Bound to be Free ~ Book Review

I have read many books about BDSM and I find many of them sadly lacking. Two reasons exist for sub par BDSM literature, first, these books are written by someone who is first a BDSM practitioner and second, a writer. While a person may be very knowledgeable in his/her field, it does not mean that person possesses the unique skill to convey that information eloquently. Second, it is very difficult, if not impossible to learn BDSM practices from a book, which is written for the general public who may know nothing about BDSM. I imagine publishers of a book that could end up in anyone's hands would prefer to err on the side of caution, meaning one will only read about the most basic of BDSM practices. Also, no one in the scene currently playing will be wont to give out "industry secrets" and want to protect the identity and activities of their submissives/slaves.

Having said all that, I still dutifully read these books in hopes I might find some useful information or could recommend it to others. I think Bound to be Free is one of the best books I have read on the subject for several reasons.

First, Bound to be Free is written by two people; one a long-time member of the community and the second a doctor who is interested in BDSM from a clinical standpoint. I feel that this combination does well to give a well-rounded description of what BDSM is and why people do it.

Second, this book is not a how-to manual. Instead it focuses on the history, why people are drawn to it and various opinions of individuals in the scene. There are anecdotes from submissives, Switches and Doms of all genders and sexualities. They give their opinions on the scene, roles, stigmas, problems etc.

Some of the information is outdated in regards to the kind of groups in the Bay Area or how to find a play partner--most people are now using the internet and play parties/bars/clubs as their meeting grounds.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in BDSM, especially as a novice. This is the first book you should read before getting into manuals. However, I also believe that long-time practitioners would benefit as well since it does such a good job about breaking down why we like this stuff! Might I add that this is also a superb book for kinksters to get their vanilla lovers into BDSM since it presents the subject in a matter of fact light without judgment or stigma. If your Mom accidentally stumbles upon your whips and handcuffs, give her this book so she can understand that you are not nuts.