Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life
448 pages · 97,052 words · about 5 hours at an average pace
How hard is Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life to read?
Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life scores 30 out of 100 for difficulty on ReadingRate, making it relatively accessible. The score is a weighted composite of nine measures: four of how hard the prose is to parse, five of how hard the meaning is to extract.
- Vocabulary: 32 out of 100
- The vocabulary is accessible and contemporary, avoiding specialized terminology or archaic language. While the text uses some scientific terms related to anatomy and physiology (e.g., clitoris, labia, hormones), these are generally explained within the context. This makes it comparable to *Beach Read* in terms of ease of understanding.
- Sentence structure: 38 out of 100
- The sentences are generally direct and declarative, though some are longer and incorporate multiple clauses. Paragraphs are well-structured and easy to follow. This is similar to *1984* in its straightforward syntax, though perhaps slightly more complex due to the inclusion of dialogue and personal anecdotes.
- Abstraction: 42 out of 100
- The book balances concrete examples and personal anecdotes with conceptual explanations of sexual response and anatomy. While it explores abstract ideas like cultural influences on sexuality, it grounds these ideas in relatable scenarios and practical advice. This places it between *Atomic Habits* and *The Great Gatsby* in its level of abstraction.
- Information density: 40 out of 100
- The text presents scientific information and psychological models, but it does so in a digestible manner with clear explanations and illustrative examples. While there are concepts to grasp, the book prioritizes readability and avoids overwhelming the reader with dense information. This is similar to *The Housemaid* in its manageable reveals, though with more conceptual information.
- Narrative indirection: 30 out of 100
- The book primarily uses direct exposition to explain concepts and share information. While personal anecdotes and case studies are included, they serve to illustrate points rather than requiring the reader to infer deeper meanings. This approach aligns with *1984* in its directness, as the author explicitly states her arguments and conclusions.
- Symbolic density: 20 out of 100
- The book focuses on biological and psychological explanations of sexuality, with minimal use of symbolism or allegory. While the author employs metaphors (e.g., the garden metaphor), these are explicitly stated and explained rather than requiring interpretation. This is similar to *Diary of a Young Girl* in its focus on direct experience rather than symbolic representation.
- Ironic distance: 25 out of 100
- The author's voice is sincere and direct, with little to no ironic distance between what is said and what is meant. The book aims to educate and empower readers, fostering a sense of direct emotional engagement with the subject matter. This is akin to *Are You There God?* in its lack of ironic detachment.
- Resolution withholding: 30 out of 100
- The book presents clear explanations and offers practical advice, aiming to provide readers with a sense of closure and understanding. While individual experiences of sexuality may vary, the book offers a framework for understanding and improving one's own sexual wellbeing. This contrasts with books that deliberately withhold resolution, such as *2666*, and is closer to *Beach Read* in its aim for a satisfying conclusion.
- Structural complexity: 30 out of 100
- The book follows a linear structure, progressing logically through different aspects of sexuality and building upon previous chapters. While there are personal anecdotes and case studies, these are integrated seamlessly into the overall framework. This straightforward structure is comparable to *Beach Read* in its accessibility.
How Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life is regarded
Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life holds a literary regard score of 30 out of 100, weighing its place in the canon, its critical reception, its influence on other writers, and the standing of its author. Regard is measured separately from difficulty: a demanding book is not necessarily an admired one.