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Exploring New Perspectives on Intimacy and Sexuality in Upcoming Literature
In the realm of contemporary publishing, a plethora of new releases is set to delve into the intricate themes of intimacy, sexuality, and spirituality. These works aim to address a variety of societal concerns, ranging from mismatched sex drives to the implications of technology on our personal connections. They incorporate the latest research, emerging trends, and psychological insights to foster more profound understandings of human relationships and sexual health.
Knowing and Being Known: Hope for All Our Intimate Relationships (IVP, May) by Erin F. Moniz tackles the complexities of intimacy in today’s tech-centric and often stressful environment. Moniz emphasizes the importance of acknowledging intimacy beyond romantic or sexual contexts. “This book exposes the trend of categorizing all important intimate relationships solely as romance or sex,” Moniz states. She advocates for a reframing of our self-worth and recognition of diverse relationships that nurture our emotional needs, allowing for a more balanced appreciation of intimacy in all its forms.
Al Hsu, associate editorial director at IVP, highlights Moniz’s unique qualifications, noting her extensive experience as a university chaplain and her doctoral research focused on the nuances of intimacy among young adults. “Her expertise comes from not just lived experience but also is validated by research,” he remarks, underscoring the credibility of Moniz’s insights.
Turned On: A Creative’s Guide to Awakening Presence, Pleasure, and Possibility (Broadleaf, Jan.) by Brie Stoner presents a fresh exploration of the intersection between creativity and eroticism. Acquiring editor Jarrod Harrison describes Stoner’s work as an innovative fusion of artistic expression and spirituality that reclaims the concept of the erotic. Stoner’s perspective positions creative energy as intrinsically linked to desires and passions, reinforcing the notion that creativity should be rooted in tangible human experiences.
Challenging traditional narratives is J. Parker’s upcoming book, The Higher Desire Wife: Understanding and Help for Christian Women Navigating Mismatched Sex Drives (Mar., Baker Books). Through a combination of research and personal narratives, Parker lays bare the struggles faced by women in relationships where they possess a stronger sexual drive than their partners. She highlights that around 25 percent of marriages feature a higher desire wife, aiming to create a supportive community and provide actionable advice for women seeking to foster intimacy despite these challenges.
Rachel Welcher, the acquiring editor at Baker Books, points out that many existing resources presuppose that husbands generally desire more sex than their wives. Parker’s book serves as a candid and helpful alternative, promoting a better understanding of intimacy in these contexts.
The revised second edition of Sexuality and Sex Therapy: A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal (IVP Academic, Feb.) by Mark A. Yarhouse and Erica S.N. Tan is an essential resource for therapists and counselors. It addresses significant contemporary issues such as gender identity and the influence of digital media on sexuality. This updated edition aims to establish itself as a foundational text within the field, prompting Christian practitioners to engage openly with discussions about human sexuality.
Diarmaid MacCulloch offers an expansive historical perspective with his work Lower than the Angels: A History of Sex and Christianity (Viking, April), which spans three millennia. His research challenges preconceived notions of traditional marriage and argues against the perception that the Bible provides exhaustive answers to questions surrounding sex and gender.
Lastly, Dr. Laura Berman’s forthcoming book, Sex Magic: Take Your Body, Mind, and Relationship to the Next Level with Spectacular Intimacy (BenBella, Jun.), invites audiences to rethink their views on sexuality and the potential for intimacy. By combining metaphysical insights with practical strategies aimed at removing personal barriers to intimacy, Berman’s work seeks to enable readers to cultivate a fulfilling and vibrant sexual life.
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