I know I’m preaching to the choir here, but this past summer, Fifty Shades of Grey took the book world by storm. Why? Because it introduced new sexual ideas into the bedrooms of so many women — and subsequently raised the sales of rope and zip ties in hardware stores across the nation. Some publications have even gone as far as saying that Fifty Shades of Grey has changed the libido of American women. How can one book have such an impact? How does erotica move an entire nation?

It unites us.

Reading erotica appeals to everyone; whether you’re single, in a relationship, hetero or homosexual–there’s a book out there for you.

If you’re single, literary erotica and erotic romance can help you stay mentally and physically stimulated. You may not currently have a man who whisks you away and does you right, but that doesn’t mean you can’t transcend into a world where you do… and then get the job done yourself.

Erotica is great for relationships, because it can help you feel in tune to your relationship again. Maybe you’ve lost your connection to each other or you feel like things are dwindling. Reading sexy novels can help you refocus your energy on your own relationship. It’ll make you want to improve it and get it back to what it used to be. The books may also make you realize that you shouldn’t be in your relationship anymore. Maybe you’ve been holding on for all the wrong reasons? While the characters can be unrealistic and I don’t recommend comparing your partner to anyone in a book, it may open your mind to problems and faults that you hadn’t previously seen. And sometimes, that’s a good thing.

Erotica is also great for recharging a dying libido. If you’ve found yourself preferring the company of your TV and pajamas over the steamy sack sessions your partner provides, it may be time to read a book or two. Just as Fifty Shades of Grey proved, reading erotica can help you become interested in sex again.

And then there’s the added benefit of learning new things, from new sexual positions, to toys and role playing. You may have never thought you were into firemen before, but afterwards, you just might be begging your partner to dress the part. Maybe you were initially put off by bondage, but reading about it might open your mind. Literary erotica is a great way to experience sexual themes that you haven’t already and/or know little about, all without having to jump into something blindly or feel ashamed.

And finally, well, literary erotica is great for the LBGT community. Many novels contain m/m and f/f  topics. No matter your preference, you can find a story that speaks to you.

Erotica is great for everyone and comes in all forms, from downright dirty to soft core–you can pick your level. And once you’ve graduated from that and you’re looking to move past the written word and recreate one of the scenes in your favorite book, I recommend heading over  to Adam and Eve, where they have plenty of adult films and all the sex toys you could dream of.

And as far as publishers go, check out Ellora’s Cave for some of the best erotic romance and erotica stories anywhere! (Okay, I might be a little biased… but they put out awesome books!)