When it comes to kink, everyone starts somewhere. 50 Shades of Kink: An Introduction to BDSM by Tristan Taormino is one of those starting points.

50 Shades of Kink

When I saw that it was written by Tristan Taormino, I had very high hopes. This is not the first instructional book about kink that she has written. She also penned The Ultimate Guide to Kink: BDSM, Role Play and the Erotic Edge. Which I would certainly consider that book the big sister to 50 Shades of Kink.

Of course, it shares part of the first half of its title with a certain popular erotica novel. And has caused a surge of people who are looking to branch out in the bedroom. Many who want to educate themselves before jumping in too deep. Or even those who don’t know where to start. This book is for that audience. 

Tristan Taormino has given to the reading world a book that perfect for those who are just starting to dip a toe into the world of BDSM. Even those are perfectly vanilla that are curious. From the beginning, it does not assume that the reader knows anything. Breaking down terminology to start. Making sure to define every phrase or word that may need it. But most of all the book has so much good advice. Taormino makes sure to break everything down into simple terms that anyone can understand.

Beginners Breakdown

There are also samples provided of contracts and even a limits chart. The latter of which was my favorite, while I have seen ones that are longer and very detailed this one was simple. To me, it was a list of ‘beginner kinks.’ I approve of this because I know when I started and looked at limit lists I got overwhelmed by some of the things that can be listed. Also, the simple system of Yes-No-Maybe is easy for anyone to follow. This book walks you through it all.

When it comes down to it, this is the beginner’s book that I would point people towards if they came to me now asking questions, much like people did for me in the past. The scene has changed so much since then, but I believe that if I had this book it would have saved me a lot of questions and time is not getting in over my head or going down paths I shouldn’t have. In the end, there is a great list of recommended books some I have read and even some that I have not (but are SO now on my list), that gives puts the reader on the paths that they may want to follow-up on.

So for everyone who has enjoyed reading about BDSM in fiction but has no idea where to begin when it comes to applying it to real life, this one is the book for you. I know this is one that I will be keeping in my rotation to be my friend’s fairy kink mother.

Overall

Overall, I am giving this book a 5 out of 5 simply for how simple and to the point it is. Yes, there are other more in-depth books, though I think for beginners this is perfect. If you are looking for a place to start 50 Shades of Kink: An Introduction to BDSM is that place.