There are many elements of this novel that should be taken into account when deciding whether or not it will be one an individual would enjoy. First, if anyone is uncomfortable with his or her own sexuality this is not a recommended read for you. This book contains conversation and ideologies of different topics of sexuality both commonly and uncommonly known. If one is uncomfortable with homosexuals, pedophiles, or masturbation then this book will not be of interest to you. Another thing to take into consideration, if you feel that religion plays a strong role in sexuality as opposed to science, you will find it hard to relate to the novel. In order to get the full potential out of reading this particular novel an individual must be able
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The author explains that this desire just like any other sexual desire cannot be helped, and it comes natural to some individuals. As Jesse Bering states, “Telling a pedophile that he needs to be attracted to grown-ups, not kids, is like telling a lesbian that she just hasn't found the right guy” (Jesse Bering). The reader’s initial reaction to this section of the novel is that the adults with these desires can control it they just choose not to. But, after reading about the psychological side of this particular desire you realize that there is a possibility that these desires cannot be controlled. Adults that have these ‘abnormal’ desires for children develop them at an early stage for different reasons, for example history of abuse or neglect growing up. It is no different than the belief that homosexuality is developed at an early stage and is not necessarily chosen by an individual. In this particular section the author challenges the reader to put themselves in the shoes of the pedophile to try and understand what they are feeling. As Bering states, “These people aren't living their lives in the closet; they're eternally hunkered down in a panic room” (Jesse Bering). This line forces the reader to realize that sometimes these feelings that develop inside ‘pedophiles’ cannot be altered or fixed. In fact the novel also talks about how most of these individuals are ashamed of these thoughts and desires. Bering also suggests that individuals that have inappropriate pictures of children in their possession are not necessarily committing a crime, but instead are satisfying natural habit they cannot control. He also argues that these pictures are not harmful, which for the reader may be hard to understand, but it can be looked at as these individuals are trying to contain these desires with the pictures instead of physical action. I found this section of the
The author explains that this desire just like any other sexual desire cannot be helped, and it comes natural to some individuals. As Jesse Bering states, “Telling a pedophile that he needs to be attracted to grown-ups, not kids, is like telling a lesbian that she just hasn't found the right guy” (Jesse Bering). The reader’s initial reaction to this section of the novel is that the adults with these desires can control it they just choose not to. But, after reading about the psychological side of this particular desire you realize that there is a possibility that these desires cannot be controlled. Adults that have these ‘abnormal’ desires for children develop them at an early stage for different reasons, for example history of abuse or neglect growing up. It is no different than the belief that homosexuality is developed at an early stage and is not necessarily chosen by an individual. In this particular section the author challenges the reader to put themselves in the shoes of the pedophile to try and understand what they are feeling. As Bering states, “These people aren't living their lives in the closet; they're eternally hunkered down in a panic room” (Jesse Bering). This line forces the reader to realize that sometimes these feelings that develop inside ‘pedophiles’ cannot be altered or fixed. In fact the novel also talks about how most of these individuals are ashamed of these thoughts and desires. Bering also suggests that individuals that have inappropriate pictures of children in their possession are not necessarily committing a crime, but instead are satisfying natural habit they cannot control. He also argues that these pictures are not harmful, which for the reader may be hard to understand, but it can be looked at as these individuals are trying to contain these desires with the pictures instead of physical action. I found this section of the