If I was going to look at this from the perspective of a scientist, I would probably reject this book as horribly biased and fraught with methodological issues. Like, does she ever look at alternative hypotheses? Does she ever not write about science as a cute dialogue? But in sum, she does take a sensitive, albeit very heteronormative cis white woman's view of the beautiful parts of being a woman and how Western culture -- and our male partners in particular -- should support that. So that's cool. Even if I never ever ever use the word yoni in reference to my vagina, and definitely never "The Goddess Array" (biggest eyeroll), I can at least say that I appreciate her take on what men can do to foster an accepting, safe, and loving environment for the women in their lives. This book is powerful in a way that gives female readers sexual agency and makes male readers respectful of vagina. Wolf describes how vagina, by means of neuro wiring, neuro transmitters, hormones affect a woman's confidence, power, trust, creativity, etc. She also states that individual neuro wiring is responsible for the diverse female orgasm. Wolf's version of female orgasm requires lots of patience. In this fast food age of love, her version depressingly sounds unattainable, maybe only for those lucky ones with a patient and sensitive lover. In addition, besides the knowledge of female neuro wiring, to attain her version of orgasm requires a culture shift, change of gender ideologies, view of vagina, and a deep respect for females. Wolf believes that Currently model of sexuality (despite seemingly liberating) did more harms than goods, she turns her attention to the ancient India tantric model and Taoist model of sexuality, both understand the interdependence of male and female sexes and believe that pleasing and respecting women are essential to a man's vitality, health, and confidence. Overall, I enjoy her spiritual understanding of human sexuality. The connection she drew between modern science, cultural perception of vagina, and the ancient models of sexuality is also amazing. There is no doubt a neurological connection (mind-body) connection between vagina and the brain. However, there is definitely more research on the science part to understand the detailed mechanisms.
What do You think about Vagina: A New Biography (2012)?
A must read for anyone with a vagina ... or anyone who wishes to pleasure one.
—Jasmyn
Everything in this book is amazingly interesting. Loved it!
—minicebra
