Cheap Sex which is a ‘must’ for readers of this blog. It is by far the best book on the intimate relationships between the sexes (from dating to marriage). Quoting from inside the cover jacket Cheap Sex takes readers on an extended tour inside the American mating market and highlights key patterns that characterize young adults’ experience today, including the timing of first-time sex in relationships, overlapping partners, frustrating returns on their relational investments and a failure to link future goals, like marriage, with how they navigate their current relationships. Drawing upon several surveys, in-person interviews with one hundred men and women, and the assertions of scholars ranging from evolutionary psychologists to gender theorists, what emerges is a story about social change, technological breakthroughs, and unintended consequences. Men and women have not fundamentally changed but their unions have. No longer playing a supporting role in relationships, sex has emerged as a central priority in relationship development and continuation. But unravel the layers and it is obvious that the emergence of “industrial sex” is far more a reflection of men’s interests than women’s.” For a more in-depth overview of the contents see George Mason Law School Professor Helen Alvare’s review. The four endorsements on the back of the jacket are from world renowned social scientists. Roy Baumeister, social psychologist, now at the University of Queensland and one of the world’s leading social psychologists says: “This book is utterly fascinating, sometimes disturbing, occasionally provocative, brilliantly thoughtful and always informative ….” Brad Wilcox, renowned sociologist at the University of Virginia advises “Everyone concerned about the plight of young men in America should wrestle with the arguments in this important book.” Linda Waite at the University of Chicago, for decades the leading family sociologist in the US, states: “Regnerus has a breezy, likeable way of telling this fascinating and engaging story. A great read.” And Anthony Giddens of the London School of Economics, a fellow at Kings College, Cambridge and one of the most cited social scientists alive states: “A magisterial study of the changing sexual landscape today…. This book will become a standard work of reference in the field.” Can one get higher praise from the world’s top scholars in one’s profession? And keep in mind what Linda Waite said: “breezy, likeable, fascinating, engaging … a great read.” You are guaranteed a good an intellectual feast, easily digested. This book will make a great gift for your pastor, many of the teachers in your children’s’ high school, your physician, and of course, your children who are old enough and many of your friends and family. If you don’t give it to them make sure they get it. And make sure your county library carries many copies of it. But first: get it for yourself and study it. With an eye to the many love-deprived children of the future, Pat Fagan]]>