Taboo: Conversations we never had about sex, body image, work and relationships

by Hannah Ferguson

A vulnerable exploration of modern womanhood that weaves deeply personal stories with opinions and advice on sex, friendship, family, career and beyond.

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, Audiobook, Self Help, Psychology, Sexuality, Book Club

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 11, 2024

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Feminism has gone too far' a man told me on a dating app last year. It was his opening line, which was incredibly charming and transformed my vagina into a waterslide, just desperate to have sex with him (read: as dry as the Sahara and I deleted the dating app for a week) it was one of many absolutely sensual, romantic lines I had been presented with in the two years I had spent swiping in Australia's second largest city in a year I wrongly believed to be further progressed than 1912.’

Taboo is an exploration of the often unspoken aspects of womanhood. This part memoir, part feminist manifesto delves into themes of sex, body image, relationships, career, and friendship, intertwining deeply personal anecdotes with sharp, accessible insights. Ferguson’s voice is unapologetically raw and relatable, aiming to dismantle societal stigma and empower readers to have the conversations many avoid.

The book stands out for its candid reflections on the shame and social conditioning that often accompany topics like female sexuality and self worth. Ferguson’s storytelling is equal parts vulnerable and humorous, making heavy subjects approachable. In moments, it feels like a heart to heart with a trusted friend, capturing the messy realities of navigating modern life as a woman.

Taboo serves as a valuable guide offering insights and solidarity during a time of self discovery and societal expectation.

For readers eager for an honest, no frills discussion about womanhood and societal norms, Taboo is a must read. It challenges, inspires, and most importantly, sparks conversations long overdue.

I Highly Recommend.

4.5

Many thanks to Affirm Press for my advanced readers copy.

[Georgie Hewson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not often I pick up a non fiction book and just inhale it. On the surface it might seem like another memoir on sex, work, relationships that have flooded the market in recent years. But taboo is whip smart, well researched and unique. Hannah Ferguson is a revelation and completely validates women who are afraid of speaking about subjects women are conditioned to think are ‘taboo’. Every time I’ve wanted to articulate how I feel about something but couldn’t find the words at a drunken dinner party, Hannah has the facts and research and sharp one liners to some up the point. I took a highlighter to so many pages. I only wish I had a pocket sized copy to whip out every time someone tells me the gender pay gap doesn’t exist. She shows why we should write memoirs young and while we’re still learning so we have someone walking alongside us in our twenties instead of writing retrospectively years later.

[Rosie · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a raging feminist who loves non-fiction, I cannot believe I didn’t like this, considering the reviews. DNF at page 26—for context, I’ve only DNF’d five books in my life. I simply could not tolerate this book. It infuriated me.

I found it difficult to connect with the author, and many of her statements felt abrasive or misinformed. I'm not religious in the slightest, but I found her comment suggesting that religion is not taboo but instead “institutional child abuse committed by male clergy” to be insanely reductive and offensive. She loves sweeping generalisations, and they are PLENTIFUL.

Her tone throughout the book is whiny and preachy, which might have been easier to overlook if I agreed with her perspectives. For example, she states that “Botox isn’t feminist.”

For me, Botox and literally anything to do with your appearance, is a personal preference, not a political statement. I would still choose to not have wrinkles and wear makeup when I felt like it even if I was the only person on earth. To suggest that these choices are inherently anti-feminist and only exist due to patriarchical oppression oversimplifies women’s autonomy and personal agency—and is therefore, in itself, anti-feminist.

She also claims that “preventative Botox isn’t a thing,” which is simply, factually inaccurate. There is a substantial body of scientific literature supporting the effectiveness of early Botox in delaying the development of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s not a matter of opinion—it’s a well-documented physiological process.

The final straw for me was a claim made without evidence or explanation: “beautiful individuals are consistently expected to be more intelligent and thought to be better leaders.” This contradicts not only societal stereotypes but the lived experience of (dare I say) pretty much all women today and in the past. Attractive women are often underestimated, sexualised, or assumed to lack depth or intelligence—not presumed to be brilliant leaders. These kinds of broad, unsupported generalisations made it literally impossible to take her or her “perspectives” seriously.

I’ve read and appreciated MANY feminist books, as well as sociological non-fiction that reflects vastly different worldviews from my own, but I was still able to enjoy and engage with them. Taboo, however, was half unoriginal (“girls, be nice to each other,” “social media isn’t real life,” “sex isn’t shameful”) and half wishy-washy, factually unsupported ramble offering no wisdom or even substance to readers.

To be frank: a waste of time and a waste of money.

[Olivia Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars: Very well written, loved the self reflection questions, but couldn’t help feeling that this book has been done before. Strongest parts were the autobiographical parts. Maybe because I am interested in these topics personally, but it felt familiar

[Lauren Amato · Rating 3 out of 5]

my taboo is that all men should be in therapy from birth until no longer required

[Hannah Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

No, I did not write this book.
But I wish I did.. because I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Must be in the name 😉

[Hayley Mcclintock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book articulates extremely well so much of what I think and feel.
Hannah breaking down taboos to their roots to see where they come from and why they exist makes them easier to understand and therefore combat in my own life. This book challenged a lot of my own internalised thinking and misogyny. And a special shout out and fuck you to a certain male who used to be in my life, who is the BIGGEST gossip I know but shamed us girls for doing the same.
I can’t recommend this enough to anyone who hasn’t read (as well as Bite Back). I know my good reads friends list is mostly an echo chamber of my book club girlies but for those who haven’t read this yet I really implore you to do so. Mum and Kyra I’m looking at you. Also Jack you will have to read both Hannah’s books also but you’ve already been told.

[Natasha Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! This is exactly the kind of contemporary, political and personal book that I love to read. I felt Hannah had improved upon her already impressive writing (and audiobook narration) from Bite Back and Taboo had seperate, unique and interesting ideas. I really loved Hannah’s vulnerability, she approached so many ideas with care and openness and this book made me admire her even more. 10/10 would recommend!

[Toni Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 if you don’t already follow Hannah Ferguson or Cheek media on Instagram, go and do so right away!
I also think everyone should read this, a lot of this was information I have already had a lot of access to but I know a lot of people would benefit from this
Also loooved the chapter on friendship and having a soulmate in a platonic partner (obviously related to this heavily as Maddy is def my soulmate) 😂
Also I listened to this as an audiobook but couldn’t find that edition on Goodreads

[Maisy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been trying to work my way through some classics and this was a nice change of pace! Who would have thought a nonfiction read would break my reading drought, but I could hear Hannah’s voice so clearly in this book. An easy read for some pretty hefty topics, made me angry in a productive way!

[alli · Rating 5 out of 5]

another 5-star mandatory reading from me.

i listened to the audiobook and it was confronting (in the best way).

i found myself relating her words to my own experiences and realising hey! that wasn’t normal or hey! that wasn’t okay. so many things i brush off and don’t even think about or stayed silent about, and she really makes you ask yourself why

my favourite quote, “i exist in a kaleidoscope of perspectives,” perfectly captures how i feel about my female friendships and i am so lucky to say the same. forever grateful for my village 💛

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so so good - I highly recommend everyone read it. I love everything Hannah does but this was very raw and personal and also made such good points. The type of book where I would want to highlight every second sentence. The last chapter was about female friendship and it made be sob reading it and thinking about my own friendships ❤️❤️

[Miranda Keogh · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.756512

Memorising the statistics on women’s unpaid labour so next time a bro tries to tell me unequal pay between men and women is illEGAL I can slap him in the face with facts

[mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this, a well articulated and super pragmatic perspective on relatable, everyday topics.
Felt like she was able to articulate and convey a lot of experiences, feelings and questions from my own head onto a page.
Highly recommend :)

[IsabelleD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Laughed, cried and immediately told 34 women all about it. So validating, thought provoking and it truly felt like a conversation with a girlfriend I never wanted to end

[Kels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously the most important non-fiction book anyone, and I mean ANYONE, could read. MUST read. Touched and resonated with me in so many different ways. To being bullied at a young age for my lankiness, to having one of my mothers best friends say to me at 12, “I wonder when you’ll grow into that nose”, to being sexually violated and not being able to talk about it until years later.. to losing a dozen of my closest friends along with my identity. I’ve never felt so seen and heard. This book is so real and raw and so funny and powerful. It sums up how I feel about everything and everyone. I’ve had an incredibly painful year but I can’t think of a better time to have read this than right now. I’ve learnt so much. Thank you Hannah Ferguson. Fuck the patriarchy. EVERYONE needs to read this book. EVERYONE needs to go to therapy. EVERYONE needs to get on the HF train. 🥂 to having uncomfortable conversations.

[Alexandra Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very necessary piece of work and I’m glad she wrote it I wish I went to her live show aaahhhh

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4 Stars⭐️
Taboo: Conversations We Never Had About Sex, Body Image, Work and Relationships by Hannah Ferguson

Hannah is not afraid to speak out and embrace feminism and she combines this with humour and vulnerability! Taboo is a modern, bold, unfiltered and unapologetic book about conversations on body image, botox, sex, shame, career, relationships, friendship and more.

Hannah shares many of her own personal stories, examines statistics and hands out knowledgeable advice.

Recommended for anyone who wants to learn more about those sometimes taboo topics in a no-nonsense manner. I particularly enjoyed the chapter about female friendship.

I don’t necessarily agree with Hannah’s thoughts on every subject and this is probably not a book I would normally pick up but I admire her ability to speak up and inspire with passion, she definitely makes you think. Taboo offers a valuable guide and will resonate with many.

Publication Date 12 November 2024
Publisher Affirm Press

A huge thanks to the fabulous team at Affirm Press for a copy of the book and matching bookmark 🔖

[Annalee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars. I didn’t agree with every perspective, but I really appreciated how much it opened up and challenged my thinking and allowed for new perspectives. Hannah’s own personal experiences made it feel more engaging.

“What I am suggesting is that you shouldn’t have to hide your tampon as you walk to the fucking toilet and feel terrified of someone knowing about a natural bodily process. I am arguing that people should be paid for the work they do and be able to ask for more. I want us to dedicate more time to friendship, and to discussing difficult decisions around motherhood and why we get married.”

[Dayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of Hannah’s and confirmed I’d read anything she writes. She is such an intelligent force; able to combine the perfect amount of research and knowledge with experiences and wit. A book that blended validation on taboos and challenged others through insightful discussion.
This book is the exact reason why people should write memoirs young. I agreed with most of Hannah’s taboos, finding myself frequently saying “YES” in my head. I’m sure most women will have had similar experiences discussed in the book. I had a handful, particularly resonated with the experience of trying to discuss female pleasure and sex with my peers and getting shamed for that.

[Sophie Hine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me feeling empowered and gave me more courage to stand up for what is right. So many amazing points made in this that I would have never thought of before hand. Really gets you thinking about everything you’ve ever thought about society. I think everyone should read this book. Powerful.

[Alice F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a clever mix of engaging anecdotes, literature and academic texts. Love you Hannah !!!

[Mo · Rating 2 out of 5]

borderline unreadable 😭…. not really sure who the audience of this is supposed to be tbh

[Alice Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to read this with a bit of an open mind but I really enjoyed it and would recommend to all my friends 😁😁😁

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐
I agree with most of Hannah's opinions, but not all. Regardless, Taboo is an incredibly thoughtful and informative read - a book EVERYONE should read to educate and dispel misinformation. The chapter on friendship is 🤌🏻 divine. Looking forward to reading more of Hannah's work and voting for her as PM in future ❤️

[Ceyrone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Men, read this, for the sake of your mothers, sisters, daughters, your friends. Knowledge is power, educate yourselves.

[emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful, I like what Hannah Ferguson has to share and offer

I don’t read non fiction too often but I found this relatively easy to read for me!

Women are the best!

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do it scared. I’ll try, but keep in mind I’m in a constant state of fear.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one I will think about for weeks to come. It has rewritten how I view parts of society, myself and our interactions with others. Hannah’s honesty and self-awareness is a gift.

[Anna Mae · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t love this book, as I do appreciate and agree with the messaging around taboos and I like Hannah Ferguson. Also love to see an Australian female author.

The book to me was a little hard to get into, as I found it repetitive and feel like it had been done before. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a new take on an existing topic, but I would say there was only one chapter that I truly felt contributed something new and was deeply authentic. As other readers, I think there are some very generalising statements in this book and that’s difficult to accept in a book clearly well thought out and researched.

I would have much preferred an autobiographical structure than a social commentary, as it came across a bit surface level compared to other feminist literature and books. I also didn’t love the Gen Z wording because it didn’t fit in with the writing style or topic matter. Ultimately, I respect what Hannah did with this book even though it didn’t resonate with me specifically, and I would like to read her other work.