Teen Sex By the Book

by Patricia Weerakoon

Sex. It's one of those things that's everywhere but it's kind of awkward to seriously talk about.

Teen Sex by the Book is a Christian book on teenage sexuality and relationships. It talks about things like falling in love, dating, pornography, homosexuality, and that all too common question, 'How far is too far?'.

It can be little uncomfortable to read but it will make you consider who you are and what you stand for. Use this book to discover how living God's countercultural lifestyle leads to healthy, pleasurable sex and intimate, satisfying relationships that last a lifetime.

Genres: Christian, Young Adult

221 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2012

About the author

Dr Patricia Weerakoon is a medical doctor turned sexologist and author. She is an evangelical Christian and is married to Vasantha. Her son, Kamal, is a Presbyterian minister.

Her writing and speaking brings together her enthusiasm for sex and her love for the glory of God.

As a sexologist, Dr Weerakoon has used practical sex education, sex research and sex therapy to bring good, holistic sexual health. Her Christian framework for sex therapy has enriched and empowered the sex lives of many couples.

Dr Weerakoon has a recognised media presence, and is a highly regarded public speaker and social commentator in sexuality and sexual health.

Reviews

[Ella]

It’s a horrible book. The worst I’ve ever read! So politically incorrect! Extremely homophobic and transphobic! This book could really hurt lgbtqia+ teens. Not to mention the amount of gender stereotypes mentioned! This book honestly disgusts me!

[Omega Writers]

Two reviews by our CALEB reviewers:

(1)
While sex therapist and educator Dr. Patricia Weerakoon’s timely book Teen Sex by the Book is not what most adults would choose to read to relax on Sunday afternoon it nevertheless remains a book that every parent of teenagers should read.

Sexuality in the world that teenagers live in today is far removed from the world in which their parents and grandparents grew up. In many cases parents and grandparents don’t know the meaning of the questions let alone the answers to the bewildering array of new sexual norms that teenagers regularly encounter. Teenagers are confused and perplexed – where can they turn for answers? It is useless to say “Don’t do it” for they are bombarded by sexually explicit material at almost every turn. What is cybersex? What effect does pornography and experimenting with homosexuality have on our future sex life?

Patricia Weerakoon is a committed Christian with more than 25 years as a sex educator, researcher and therapist who uses her retirement to speak at conferences and high schools on the controversial topic of sex.

I can thoroughly recommend Teen Sex by the Book to parents and educators as well as to the over fifteen age group. I can’t believe I just wrote that but since teens are constantly assailed by sexually explicit details they definitely need the more wholesome and balanced view of sex that is provided by this book. DS

(2)

Teen Sex by the Book is a very straightforward manual for navigating the teenage years. Well researched and fully referenced, it provides real world examples of the ever increasing sexually-charged society facing teenagers today. The pervasive influence of technology and social media cannot be underestimated. The selected quotes by teenagers that introduce each chapter are illuminating and frequently confronting. Dr Weerakoon offers practical advice, factual information, and strategies for teens in negotiating these often challenging years. Parents and youth leaders would find this a useful resource.

The M rating (15+) is a necessary caution for readers. KL

[Sarah Dinh]

Great book for information about sex but biblically not that great.

[James Ritchie]

I was quite disappointed by this book. It received a great deal of acclaim in the Christian circles I frequent, and while Weerakoon rightly left no stone unturned, tackling all the 'don't go there' topics for teens and sex, she really missed the opportunity to bring the gospel to bear on the issues. She mentioned stuff from the bible a lot, but the message of grace was very hard to find.

Her book may leave teens much more informed about sex related issues but is very unlikely to lead to any heart change. In regard to this topic what teens need more than anything is a genuine understanding of God's grace in the death of Jesus. This is what brings freedom fromsin and guilt and the power for real change. As a youth leader for the past 9 years this has been confirmed to me again and again as teenagers are weighed down by guilt over (usually hidden) sexual sin, and only a real grasp of the length and breadth of God's forgiveness is sufficient to bring anything more than short term behavourial modification.

This book would have been excellent if Weerakoon had consistently brought the gospel of grace to bear on the tough topics she discussed. Instead it left me feeling angry and frustrated that an opportunity had been missed.

[Mink Gough]

I think this book covers a range of topic any teens would be going through as they navigate through life, dating, sex and relationship. The author highlights a great deal about the origin of man and woman (Adam and Eve) and the role sin plays in human life. It sheds light on issues that are a bit awkward to talk about like body changes, touching while dating, how far is too far, sex before marriage, homosexuality and the effect of pornography on human brains. She backs it up with scientific proof, which provides a greater understanding; and allows the readers to make their own informed decisions. As an adult and someone working with the youth, I feel more equipped and prepared to support the young ones around me better.

[Mia]

Really good to reflect on how our world has morphed God’s plan for relationships and intimacy. Had some good advice on how to live opposed to our over-sexualised culture and to love those around us who are struggling to do so