Critique du Library Journal

Why has a publisher, even an admittedly specialized one like Hazelden, issued two new, virtually identical titles? That question can't be answered here, but the need for at least one book on cybersex addiction is obvious to anyone whose library has public Internet stations. The Internet, say the authors of both titles, has created a situation in which people can easily become involved in compulsive or unhealthy sexual activities with just a keystroke. People find themselves neglecting their families and responsibilities, spending huge amounts of money on access to fee-based pornography, and often becoming involved in real-life affairs with strangers. Spouses and partners of such addicts suffer from loss of affection and low self-esteem. As for recovery, both books advocate involvement in 12-step "sexual addiction" programs. Public libraries should certainly purchase at least one of these titles. While both volumes are fairly equal, the vote goes to In the Shadows of the Net by a slight margin. Carnes, clinical director for sexual disorder services at the Meadows in Wickenburg, AZ, more or less invented the concept of "sexual addiction" in his seminal Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction (Hazelden, 2001. rev. ed.), so he is the more recognized authority. Also, Carnes's book is being issued in hardcover. Cybersex Exposed, while less expensive, has the added disadvantage of having its title blazoned across the cover in a way that is likely to discourage checkout, at least in small towns where people are sensitive about such issues. Mary Ann Hughes, Neill P.L., Pullman, WA(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.