The 52 Seductions [Paperback]

At first I thought this was going to be a light, throwaway read, but once I got around half way through I realised it was a book that I will keep for a long time and no doubt return to often over the years. It is the heartfelt story of Betty and Herbert's attempt to reignite desire in their marriage, to stop putting comfort ahead of sex and to try to connect on a deeper level. This isn't a cheap 'spice up your marriage' kind of book - Betty isn't trying to make her sex life more interesting or less dull, she is trying to change it from the ground up, challenging her own negative or unproductive attitudes towards sexuality and her body.

If you're the sort of person who is constantly having very fulfilling sex and is always filled with desire then you may struggle to identify with Betty and the book may not make that much sense to you. But if you've ever hoped your partner would rather watch TV tonight, and then felt guilty about it, or if you've ever felt at odds with your own body for health or emotional reasons, then you will get a lot out of this. It is a frank, sensitive, easy to read book that had me laughing (sometimes so hard I had to put the book down!) and crying alternately throughout. It's also likely to not only be a good read for you if you're struggling with similar issues, but also possibly something of a self-help guide, with some really great (and some comically not-so-great) ideas for helping things along.

Please be aware that there are graphic descriptions (obviously) and also subjects that some people may find triggering - fears of cervical cancer, etc.

I am torn by this book really- on one hand I enjoyed it, but on the other it lacked that certain something to make me consider it that good. The writing style, general content and premise itself are good, however, I think what fell short for me was that it was somewhat repetitive in places. Betty seems somewhat fixated on certain things, such as her gynaelogical issues and what it means to her to be a modern feminist (and whether this meshes with certain elements of sexuality).

This book is not racy, it is certainly not something you could really use as a guide for seducing or coming up with new and exciting ideas for the bedroom. However, for what it is, it is good. It is entertaining and a good way to while away a few hours, with a few very good giggles thrown in.

I had fun reading this and switched between completely enthralled and, at one point, wanting to give up. The middle section just jarred and came to a little bit of a standstill for me. I am glad I persevered as it does pick back up, but be warned that it may not be fantastic all the way through.

Generally Betty and Herbert are likeable and you can actually imagine them. Betty's writing style is very good- she seems chatty, geuine and frank. You feel like she is relatable and can understand her although, as previously mentioned, you may not completely like how much she fixates on certain things, if you are like me. She is funny though and this is a book that is believable and ultimately entertaining. It is not the best biography ever, but it is easy to pick up and dip in and out of, and does what it says on the tin really. Not really something you could use as a lesson for yourself, but worth a read and it is lovely to get to know a long term married couple and that they face issues that many of us experience day to day, or have ahead of us too.

I got this on the basis of the many five star reviews that promised a witty and entertaining read.

Betty and Herbert are a happily married couple in their thirties with no children who find that after a number of years together they're in a comfortable rut where the passionate side of their relationship is less frequent than it used to be. In an effort to rekindle those flames of passion Betty comes up with the idea of taking it in turns to seduce each other once a week for a year and this book follows their antics in and out of bed for the duration.

Parts of this book are amusing enough to make me laugh out loud and it's written in a candid, open manner that makes it believable and easily readable. Most adults who've been in a long term relationship would be able to identify with the need to work at keeping those flames alight (when in reality a mug of cocoa and a good book is more appealing - or is that just me???)and their antics certainly raised a few chuckles (and a cringe or two) as I made my way through this book.

Entertaining enough and aside from Betty's gynecological problems which were described in detail, it was a easy, light hearted and humorous read that as it's written in shortish chapters could easily be picked up and put down.