Book Review: Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns
I began reading Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns The Romance and Sexual Sorcery of Sadomasochism awhile ago and am pleased to say i finally completed the book! This 277 page book was written by Philip Miller and Molly Devon, published by Mystic Rose Books (commonly known for publishing BDSM and alternative sexuality books) in 1995.
As a submissive, i have wanted to make time to read books on sadomasochism and found via reading other submissive’s blogs that Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns was not only extremely popular among other submissive readers per the blogs i have followed; but also came highly recommended by many of them in their writings. In summary, the book is meant to provide an educational reference that uses illustrations, real life stories, and much humor to share the adventures and explorations of sadomasochism with a versatile audience ranging to curious open-minded ”vanilla” types to those who are in long term M/s or D/s relationships. Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns provided me with so much information.
i was able to see through the stories provided that i was not alone in this world in regards to my intriguement with sadomasochism and my love for having pain inflicted upon me. i was enlightened by how popular practicing sadomasochism really is as well as some insightful reasoning behind why many people enjoy the practice and how it affects people different physically and psychologically (at least in terms of them sharing their stories). Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns also has such an adverse chapter content ranging from explaining SM, finding the right partner, practices, fantasies, role-playing, real life stories and examples, toys and dungeon furnishing, flying, humiliation, gratification, etc.
Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns is a great resource for saving money on toys! There are so many imaginative ideas for play things that anyone can make from many common household items. Examples in the book include blindfolds, spanking toys, spreaders, etc that are very basic ideas. There is also some more complex items where construction is described; such as a sling for hanging all your lover’s body in as well as the infamous St. Andrew’s Cross. There were also some excellent ideas on how to cover up your BDSM lifestyle easily to your more vanilla friends and family. My favorite chapter was that which was entitled; “It’s Only Pain, Dear, and It’s Only Yours Why Take A Long Road To Enlightenment, When You Can Haul Ass On A Super Highway?”, simply because it obviously speaks of my favorite subject; pain.
This is the first book i have read on M/s D/s relationships and sadomasochism therefore i unfortunately cannot compare the book to others similar to it. However, i am very pleased with this particular book being my first on the topic as it does offer a range of basic information on various aspects of M/s. i would certainly recommend Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns to anyone interested in sadomasochism as it provides wonderful insight in regards to sadomasochism. Hell- i’d seriously recommend checking it out even if M/s relationships and sadomasochism is not “your thing” because i truly believe anyone with an open mind would find it humorous and interesting at the least.
~viemoira
| 3.5 |
