Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns: The Romance and Sexual Sorcery of Sadomasochism

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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com Review
Philip Miller and Molly Devon think that S/M is fun, and "that reading about it should be fun, too." Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns is definitely fun, not to mention approachable, chatty, and insightful. What makes it truly special, however, is the sheer weight of loving details. There's clear explanations and detailed tutorials for beginners, as general as "safe, sane, and consensual" and as specific as "you will be swinging the whip with your arm pivoting at the shoulder." There's also solid advice, safety measures, steamy suggestions, plenty of black-and-white photographs, useful and humorous drawings, an extensive glossary, and over 900 entries of S/M clothing and equipment vendors, publications, computer bulletin boards, and organizations worldwide. As sadomasochism is a practice that's still taboo for many people, the chapter on finding partners and sharing your fantasies with existing partners can be invaluable.

Screw the Roses enthusiastically covers all the basics and even some of the not-so-basics--bondage, negotiation, sex, endorphins, dominance and submission, toys, safety, S/M community, and beyond. It's written primarily from the point of view of male dominant/female submissive interactions, but it's easily translatable into valuable advice for any relationship configuration. Miller and Devon's explanations of not just the how, but also the why, of sadomasochism are honest, sexy, funny--and a must-have for anyone who wants to learn about sadism, masochism, dominance, submission, or bondage. --Cheryl Trooskin

Customer Reviews: Read 70 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars

Not what you may have heard. November 13, 2001
56 out of 59 found this review helpful

This is a good introductory guide on BDSM for heterosexual, male dominant and female submissive couples and for others who view BDSM as a form of sexual and romantic play. It is not, as some reviewers both on the book itself and elsewhere, claim the most complete BDSM guide today -- it never claims to be that either. It is simply what it claims, one couples' view of BDSM that may click well with others of a similar bent. However, the tone is a bit sarcastic at times and a bit "in scene" at other times and this may confuse very new people so I recommend other books such as the "Topping Book" and the "Bottoming Book" by Greenery Press first and if you can find a copy, Pat Califia's "Sensuous Magic" as a basic intro to the activities of SM. In 1,000 words there is little time to go into all the good and bad points about this book but I hope this can aid in deciding whether or not to buy.

5 out of 5 stars

Everything that you need to know to get started December 31, 2000
51 out of 51 found this review helpful

If you are new to the scene and want to become familiar with the majority of the techniques that you may wish to try then this book is an excellent guide. To begin, it walks through the terminology, the basic mental and emotional elements in SM play, an overview of "scene" and how S&M relationships can be negotiated. Once the book has prepared you with the basic elements of how to enjoy S&M play, it moves into actual techniques: a safety overview, waxing, bondage, flogging, spanking and humiliation. It finishes with a discussion of how to build, transport and hide your dungeon "toys".

Even if you are an experienced scene player, it is unlikely that you are conversant with every possible type of play, so this book serves as a helpful reminder of the basic techniques. While it does not cover the more extreme types of play - water sports, blood sports or mummification, it is comprehensive in it's coverage of the most standard types of play.

Although this book is written by a hetero male dominant and a female submissive, the words of wisdom contained are applicable to everyone. I personally found that having both partner's perspective was very helpful when trying to construct my own session.

If you are looking to get into S&M, this book is a great start to begin play at home. Miss's Abernathy's Concise Guide to Slave Training is an excellent next step. And once you are feeling confident in your private relationship, SM 101 by Jay Wiseman will give you enough credibility to feel comfortable in visiting "public" scene events.

5 out of 5 stars No contest ...best of its class October 10, 2000
38 out of 39 found this review helpful

With 25 five star reviews another is hardly necessary. But this book is everything it should be. its funny, its informative, its approachable and its fun! Easily the best "how to" book on D/s SM ever written.

"Screw the roses" covers most topics in SM play: bondage, spanking, humilation, flogging, types of whips, gear, contact groups, medical issues, safety issues, post-scene comforting and mental aspects. It goes into details on all of the less extreme practices. It treats the more extreme things such as breath play or cutting much more briefly, pretty much warning people off them.

It is full of practical advice and good safety tips. These are punctuated with amusing and erotic personal anecdotes that help keep the reading fun and light. One of the things I most admire about "Roses" is that safety is practically a mantra repeated through out the book. Overall a must have book.

5 out of 5 stars Information guideline for novices January 9, 2000
31 out of 32 found this review helpful

I have just recently entered this alternative lifestyle and wanted more information. Rather then badger my freinds with questions, I picked up this book. I devoured it. It disspelled any fiction that I had and gave me the cold hard facts.

Answered all questions I had, alleviate any fears and left me with nothnig but anticipation to put forth my newly acquired knowledge.

I would recomennd this book to anyone who was also looking to delve into this lifestyle or even for the passing curiosity people.

5 out of 5 stars This book was a "classic" for BDSM right away! December 23, 1997
30 out of 31 found this review helpful

"Screw The Roses; Send Me The Thorns" is a fantastic book from two active members of the scene. The late Philip Miller, and his submissive Molly Devon wrote this *must* have book. They are familiar with eachother and the scene, with a twist of sardonic humor yet with a sensitive manner. They approach the issues at hand in a humoristic and warm way. Never does a person feel as if they are being "talked down to."

For those that are new/novice, to those that are senior members - this book provides a constant stream of information that is constantly updated. The book takes the basics, and gives the reader those definitions and explanations that will enable them to learn. Next, more information is then given for those that want to continue to explore. A fantastic reference book for those that are interested in gaining accurate information!

Fantastic series of resource listings in the back of the book! [re: BBS's, Periodicals, Groups & Organizations, Leather Resources [stores], Leather Resources [support], etc.]

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