The opening line lets you know what sort of ride you’re in for:
Sex is the most powerful thing in the universe, and if you’re not instantly good at it, you probably never will be and everyone will laugh at you.
This is something you should know before even attempting sex.
In case you’re under the impression that The Sexy Book of Sexy Sex (Chronicle Books) is some sort of manual intended to help you do… well… anything, think again.
Fans of The Daily Show will be familiar with co-author Kristen Schaal’s face — she’s one of their correspondents — as well as the work of her co-author and partner Rich Blomquist, who is a writer on the show. And while The Sexy Book of Sexy Sex is not precisely Daily Show fare, it certainly would seem to be set to appeal with those who enjoy that sort of humor: the kind of arms akimbo, sophisticated, heavy-on-the-irony fun that Daily Show watchers enjoy.
There is some actual advice in The Sexy Book of Sexy Sex, but that isn’t really the point. What is? How about Great Pick-Up Artists of the Animal Kingdom? (Squids and seals make the top five.) Or A Brief History of Sex. (“33: Masturbation falls to an all-time low given possibility of Jesus watching.”) Or an STD chart complete with nicknames, famous sufferers and the “ooze factor”.
The examples chosen are intentional: this is funny stuff, creatively illustrated and well thought out and presented. But, clearly, it’s not for everyone. ◊
David Middleton is a graphic designer and photographer and the art and culture editor of January Magazine.
The difference is, The Daily Show brings to light irony inherent in the machinations of hypocrites; it doesn't gin it up.