At its heart, Sex is Fun: Creative Ideas for Exciting Sex is exactly the kind of book one would give a bisexual younger sibling in their late teens or early 20’s, who’s just starting to explore sex and who’s still figuring out what they like. It gives a good, pan-sexual overview of a wide range of sex techniques and practices, and demystifies some things like dental dams, role-playing and BDSM, giving you enough information to stop being scared or grossed-out by something, and then want to go try it! It’s also illustrated, graphic-novel style, with a smattering of anatomical diagrams to help clarify the finer points of g-spots and prostate glands. Authors Kidder Kaper and Laura Rad even addresses themselves to people going out for a casual hook-up, with lots of genital grooming tips that are sure to be appreciated by your trick, and the authors’ lighthearted, but mature take on sex mirrors the teaching styles of some of the best sex educators I’ve had the privilege of learning from.

Perhaps the best part about the book – beyond the illustrations – are worksheets included at the end of almost every chapter, giving the reader a structured way to practice the self-exploration and self-awareness that Klapper and Rad place at the center of a healthy sex life.

So what’s not to like? As mentioned above, Sex is Fun doesn’t dwell on single subjects (except role-play), which will certainly be aggravating if you’re hungry for more information. And while the book does cover all kinds of pairings, and most chapters have at least one non-heterosexual couple depicted, it’s not a queers-only book. If you’re really put off by the sight of sex you don’t prefer, stick to more specific books (I certainly saw more vulvae in a day reading this book than in a year of porn site pop-up ads). Personally, I think Klapper and Rad erred in leaving out advice on how to be a good top to a man during anal sex: I’ve heard of – and had – one hookup too many where the other guy was completely wrapped up in how good his penis felt, and was completely oblivious to how the bottom felt. Beyond butt sex complaints, I also take issue with the authors’ laser-like focus on couples sex. For all the tips on how to be a good lover, and all the worksheets goading you into talking with your partner about your deepest fears and desires, Klapper and Rad don’t touch multiple-partner sex, and how to discuss it with your partner.

Even with these gaps, Sex is Fun still manages to be an excellent basic guide to sexuality. There’s a little something for every one, and while it’s best suited for newbies, you’re still likely to find information, advice, and a sex game or two that you haven’t seen before, even if you’ve been around the block a few times.

Sex is Fun: Creative Ideas for Exciting Sex, by Kidder Kaper and Laura Rad, Illustrated by Josh Lynch, 214 pages. Avery Books. $20.00. Sold locally at most book stores, and at the Smitten Kitten, in Minneapolis.