Redbook magazine contributing editor Lister (Redbook is a Hearst publication) conducted online sex surveys of approximately 5,000 married men and 5,000 married women, wording the questions differently for each gender to maximize responses. Eschewing Masters & Johnson-style clinical profundity, Lister says people are interested in "weighing their patterns and desires against the perceived norm, against what's acceptable, against what you might think." The reversible dust jacket's underside sports the title Modern Tactics in Higher Education, so parents won't have to hide the book from their kids, or commuters from their neighbors (Book News, Apr. 9). Lister's language is peppered with slang like "horny," "boner," "grooving on each other" and "getting laid." What husbands and wives complain about, prefer and do (and how often) is discussed in a completely unprovocative way; reassurance and encouragement abound. Bottom line: if men did more housework and childcare, wives would be less tired and resentful and more likely to put out; and men want to see their wives naked more often. The "10 secrets" thus are hardly revelatory but provide common sense advice for a satisfying, long-lasting sex life: adventure, generosity, authenticity (don't fake orgasms), attention, courage (address problems jointly)—unquestionably good advice. (May)
