Hurts So Good: The Science and Culture of Pain on Purpose by Leigh Cowart is a deeply engaging exploration of why humans willingly seek out pain, and what it reveals about our minds, bodies, and desires. Through a mix of personal experience, scientific research, and cultural analysis, Cowart dives into the world of deliberate and consensual pain, from athletes and dancers to tattoo lovers, hot pepper eaters, and kink practitioners. They unpack how pain can become a source of pleasure, meaning, and even transformation. Blending humor, vulnerability, and scientific insight, Hurts So Good challenges assumptions about masochism and redefines it as a vital part of the human condition. Cowart’s writing bridges the gap between neuroscience, psychology, and lived experience, revealing how discomfort can fuel resilience, connection, and creativity. It’s part memoir, part science writing, and entirely unforgettable.

Why you might want this product:

• Written by journalist and researcher Leigh Cowart, who combines science with personal experience

• Explores the psychology and physiology of pain, pleasure, and motivation

• Inclusive and thoughtful discussion of consensual masochism and sensation-seeking

• Appeals to readers interested in science, kink, psychology, and body awareness

• Offers a balance of research-based insight and engaging storytelling

Why you might not like this product:

• Contains detailed discussions of pain, which may be uncomfortable for some readers

• Leans more toward science and cultural analysis than erotic content

• Focuses on curiosity and understanding rather than instruction or advice

This book is a smart, empathetic, and eye-opening journey into why we chase pain, how it shapes us, and what it teaches us about being human.