Last year, T. bought me a book, which I then loaned back to her. The book was called Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control and Pregnancy Achievement. For those who have always wondered about my birth control methods (which I know must just be HUNDREDS of you), I’ve been using Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) as my sole protection for six years, and have nothing but fantastic things to say about the technique. It amazes me that this non-invasive, non-chemical, physiology-based and incredibly effective method isn’t used by more women in long term relationships. IF practiced correctly (and that’s a big if, since so few women understand how their fertility cycles work, and the technique does require the education and dedication of both partners), FAM’s pregnancy prevention rate can be better than The Pill — and you don’t have to deal with that lovely regulated libido feeling.

Anyway, T. brought the book with her out to coffee on the Island this morning, and who should walk up to her table, but Toni Weschler, the author! T. and Toni sat and talked about the book for an hour or so, and T. learned little tid-bits such as that Toni wanted it to be called “Cycle Savvy,” which makes more sense than “Taking Charge of Your Fertility,” since most women trying to avoid pregancy see the word “fertility” in the title of the book and think “Nuh-uh: that’s what I don’t want.” But the publisher wanted the “Taking Charge” title, and we all know that the person paying for the printing usually gets their way.

Anyway, I highly recommend the book, and Amazon has it on super massive sale right now: $5.99! And this is not a small book. If you’re a woman (or a man who sleeps with one) who is frustrated by your birth control options, you really need to read it. Even if you use alternate methods of birth control like barrier methods, understanding fertility cycles is an excellent addition.