While there are numerous other excellent SM books on the market, John's book covers topics not normally covered in other "introductory SM books, like how to act at a play party, and taking memorable pictures of your own private scenes. Also included are sections on First Aid, "Stalking the Wild Submissive," (very important!) and ways to do scenes that are exciting both for the Dominant and the submissive.

I felt the chapter that John's wife, Libby wrote (A Submissive Writes About Submission) gives an excellent insight for Dominants into what (at least for her) submission means and what it's about.

This book's second edition is now available on Greenery Press and it's an excellent addition to any kinkster's library, whether they are Dom, sub, or switch.

Also recommended: SM101 by Jay Wiseman; Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns by Philip Miller & Molly Devon


The Guiding Mentor:   September 6, 2000
 111 out of 115 found this review helpful

I have read many books on "how to" for D/s. No book combines the physical and mental/emotional aspects of D/s so well. And for D/s, the importance of emotions and feelings cannot be overstressed. The comprehensive treatise on safety deals with psychological safety as well as phsyical safety - something that, while desperately needed, has been overlooked in most other attempts at this very difficult subject. Yes, BDSM is a difficult undertaking as it requires not only deep knowledge but even deeper caring and ethics. Knowing that your Dominant is concerned and knowledgable in, and for safety, will create a bond of trust. A big step for a lasting relationship! The section written BY a submissive is a stroke of genius for the purposes of providing the submissive POV. Imagine! a book that tries to teach the Dominant what a submissive sees and feels. Understanding the submissive mind is a powerful tool for a Dominant that truly cares.

I would combine this book with Jay Wiseman's "S/M-101" as the foundation for a beginners' entry into Domination and submission. Seeing these two books on the shelf of a Domme will perk my interest in persuing a relationship. In closing: I would expect any "Loving Dominant" to have their submissive(s) read these two books.

Sincerely:

Tom


Valuable Reference !   July 28, 1998
 90 out of 97 found this review helpful

This book is a wonderful introduction to those seeking to explore their dominant side. It is quite clear how John Warren earned his name of "Mentor". His love and caring for the women in his life shines off of every page in the book. The book serves not only as a wonderful technical book, it serves as a benchmark of what a good "Master" should be. In many ways I found that to be the best part of this book, it clearly shows that healthy loving relationships can exist in this scene. Because of his sensativity, I found this book to be a wonderful way to introduce women to the "scene". A wonderful read and a must have in any good library.


A beginner's guide to BDSM   June 26, 2001
 78 out of 80 found this review helpful

This is a great book for the beginner and the expert alike. Warren approaches the subject of BDSM with humor, seriousness, safety in mind, and perhaps most of all a love of the subject. The book has obviously been well researched and well written. It is a no non-sense work in which aspects of BDSM are covered. Whether it be games to play in the playroom like whipping or bondage to the intricate relationship between a dominant and their submissive. I had a great time reading this book and I learned a lot about the subject. I would highly recommend this book to anyone at all even remotely interested in BDSM. In fact I would have given this book 5 stars but for one reason, whoever was the proofreader missed so many obvious spelling and punctuation errors that it continually drove me to distraction. I would be avidly reading a section and then WHAM, a spelling mistake. The first few times I ignored it, after that it got really annoying. Grammatical errors aside, I would still recommend this book to anyone and in fact already have recommended it to several of my friends. My copy is currently on loan to a friend in Indiana (and I am not sure that I will ever get it back, he said he wanted to borrow it to a friend in Michigan). A great book to read on your own, with a playmate, or with a spouse. It will give you a lot of ideas and probably make your life just a little bit more kinky!


A Must-Read For Everyone Interested in or Curious About BDSM   September 5, 2000
 69 out of 74 found this review helpful

Mr. Warren is an extremely talented author and knowledgeable about his subject. This is one of the most informative and helpful books out there to date, an excellent source not only for the "old-timers" in the alternative lifestyle, but for those who are simply seeking knowledge and information in their quest to learn as well as to make informative decisions in their choices. He is a highly respected member of the lifestyle and most helpful to newcomers. "The Loving Dominant" is one of the definitive guidebooks. I highly recommend it, don't miss out!