

Deep dives into the world of alternative sexual practices and exploration.

• Exploring BDSM: A Workbook for Couples (or More!) by Ms. Morgan Thorne
• The Ultimate Guide to Kink by Tristan Taormino
• 50 Shades of Kink: An Introduction to BDSM by Tristan Taormino
• Playing Well with Others by Lee Harrington and Mollena Williams

Educational Books on Sexuality

Expand your understanding of human sexuality, relationships, and intimacy with these insightful reads.

• Pleasure Activism by Adrienne Maree Brown
• Better Sex Through Mindfulness by Lori A. Brotto
• Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel
• The Come As You Are Workbook by Emily Nagoski
• Sex at Dawn by Christopher Ryan
• You Know, Sex by Cory Silverberg
• Life Isn’t Binary by Meg-John Barker & Alex Iantaffi
• A Curious History of Sex by Kate Lister
• Mind the Gap by Dr. Karen Gurney
• Women’s Anatomy of Arousal by Sheri Winston
• Eight Dates by John Gottman & Julie Schwartz Gottman
• Tell me what you want by Justin Lehmiller
• Arousal: The Secret Logic Of Sexual Fantasies by Michael Bader
  
• Pornopositiv by Paulita Pappel

Books for Teaching Kids About Sex Education, Consent, and Gender

Help children and teens understand essential topics like consent, gender identity, and healthy relationships.

• You Know, Sex: Gender, Puberty, and Other Things by Cory Silverberg
• What Makes a Baby by Cory Silverberg
• Sex Is a Funny Word by Cory Silverberg
• Consent (for Kids!): Boundaries, Respect, and Being in Charge of You by Rachel Brian
• It’s Not the Stork! by Robie H. Harris
• The Every Body Book by Rachel E. Simon
• Beyond Birds and Bees by Bonnie J. Rough
• Raising Them by Kyl Myers

How to Use This List

• Discover New Perspectives: Use this guide to explore aspects of sexuality and relationships that are new or unfamiliar.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Share these books with others or use them to deepen your personal understanding of intimacy and relationships.
• Find Inspiration: Whether you’re reading for entertainment, education, or self-exploration, this list has something for everyone.
• Enhance Your Library: Build a collection of books on sexuality to serve as a resource for ongoing growth and knowledge.

Final Thoughts

This comprehensive guide to books on sexuality offers something for everyone. From erotic fiction and poetry to educational guides and memoirs, these books celebrate and destigmatize the many facets of human intimacy. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, entertainment, or resources to teach others, start your journey today.

If you have additional recommendations or feedback, share them with us! Together, we can build a rich, inclusive library of knowledge and exploration.