Da Buds

Crossing to Safety has, since its publication in 1987, established itself as one of the greatest and most cherished American novels of the twentieth century. Tracing the lives, loves, and aspirations of two couples who move between Vermont and Wisconsin, it is a work of quiet majesty, deep compassion, and powerful insight into the alchemy of friendship and marriage.

In the 1870s, young Mattie Ross learns that her beloved father was gunned down by his former handyman. But even though this gutsy 14-year-old is seeking vengeance, she is smart enough to figure out she can't go alone after a desperado who's holed up in Indian territory. With some fast-talking, she convinces mean, one-eyed US Marshal "Rooster" Cogburn into going after the despicable outlaw with her.

Despite decades of medical and psychological research confirming that solo sex is healthy, the act remains shrouded in taboo, myths, and pseudoscience. In DIY, Dr. Eric Sprankle, professor of clinical psychology and sexuality studies at Minnesota State University, draws on a broad range of studies and historical documents to reveal the untold story of crusaders on a long campaign to suppress masturbation, the sex educators fighting back with science, and the everyday people stuck in the middle of these conflicting messages about what constitutes healthy self-pleasure. He introduces readers to a colorful cast of characters: doctors running residential treatment programs for masturbation addiction, men who believe ejaculation depletes testosterone and muscle mass, and vibrator aficionados who teach the curious how to come. DIY is the story of humanity’s fascination with autoeroticism; readers will never think about their alone time in the same way again.