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Tell Me What You Like: An Honest Discussion of Sex and Intimacy After Sexual Assault
Hopeful, groundbreaking, and anchored in true stories, this much-needed book from sexuality journalist and fellow sexual assault survivor Katie Simon delves into the challenges of moving from trauma to healing. Tell Me What You Like will guide sexual assault survivors toward the sex and relationships they want, and speaks to the shift in sexual culture we all need.
Over a decade ago, Katie Simon began seeking out stories of people who faced sexual challenges after sexual trauma—just as she did. Simon interviewed dozens of survivors, and her investigation yielded diverse responses from people of all backgrounds, ultimately confirming that there is no single path toward healing.
Simon's research led her to life-changing findings that sexual assault survivors most want to know about: coping with trauma triggers and traumatic stress symptoms such as anxiety, depression, physical pain, and flashbacks. From embodied consent to self-pleasure, sexual regret, break-ups and beyond, you'll find answers to all your questions about how sexual trauma affects sex and relationships within these pages, in stories told by survivors who've actually been there.
Millions of survivors across the United States are treated as irreparably broken. Simon offers a positive approach to healing based on empathy and community—and the understanding and tools to navigate trauma and cultivate the sex lives we desire and deserve. The narratives Simon has gathered break down the potential obstacles to rebuilding post-assault, and offer multiple paths forward with optimistic, new approaches to sex after sexual assault. Packed with insights, stories, and advice, this invaluable guide reimagines what sex can look like—not only for survivors, but for all of us.
Over a decade ago, Katie Simon began seeking out stories of people who faced sexual challenges after sexual trauma—just as she did. Simon interviewed dozens of survivors, and her investigation yielded diverse responses from people of all backgrounds, ultimately confirming that there is no single path toward healing.
Simon's research led her to life-changing findings that sexual assault survivors most want to know about: coping with trauma triggers and traumatic stress symptoms such as anxiety, depression, physical pain, and flashbacks. From embodied consent to self-pleasure, sexual regret, break-ups and beyond, you'll find answers to all your questions about how sexual trauma affects sex and relationships within these pages, in stories told by survivors who've actually been there.
Millions of survivors across the United States are treated as irreparably broken. Simon offers a positive approach to healing based on empathy and community—and the understanding and tools to navigate trauma and cultivate the sex lives we desire and deserve. The narratives Simon has gathered break down the potential obstacles to rebuilding post-assault, and offer multiple paths forward with optimistic, new approaches to sex after sexual assault. Packed with insights, stories, and advice, this invaluable guide reimagines what sex can look like—not only for survivors, but for all of us.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published July 29, 2025
21 people are currently reading
2569 people want to read
About the author
Katie Simon
2 books11 followersKatie Simon's writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Vogue, BuzzFeed, Tin House, and elsewhere, including the anthology The Anatomy of Silence. Her first nonfiction book, Tell Me What You Like: An Honest Discussion of Sex and Intimacy After Sexual Assault, is out July 29th. Katie studied creative writing at New York University, University of East Anglia, and Columbia University. She lives in Texas with her dog, Babka. @katiewsimon
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 15, 2025
This was a very triggering read—but also incredibly validating and necessary. It’s one of those books that forces you to sit with hard truths: about trauma, consent, shame, healing, and the way our society so often fails survivors.
At times I had to pause the audiobook because I felt the familiar weight of shame creeping in. Even now, I still catch myself gaslighting my own experiences, thinking “It wasn’t that bad,” or “Maybe I misunderstood.” But this book puts language to the gray areas, to the discomfort, to the pain we often try to bury.
“I’m healing from some trauma so it might show up. Please don’t take it personally.”
That line hit me like a wave. Gentle, raw, and heartbreakingly real.
The book tackles victim-blaming, non-concordance, the complexities of BDSM, the false notion of the “perfect victim,” and how even in healing, we sometimes seek control in unhealthy ways. It made me reflect deeply on what consent really means, and how important it is to have a partner who listens without defensiveness.
I’m grateful I had a supportive partner to process parts of this with—and even more grateful that voices like Katie Simon’s exist to remind us we’re not alone.
Rachel Perry’s narration was tender and compassionate. She brought this book to life with grace, helping the words land softly even when they were sharp.
This is not an easy book. But if you’ve ever needed someone to say “I believe you”—this story just might do that.
Highly recommend—but with care.
📖 Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the ALC.
At times I had to pause the audiobook because I felt the familiar weight of shame creeping in. Even now, I still catch myself gaslighting my own experiences, thinking “It wasn’t that bad,” or “Maybe I misunderstood.” But this book puts language to the gray areas, to the discomfort, to the pain we often try to bury.
“I’m healing from some trauma so it might show up. Please don’t take it personally.”
That line hit me like a wave. Gentle, raw, and heartbreakingly real.
The book tackles victim-blaming, non-concordance, the complexities of BDSM, the false notion of the “perfect victim,” and how even in healing, we sometimes seek control in unhealthy ways. It made me reflect deeply on what consent really means, and how important it is to have a partner who listens without defensiveness.
I’m grateful I had a supportive partner to process parts of this with—and even more grateful that voices like Katie Simon’s exist to remind us we’re not alone.
Rachel Perry’s narration was tender and compassionate. She brought this book to life with grace, helping the words land softly even when they were sharp.
This is not an easy book. But if you’ve ever needed someone to say “I believe you”—this story just might do that.
Highly recommend—but with care.
📖 Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the ALC.
Read
September 26, 2025DNF. “After the October 7th massacre in Israel, when systemic sexual violence and torture were used as methods of terrorism and live streamed globally…” The Human Rights Watch report on this doesn’t mention any live-streaming of sexual violence and I was unable to find evidence of this in other reliable records of the time period either but maybe this is just what the author means when referring to “global denial of the atrocities”. While I’m not going to argue that sexual violence did or didn’t happen I’ve seen countless atrocities happen in Palestine and I am not going to continue reading this book.
July 28, 2025
To be published July 29, 2025.
Please be mindful of trigger warnings when picking up this book- this book can feel like the entire litany of feelings after an assault and while the author is delicate and heartfelt, the honesty and experiences can be hard- be kind to yourself.
The author addresses sexuality and some of the experiences with sexuality after assault in a way that felt reassuring and powerful, they utilized a diverse group of stories- including queer, POC, range of ages, lifestyles and experiences.
Katie Simon writes about intimacy after trauma in a way that felt like hugging someone. I found myself in tears on multiple occasions and writing various phrases in my planner. This is part memoir, part help, and part research based paper all wrapped up in a less than clinical way.
“Healing doesn’t mean forgetting what happened. It means remembering you are still worthy of love, desire, and choice.”
Please be mindful of trigger warnings when picking up this book- this book can feel like the entire litany of feelings after an assault and while the author is delicate and heartfelt, the honesty and experiences can be hard- be kind to yourself.
The author addresses sexuality and some of the experiences with sexuality after assault in a way that felt reassuring and powerful, they utilized a diverse group of stories- including queer, POC, range of ages, lifestyles and experiences.
Katie Simon writes about intimacy after trauma in a way that felt like hugging someone. I found myself in tears on multiple occasions and writing various phrases in my planner. This is part memoir, part help, and part research based paper all wrapped up in a less than clinical way.
“Healing doesn’t mean forgetting what happened. It means remembering you are still worthy of love, desire, and choice.”
February 8, 2026
unfortunately very poorly coded information, a lot of useless therapy speak that made the text vague, confusing and lacking in empathy and future project. Because of the unique collection of stories, directly from survivers recounting their experiences and strategies for living and enjoying sex after assault, I will still recomend reading specially if you are looking for ways to sort of 'jumpstart' your curiosity on what sex means and can be after assault. You can expect a few moments of insight but generally it is just a direct mumble jumble of accounts. Chapters go on forever in the style of tumblr posts and have no sub headings that organize the themes. I do think with a re-write and good editing work it could become a usefull guide but for now its seems like an exercise in getting things out, making things true, and it feels a little that it really wants you to believe everything is fine but you can sense it isn't because all stories are behind walls of protective jargon and categories that swing between being over explicit and feeling vague and emaciated. Im a little disapointed because i had so much hope for this book but its an okay start.
June 21, 2025
So much of the shame that a survivor may feel has a really strong chance of falling away by reading this book. This felt like every single experience in the aftermath of SA, from disclosing to partners and changes about body perception, becomes less taboo or felt less shameful to have experienced. There's now words to contextualize the experience and to make sense of how our bodies/mind cope with what happened.
This honestly felt like a big sigh of relief. It single handedly help me understand myself better and this book does a really good job at explaining the emotional experience.
I think it's only fall is the writing! It got a bit repetitive at times (understandable, so it wasn't a big deal to me but can be to others). The writing also did a lot of telling instead of showing, there was a sense of distance between what they're talking about and the way I felt about it. Which wasn't a problem for me because that helped me to manage my own triggers and not get too overwhelmed by my feelings.
Overall, genuinely solid book that everyone whose ever experience SA to read. It'll Alll make sense!!!
This honestly felt like a big sigh of relief. It single handedly help me understand myself better and this book does a really good job at explaining the emotional experience.
I think it's only fall is the writing! It got a bit repetitive at times (understandable, so it wasn't a big deal to me but can be to others). The writing also did a lot of telling instead of showing, there was a sense of distance between what they're talking about and the way I felt about it. Which wasn't a problem for me because that helped me to manage my own triggers and not get too overwhelmed by my feelings.
Overall, genuinely solid book that everyone whose ever experience SA to read. It'll Alll make sense!!!
November 26, 2025
after giving it some time i think i can describe what i think about this book.
i found it a bit disappointing, there is not much diversity in thinking in terms of each interviewees’ ideas on sex. except maybe that some were still in abusive relationships and some were working on their healing
i found myself confused at times with the title being “tell me what you like” i was hoping there would be more advice for survivors learning to survive and find pleasure with their partner(s) or themselves, or acceptance if that doesnt feel right for them. i would have liked more focus on communication, it is touched on and even a few specific consent models and their history in kink community. however i found them to be a bit dated and again, not casting a very wide net.
i also became confused when at times to be “focus on yourself ” and others (when talking with or about folks in bigger or more masculine bodies) it is good and righteous to be hyperaware of how others view you
i think this has some good nuggets of theory, thought, and advice, but overall not something i would give or recommend to a survivor
i found it a bit disappointing, there is not much diversity in thinking in terms of each interviewees’ ideas on sex. except maybe that some were still in abusive relationships and some were working on their healing
i found myself confused at times with the title being “tell me what you like” i was hoping there would be more advice for survivors learning to survive and find pleasure with their partner(s) or themselves, or acceptance if that doesnt feel right for them. i would have liked more focus on communication, it is touched on and even a few specific consent models and their history in kink community. however i found them to be a bit dated and again, not casting a very wide net.
i also became confused when at times to be “focus on yourself ” and others (when talking with or about folks in bigger or more masculine bodies) it is good and righteous to be hyperaware of how others view you
i think this has some good nuggets of theory, thought, and advice, but overall not something i would give or recommend to a survivor
September 17, 2025
I feel the same about this book as Pete Walker. If this title resonates with you, someone you know, truly for anyone, the world would be a more empathetic and compassionate place.
August 25, 2025
a necessary, trail-blazing book for survivors. it expands the conversation around what life as a survivor looks like, from beyond trauma to joy, pleasure, and sexual liberation, by being survivor-written, reported, and centered.
August 11, 2025
I have some feelings about this book that I don't know how to put into words so I'll leave most of those feelings out of my review. Maybe a tl;dr version? I basically just felt like we were kind of given college essay theses at the start of each chapter, a bunch of widely varying examples from a very small group of research subjects to represent the spectrum of experiences related to each thesis, and then a quick conclusion that ultimately ends with "it's different for all survivors!" every time which didn't really feel helpful in a way I'd hoped this book would.
The subtitle is literally "an honest discussion of sex and intimacy after sexual assault" and that's exactly what it is – people talking about their experiences and how they reclaimed their sexuality, or tried to, over time. So I guess it was never on the author to make this a way for people to work through our own trauma, rather just a study of how others have done it which I suppose is kind of comforting in itself. I think I was hoping to connect to people more than I did, and it just didn't happen for me because we mostly just get little snippets of stories from people woven throughout wider themes. I ended up skimming a lot like, that's great for y'all but I didn't need to know everyone's sexual proclivities in detail as they connected to the theme of each chapter, and would've rather read chapters that focus on each subject individually to take in their whole stories from start to finish. Because of how it's structured, the author also spends a lot of time reintroducing people, most of whom are known only by a first name. This makes many of them interchangeable or forgettable, especially if a lot of pages have gone by between their appearances, so I felt like I was constantly trying to remind myself of earlier details about each person that felt significant to the information they were sharing later in the book.
All of that said, this is an intriguing look at vastly different perspectives from people who attempt to rediscover themselves and what works for them in terms of sex and relationships post-assault, so in that sense it was still worth reading out of more of a sociocultural curiosity even if it wasn't exactly what I wanted. For that, I'll give it about 3.5 stars, but will be nice and round up to 4 since a lot of my reservations were more about me than about the book.
A side note, while I was able to move past it and not let it affect how I read the book, the author details how the events of October 7 in Israel affected her trauma recovery due to the use of sexual violence. While that itself is absolutely valid, there was some additional pro-Israel commentary that I found a bit gross, especially given how absolutely unrelated her opinion was to this book's topic as a whole. With all of her talk about triggers and how everything in the world affects her emotionally and physically, you'd think she'd have some tact in how she discusses a nuanced as fuck conflict in a book that is completely unrelated to it and about which she has zero expertise.
The subtitle is literally "an honest discussion of sex and intimacy after sexual assault" and that's exactly what it is – people talking about their experiences and how they reclaimed their sexuality, or tried to, over time. So I guess it was never on the author to make this a way for people to work through our own trauma, rather just a study of how others have done it which I suppose is kind of comforting in itself. I think I was hoping to connect to people more than I did, and it just didn't happen for me because we mostly just get little snippets of stories from people woven throughout wider themes. I ended up skimming a lot like, that's great for y'all but I didn't need to know everyone's sexual proclivities in detail as they connected to the theme of each chapter, and would've rather read chapters that focus on each subject individually to take in their whole stories from start to finish. Because of how it's structured, the author also spends a lot of time reintroducing people, most of whom are known only by a first name. This makes many of them interchangeable or forgettable, especially if a lot of pages have gone by between their appearances, so I felt like I was constantly trying to remind myself of earlier details about each person that felt significant to the information they were sharing later in the book.
All of that said, this is an intriguing look at vastly different perspectives from people who attempt to rediscover themselves and what works for them in terms of sex and relationships post-assault, so in that sense it was still worth reading out of more of a sociocultural curiosity even if it wasn't exactly what I wanted. For that, I'll give it about 3.5 stars, but will be nice and round up to 4 since a lot of my reservations were more about me than about the book.
A side note, while I was able to move past it and not let it affect how I read the book, the author details how the events of October 7 in Israel affected her trauma recovery due to the use of sexual violence. While that itself is absolutely valid, there was some additional pro-Israel commentary that I found a bit gross, especially given how absolutely unrelated her opinion was to this book's topic as a whole. With all of her talk about triggers and how everything in the world affects her emotionally and physically, you'd think she'd have some tact in how she discusses a nuanced as fuck conflict in a book that is completely unrelated to it and about which she has zero expertise.
December 10, 2025
Katie Simon's book, Tell Me What You Like, is a truly vital and necessary contribution to the conversation around reclamation after trauma. I am writing this review as both a survivor of sexual trauma and an advocate who works with survivors on their path to healing and justice daily.
Too often, survivors are treated as "irreparably broken," a narrative this book actively and beautifully dismantles. Simon’s work, built from dozens of survivor interviews, provides the empathy, community, and understanding that is critically missing from so much trauma-focused literature. It powerfully confirms that there is no single path toward healing. What makes this book exceptional is its focus on reclaiming pleasure. It tackles essential, yet frequently unaddressed topics - from embodied consent and self-pleasure to navigating the ways that triggers, anxiety, and depression impact our relationship to intimacy - all through the lens of those who have actually lived it. The narratives offer concrete, optimistic yet honest approaches to sex and relationships after trauma.
For any survivor seeking tools to navigate trauma and cultivate the sex life they desire and deserve, this book is an invaluable guide. I highly recommend it; it offers multiple, hopeful paths forward and reimagines what healing and pleasure can look like for all of us. Thank you Penguin for the ARC and thank you Katie Simon for ensuring this resource exists in our world!
Too often, survivors are treated as "irreparably broken," a narrative this book actively and beautifully dismantles. Simon’s work, built from dozens of survivor interviews, provides the empathy, community, and understanding that is critically missing from so much trauma-focused literature. It powerfully confirms that there is no single path toward healing. What makes this book exceptional is its focus on reclaiming pleasure. It tackles essential, yet frequently unaddressed topics - from embodied consent and self-pleasure to navigating the ways that triggers, anxiety, and depression impact our relationship to intimacy - all through the lens of those who have actually lived it. The narratives offer concrete, optimistic yet honest approaches to sex and relationships after trauma.
For any survivor seeking tools to navigate trauma and cultivate the sex life they desire and deserve, this book is an invaluable guide. I highly recommend it; it offers multiple, hopeful paths forward and reimagines what healing and pleasure can look like for all of us. Thank you Penguin for the ARC and thank you Katie Simon for ensuring this resource exists in our world!
September 22, 2025
This was a very difficult book to read, for several reasons. If you are someone that finds it necessary to read this, the book will be triggering to you. Some words that have historically been triggers for me feature very prominently. But beyond that, I think maybe my expectations just weren't met with this one. I've read several books from the author's Further Reading section, and I think the books I recognized there were the direction that I was expecting this one to go-- especially Come As You Are by by Emily Nagoski. I expected this to be more research-based and instructive. Instead, it's entirely annecodotes about the author's and various others' experiences. This was frustrating because there are several people that are referred to multiple times, but it got a bit difficult to keep track of who is who when it's pretty scattered quotes. And the framework, while a nice idea, just didn't work with what was being done here. I think Simon just did a lot of very thorough interviews and then kind of just grabbed and moved around quotes to wherever flowed best for her desired chapter-structure. I read the Author's Note at the end and I absolutely see where this book got its start as a series of articles; I just don't think the writing really evolved much beyond that.
Overall, I don't regret reading this, but it's not going to be a standout for me when discussing works in this area of non-fiction.
**Thank you to Netgalley for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review.**
Overall, I don't regret reading this, but it's not going to be a standout for me when discussing works in this area of non-fiction.
**Thank you to Netgalley for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review.**
July 29, 2025
4 stars
Book Content/Trigger Warnings:
- sexual abuse
- sexual assault
- sexual trauma
I was very excited to read this being I’m a sexual assault, trauma, and abuse survivor myself. I liked that the survivors stories were very relatable, and I personally felt a connection to a lot of their experiences and feelings as a survivor myself! I gleaned some ideas about therapies to try which I found useful.
Starting the book, I very much wanted this to be an enlightening experience; however, I don’t know if the book was trying to make a point, but I felt there was some rambling of the stories with vague direction. Sorta disorganized.
I lost track of which stories belonged to which people. It seemed the same people were constantly being re-referenced each chapter with different stories each time, and there were so many of them I kept forgetting their background from previous chapters when a new story was shared. I kept trying to connect which people were which, which was a little frustrating. Just an idea: It may have been better written with each chapter being a specific person’s set of stories (one person per chapter), instead of mixing the people’s different stories through each chapter and revisiting the same people through different/multiple chapters (the way the book was actually written). It just got too confusing.
I kinda wish there was better structure. I wish the book was building up to a stronger conclusion. It was as if the book was just rambling about different scenarios with no real point, direction, or conclusion. Was there supposed to be a bigger message besides examples of survivors struggles? I wish there were. But if you simply just want to read about examples of survivors struggles, then this is it.
For me the lack of better organization towards some bigger message or learning, left me feeling like I was wanting more by the end. I wanted to understand more about why I was reading this specific book and not just like I felt I was reading survivors blogs online or something. There was a 'conclusion' chapter that tried to wrap things up at the end, but that felt rushed to me.
I wanted more explanation of solutions people had tried, experiences people had regarding therapies, etc. The book did a great job sharing a lot of different survivors stories and the individuals had diverse backgrounds, except for the fact that it was a little disorganized.
In conclusion, although it wasn’t a perfect read, I enjoyed listening to other survivors stories. I have some examples of new things to try in my healing journey. And there was a generally positive vibe to the book. Emphasis on consent and the rights of survivors in relationships was a positive!
To be honest, this would be a good book for anyone starting in the dating world to read. It gives a perspective on consent and what’s out there in the world of sexual abuse and dating survivors. One never knows if they’re dating someone with a history of sexual abuse or trauma, and it’s good to have a perspective on it. And I would enjoy keeping tabs on this author to see what else they write, especially if it revolves around sexual trauma and healing! We need more books about sexual trauma in general anyway, and this is a decent start!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Katie Simon, and Kensington Publishing / Citadel for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Book Content/Trigger Warnings:
- sexual abuse
- sexual assault
- sexual trauma
I was very excited to read this being I’m a sexual assault, trauma, and abuse survivor myself. I liked that the survivors stories were very relatable, and I personally felt a connection to a lot of their experiences and feelings as a survivor myself! I gleaned some ideas about therapies to try which I found useful.
Starting the book, I very much wanted this to be an enlightening experience; however, I don’t know if the book was trying to make a point, but I felt there was some rambling of the stories with vague direction. Sorta disorganized.
I lost track of which stories belonged to which people. It seemed the same people were constantly being re-referenced each chapter with different stories each time, and there were so many of them I kept forgetting their background from previous chapters when a new story was shared. I kept trying to connect which people were which, which was a little frustrating. Just an idea: It may have been better written with each chapter being a specific person’s set of stories (one person per chapter), instead of mixing the people’s different stories through each chapter and revisiting the same people through different/multiple chapters (the way the book was actually written). It just got too confusing.
I kinda wish there was better structure. I wish the book was building up to a stronger conclusion. It was as if the book was just rambling about different scenarios with no real point, direction, or conclusion. Was there supposed to be a bigger message besides examples of survivors struggles? I wish there were. But if you simply just want to read about examples of survivors struggles, then this is it.
For me the lack of better organization towards some bigger message or learning, left me feeling like I was wanting more by the end. I wanted to understand more about why I was reading this specific book and not just like I felt I was reading survivors blogs online or something. There was a 'conclusion' chapter that tried to wrap things up at the end, but that felt rushed to me.
I wanted more explanation of solutions people had tried, experiences people had regarding therapies, etc. The book did a great job sharing a lot of different survivors stories and the individuals had diverse backgrounds, except for the fact that it was a little disorganized.
In conclusion, although it wasn’t a perfect read, I enjoyed listening to other survivors stories. I have some examples of new things to try in my healing journey. And there was a generally positive vibe to the book. Emphasis on consent and the rights of survivors in relationships was a positive!
To be honest, this would be a good book for anyone starting in the dating world to read. It gives a perspective on consent and what’s out there in the world of sexual abuse and dating survivors. One never knows if they’re dating someone with a history of sexual abuse or trauma, and it’s good to have a perspective on it. And I would enjoy keeping tabs on this author to see what else they write, especially if it revolves around sexual trauma and healing! We need more books about sexual trauma in general anyway, and this is a decent start!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Katie Simon, and Kensington Publishing / Citadel for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
July 30, 2025
This book/ audio book is a book that includes the experiences of the author and how she and the people she interviewed moved through trauma through to processing their healing. This is seen as a process rather than an a to b final destination journey which was refreshing. I listened to this the audio book but am posting a review on the book as well. I must admit I found the initial listening very difficult, distressing, as time went on it became easier but it never lost its power.
Most of the time l listened to it in the car, whilst I was driving. If you haven’t done trauma work or dissociate I would not recommend that. At times there will be triggering words or phrases for anyone so I would be careful. Throughout the author treated the reader as an adult with autonomy and absolutely having agency over their own lives without a sense of guilt or shame which I found so helpful.
For me the narrator was very good, I have only just become conscious that I had been thinking it was the author narrating so I think that shows how credible her voice was. It was not an easy listen, although it is dealt with so well. I think it is essential listening for people who work with people who have been sexually abused or assaulted. It definitely made me think and I have lots of questions I will be taking to my next supervison.
I do feel the author does not shy away from difficult topics, surprisingly there are difficult areas even within this. I experienced her as relentlessly nonjudgmental which I really appreciated and felt vital. I so appreciated how inclusive the book is.
I do think for people who have experienced abused this is an excellent audio book to listen to or book to read. I think the book explicitly tells you about the subject so there is no risk of a surprise and I think only you can gage when is the right time to explore this, possibly with the support of a therapist as I think it would bring up lots of questions and feelings. I am not sure if or how I would recommend this to people I work with, I think it would be something I would take to supervison to consider before I recommended, mainly because of the complexity of the people I would with rather than any concerns I have about the book.
My one concern was when she covered choking, this became a criminal offence in the Uk in 2021. This was following cases where people were killing their partner and then claiming it was consensual. I know the author is not based in the Uk and I know even in her exploration she does emphasise the risk this could lead to a fatality. So whilst I was concerned I think the author did the best they could whilst not shying away from this subject.
I felt a humming sense of anger throughout the audio book, I recognise that’s probably coming from me rather than the author. The number of people who have been sexually abused is just overwhelming. I have not seen any other similar book and I have not had this topic covered in any training I have done so I commend the author for covering this and hope that she continues to provide more books in this line as they are very much needed. I felt in every area she covered really well and reflected on the complexity of sexual relationships after assault or abuse and I will be recommending to all my colleagues and hope it is added to recommended reading for any trauma training.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this audio book for my consideration this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinions
Most of the time l listened to it in the car, whilst I was driving. If you haven’t done trauma work or dissociate I would not recommend that. At times there will be triggering words or phrases for anyone so I would be careful. Throughout the author treated the reader as an adult with autonomy and absolutely having agency over their own lives without a sense of guilt or shame which I found so helpful.
For me the narrator was very good, I have only just become conscious that I had been thinking it was the author narrating so I think that shows how credible her voice was. It was not an easy listen, although it is dealt with so well. I think it is essential listening for people who work with people who have been sexually abused or assaulted. It definitely made me think and I have lots of questions I will be taking to my next supervison.
I do feel the author does not shy away from difficult topics, surprisingly there are difficult areas even within this. I experienced her as relentlessly nonjudgmental which I really appreciated and felt vital. I so appreciated how inclusive the book is.
I do think for people who have experienced abused this is an excellent audio book to listen to or book to read. I think the book explicitly tells you about the subject so there is no risk of a surprise and I think only you can gage when is the right time to explore this, possibly with the support of a therapist as I think it would bring up lots of questions and feelings. I am not sure if or how I would recommend this to people I work with, I think it would be something I would take to supervison to consider before I recommended, mainly because of the complexity of the people I would with rather than any concerns I have about the book.
My one concern was when she covered choking, this became a criminal offence in the Uk in 2021. This was following cases where people were killing their partner and then claiming it was consensual. I know the author is not based in the Uk and I know even in her exploration she does emphasise the risk this could lead to a fatality. So whilst I was concerned I think the author did the best they could whilst not shying away from this subject.
I felt a humming sense of anger throughout the audio book, I recognise that’s probably coming from me rather than the author. The number of people who have been sexually abused is just overwhelming. I have not seen any other similar book and I have not had this topic covered in any training I have done so I commend the author for covering this and hope that she continues to provide more books in this line as they are very much needed. I felt in every area she covered really well and reflected on the complexity of sexual relationships after assault or abuse and I will be recommending to all my colleagues and hope it is added to recommended reading for any trauma training.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this audio book for my consideration this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinions
August 6, 2025
Tell Me What You Like: An Honest Discussion of Sex and Intimacy After Sexual Assault
by Katie Simon
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
(Thank you to Kensington for the ARC.)
Katie Simon’s Tell Me What You Like is a rare and important book—honest, compassionate, and deeply necessary. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all recovery guide, Simon presents a wide-ranging collection of survivor stories with nuance and care, emphasizing that there is no singular path to healing from sexual trauma. The book is part memoir, part reporting, part community conversation—and though it may not follow a tightly organized arc, it succeeds in doing something even more vital: it listens.
The diversity of perspectives is one of the book’s greatest strengths. From queer survivors to POC, a spectrum of age ranges and relationship styles, Simon weaves together real stories that reflect the complexity of post-trauma intimacy. The narratives dig into triggers, dissociation, self-perception, and the awkward, nonlinear journey toward reclaiming pleasure. For many, it will feel like a conversation that’s been long overdue.
That said, the interview structure does have its downsides. With so many voices revisited across multiple chapters, it becomes difficult to keep track of individuals, and the thematic threads occasionally feel scattered. Some readers may wish for a clearer roadmap or more focused takeaways—but even in its messiness, the book mirrors the subject it tackles: recovery isn’t linear, and healing doesn’t follow a neat template.
For survivors, this book may serve as a source of validation. For their partners, it may be an invitation to grow in empathy. For everyone else, it’s a window into the quiet work of rebuilding, of navigating intimacy when the body still carries memory.
TROPES / THEMES:
• Trauma recovery
• Sexuality and consent
• Survivor-centered storytelling
• Nonlinear healing
• Sex-positive and inclusive perspectives
What Worked Well:
• Compassionate tone throughout
• Diverse survivor voices and experiences
• Honest, unflinching discussions of shame, pleasure, and communication
• Valuable for both survivors and partners
What Didn’t Quite Land:
• Structure feels disorganized at times
• Some repetition and lack of narrative clarity
• Limited exploration of actionable solutions or therapies
Despite the occasional rough edges, Tell Me What You Like offers something rare: a brave, unfiltered account of what it means to move forward—not just to survive, but to ask for joy. Simon doesn’t promise easy answers, but she does provide solidarity, hope, and the powerful reminder that survivors deserve good sex, too.
by Katie Simon
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
(Thank you to Kensington for the ARC.)
Katie Simon’s Tell Me What You Like is a rare and important book—honest, compassionate, and deeply necessary. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all recovery guide, Simon presents a wide-ranging collection of survivor stories with nuance and care, emphasizing that there is no singular path to healing from sexual trauma. The book is part memoir, part reporting, part community conversation—and though it may not follow a tightly organized arc, it succeeds in doing something even more vital: it listens.
The diversity of perspectives is one of the book’s greatest strengths. From queer survivors to POC, a spectrum of age ranges and relationship styles, Simon weaves together real stories that reflect the complexity of post-trauma intimacy. The narratives dig into triggers, dissociation, self-perception, and the awkward, nonlinear journey toward reclaiming pleasure. For many, it will feel like a conversation that’s been long overdue.
That said, the interview structure does have its downsides. With so many voices revisited across multiple chapters, it becomes difficult to keep track of individuals, and the thematic threads occasionally feel scattered. Some readers may wish for a clearer roadmap or more focused takeaways—but even in its messiness, the book mirrors the subject it tackles: recovery isn’t linear, and healing doesn’t follow a neat template.
For survivors, this book may serve as a source of validation. For their partners, it may be an invitation to grow in empathy. For everyone else, it’s a window into the quiet work of rebuilding, of navigating intimacy when the body still carries memory.
TROPES / THEMES:
• Trauma recovery
• Sexuality and consent
• Survivor-centered storytelling
• Nonlinear healing
• Sex-positive and inclusive perspectives
What Worked Well:
• Compassionate tone throughout
• Diverse survivor voices and experiences
• Honest, unflinching discussions of shame, pleasure, and communication
• Valuable for both survivors and partners
What Didn’t Quite Land:
• Structure feels disorganized at times
• Some repetition and lack of narrative clarity
• Limited exploration of actionable solutions or therapies
Despite the occasional rough edges, Tell Me What You Like offers something rare: a brave, unfiltered account of what it means to move forward—not just to survive, but to ask for joy. Simon doesn’t promise easy answers, but she does provide solidarity, hope, and the powerful reminder that survivors deserve good sex, too.
July 28, 2025
Tell Me What You Like is the book I wish I had when I was younger. It is a compassionate companion that reminds the reader with a tone of affirmation through individual interviews and stories that there is no one-size-fits-all ‘correct’ answer to healing from sexual trauma. But there are many options you can try, many strategies you can consider, and many people who can help you feel less alone.
The journeys in this book are not linear, though the book itself organizes itself handily into sections dealing with various aspects of life after sexual assault from relationships to sex to self. There is deep reflection on ways of healing, both healthy and unhealthy, without didacticism that give you space as an individual to see what resonates.
I found the author struck a good fine line, keeping enough emotional distance through plain (though sometimes repetitive) language to allow a reader to digest what was being said without being overly triggering or sensationalizing the situations mentioned. The book also is incredibly sex positive, not just in areas of consent but also exploring ideas of kink, community, and fetish without explicit approval and casual, comfortable explanations.
Rachel Perry does an excellent job narrating a very tough subject, and her calm demeanor was perfect for listening to a very tough topic. I already know this is a book I’ll be buying to lend out to friends and to have on hand to reread myself.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the ALC.
There is one line in this book referencing the global denial of sexual violence on October 7th, connected to the author’s experience of being sexually assaulted while Jewish, that may give some readers pause, particularly in the current political context. The author’s feelings and trauma are absolutely valid, and this moment will likely resonate with some. That said, the line does not go on to acknowledge the concurrent denial of human rights violations, including sexual assault allegations, being committed against Palestinians by the state of Israel. While this moment stood out, it does not reflect the overall tone or focus of the book. I want to note its presence for readers sensitive to this framing, but it does not detract from the care, nuance, or impact of the broader narrative. I also did not read it as politically motivated.
The journeys in this book are not linear, though the book itself organizes itself handily into sections dealing with various aspects of life after sexual assault from relationships to sex to self. There is deep reflection on ways of healing, both healthy and unhealthy, without didacticism that give you space as an individual to see what resonates.
I found the author struck a good fine line, keeping enough emotional distance through plain (though sometimes repetitive) language to allow a reader to digest what was being said without being overly triggering or sensationalizing the situations mentioned. The book also is incredibly sex positive, not just in areas of consent but also exploring ideas of kink, community, and fetish without explicit approval and casual, comfortable explanations.
Rachel Perry does an excellent job narrating a very tough subject, and her calm demeanor was perfect for listening to a very tough topic. I already know this is a book I’ll be buying to lend out to friends and to have on hand to reread myself.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the ALC.
There is one line in this book referencing the global denial of sexual violence on October 7th, connected to the author’s experience of being sexually assaulted while Jewish, that may give some readers pause, particularly in the current political context. The author’s feelings and trauma are absolutely valid, and this moment will likely resonate with some. That said, the line does not go on to acknowledge the concurrent denial of human rights violations, including sexual assault allegations, being committed against Palestinians by the state of Israel. While this moment stood out, it does not reflect the overall tone or focus of the book. I want to note its presence for readers sensitive to this framing, but it does not detract from the care, nuance, or impact of the broader narrative. I also did not read it as politically motivated.
July 27, 2025
Being a social worker who mainly helps women in vulnerable situations pertaining to sexuality I was immediately drawn to this book. I wanted to get more insight into helping and relating to victims of sexual assault and how to advise them better going forward in day to day life, as well as their romantic/sexual relationships in the future.
I found the stories of the survivors fascinating and brave. I liked that the survivors were diverse, people from different backgrounds and beliefs, women as well as men. Their stories were raw, honest and very eye-opening when it comes to navigating this particular topic. They truly were the heart and backbone of this book.
I also received an in-depth insight into triggers, trauma responses, coping mechanisms, boundaries in relationships and how to communicate with your partner about sexual assault and everything that went with that. It also shed a light on how survivors deal with the aftermath of sexual assault, sometimes even up to decades after the fact, and what bravery and courage it takes to crawl out of that cycle. Knowing many women who have been sexually assaulted, I have immense respect for the strength all of these survivors display on their journeys on a daily basis.
On the other hand, I found this book quite one-sided when it came to its suggestions about sexuality, relationships after sexual assault and general advice. I found it a little too preachy at certain instances, pushing a certain belief system that pushed towards a very liberal view on sexuality and totally excluding and even demonizing any sense of Christian or ‘purity’ sexuality, I have no problem exploring all the different views on sexuality in a book like this, since this will help understand and empathize with more people, but I don’t need to be pushed towards one side in particular simply because of the author’s personal beliefs.
Overall an interesting read on an interesting topic, from which I certainly learned many things about sexuality after sexual assault, as well as it paving the way for making the topic more discussible and normalized in society, but from which I would have liked a more neutral overview on the topic.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an early copy of this book!
I found the stories of the survivors fascinating and brave. I liked that the survivors were diverse, people from different backgrounds and beliefs, women as well as men. Their stories were raw, honest and very eye-opening when it comes to navigating this particular topic. They truly were the heart and backbone of this book.
I also received an in-depth insight into triggers, trauma responses, coping mechanisms, boundaries in relationships and how to communicate with your partner about sexual assault and everything that went with that. It also shed a light on how survivors deal with the aftermath of sexual assault, sometimes even up to decades after the fact, and what bravery and courage it takes to crawl out of that cycle. Knowing many women who have been sexually assaulted, I have immense respect for the strength all of these survivors display on their journeys on a daily basis.
On the other hand, I found this book quite one-sided when it came to its suggestions about sexuality, relationships after sexual assault and general advice. I found it a little too preachy at certain instances, pushing a certain belief system that pushed towards a very liberal view on sexuality and totally excluding and even demonizing any sense of Christian or ‘purity’ sexuality, I have no problem exploring all the different views on sexuality in a book like this, since this will help understand and empathize with more people, but I don’t need to be pushed towards one side in particular simply because of the author’s personal beliefs.
Overall an interesting read on an interesting topic, from which I certainly learned many things about sexuality after sexual assault, as well as it paving the way for making the topic more discussible and normalized in society, but from which I would have liked a more neutral overview on the topic.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an early copy of this book!
October 10, 2025
Personal views and experiences aside, I had a hard time with the book formatting/decision on how personal testimonies were incorporated into each chapter, and I think that's primarily why I rated it lower.
I read this book mainly to see if I could understand where society's lies were and to measure what I thought and what Scripture says against the current flow of societal thinking? So take this review with a grain of salt if you're a regular reader out there LOL.
I had a difficult time with the format of the book. I liked that the book was separated into chapters on specific topics because that makes it easier for readers to read what they're looking for and understand what they're exploring. I did not like the way the testimonials were placed in the work - I felt like they were just dropped in. It wasn't a very personable book? I felt like the testimonies weren't really connected to the person and I didn't understand the context of the person's life and view but was just told how they dealt or felt about something, which is fine, but wasn't what I was interested in reading about. This book had a lot of "X, who is a demisexual transgender man" or "Y, a heterosexual white woman" as the descriptors before the person's opinion or experience was shared. It just felt...distant. Works that tend to have more backstory on the person or are organized by personal testimony rather than topic have been clearer to me, but I understand that may not work for everyone.
Felt the book was very broad in scope and in conclusions, which can be a good and a bad thing. Was useful in reminding readers that everyone has different trauma and deals with trauma differently, and that people are different across areas (age, race, gender, sexuality, location, religion, circumstances, story, trauma). Not something I expected but was interesting to note (and the book explains why this makes sense), but there was more discussion on kink and the BDSM community and their roles in people's lives, especially those who have been sexually assaulted.
I read this book mainly to see if I could understand where society's lies were and to measure what I thought and what Scripture says against the current flow of societal thinking? So take this review with a grain of salt if you're a regular reader out there LOL.
I had a difficult time with the format of the book. I liked that the book was separated into chapters on specific topics because that makes it easier for readers to read what they're looking for and understand what they're exploring. I did not like the way the testimonials were placed in the work - I felt like they were just dropped in. It wasn't a very personable book? I felt like the testimonies weren't really connected to the person and I didn't understand the context of the person's life and view but was just told how they dealt or felt about something, which is fine, but wasn't what I was interested in reading about. This book had a lot of "X, who is a demisexual transgender man" or "Y, a heterosexual white woman" as the descriptors before the person's opinion or experience was shared. It just felt...distant. Works that tend to have more backstory on the person or are organized by personal testimony rather than topic have been clearer to me, but I understand that may not work for everyone.
Felt the book was very broad in scope and in conclusions, which can be a good and a bad thing. Was useful in reminding readers that everyone has different trauma and deals with trauma differently, and that people are different across areas (age, race, gender, sexuality, location, religion, circumstances, story, trauma). Not something I expected but was interesting to note (and the book explains why this makes sense), but there was more discussion on kink and the BDSM community and their roles in people's lives, especially those who have been sexually assaulted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2025
WOW! This book is a wonderful resource and should be required reading for everyone! The stories from multiple other SA survivors were heart wrenching, but validating, to read. I truly feel less alone, and less crazy, knowing that others have lived through some of my same experiences.
Many of the stories are triggering to read. Several nights I would find myself crying on the pages and would have to stop. But I also found passages that beautifully expressed my emotions around a specific area. Some even helped me to realize that a specific aspect of my life is not just a weird "quirk", but could be a response to unresolved trauma. I really want to reread this and somehow convince my husband to go through it with me. I think it would be a great tool to help me explain exactly where I'm at and why I freeze up and freak out.
While I wish the world would never need a book on this topic, it does, and I'm grateful that we now have a resource as well written as this to show us that we're not alone. There's not a right or wrong way to react to SA amd this book can help us all with our healing journeys.
***I won a free copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. ***
Many of the stories are triggering to read. Several nights I would find myself crying on the pages and would have to stop. But I also found passages that beautifully expressed my emotions around a specific area. Some even helped me to realize that a specific aspect of my life is not just a weird "quirk", but could be a response to unresolved trauma. I really want to reread this and somehow convince my husband to go through it with me. I think it would be a great tool to help me explain exactly where I'm at and why I freeze up and freak out.
While I wish the world would never need a book on this topic, it does, and I'm grateful that we now have a resource as well written as this to show us that we're not alone. There's not a right or wrong way to react to SA amd this book can help us all with our healing journeys.
***I won a free copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. ***
July 26, 2025
It's hard to talk about this book because there's two approaches - if you are a person in a position to talk to a survivor, and if you are a person who has been in the position of the author and interviewees in this book where you have to navigate sex and sexuality after an assault.
I am both.
As a person who has to speak with survivors, I think it helped reaffirm some of the things that I felt organically about each person's unique experience, and potentially helping them with where to start if going to therapy for what they've experienced. It tries to cover a broad group of people of many identities and the different ways their identities might affect their outcomes, and I think if this was a more intensely academic work that diversity would be even more intersectional. I think as someone who reads a lot on this topic in the academic sense, there was something missing for me in terms of who was interviewed. I wanted it bigger and more broad, but also fully recognize this author did amazing and intense work with the interviews she did have.
As a survivor, it was both reaffirming and frustrating, and I think the only way I got through it without feeling triggered was because it's been a long time and I have done a lot of healing. If you're a survivor reading this, be gentle with yourself, and don't be afraid to stop if it becomes too much. There's limited descriptions of the experiences of the interviewees, but the context of assaults is still described and it can be a lot.
Overall, I'm grateful to this book for trying to crack open a complicated but necessary conversation.
I am both.
As a person who has to speak with survivors, I think it helped reaffirm some of the things that I felt organically about each person's unique experience, and potentially helping them with where to start if going to therapy for what they've experienced. It tries to cover a broad group of people of many identities and the different ways their identities might affect their outcomes, and I think if this was a more intensely academic work that diversity would be even more intersectional. I think as someone who reads a lot on this topic in the academic sense, there was something missing for me in terms of who was interviewed. I wanted it bigger and more broad, but also fully recognize this author did amazing and intense work with the interviews she did have.
As a survivor, it was both reaffirming and frustrating, and I think the only way I got through it without feeling triggered was because it's been a long time and I have done a lot of healing. If you're a survivor reading this, be gentle with yourself, and don't be afraid to stop if it becomes too much. There's limited descriptions of the experiences of the interviewees, but the context of assaults is still described and it can be a lot.
Overall, I'm grateful to this book for trying to crack open a complicated but necessary conversation.
August 3, 2025
Tell Me What You Like by Katie Simon bravely explores a deeply sensitive and often painful topic—one that affects countless women, and men too. It's important not to overlook the silent suffering of men, who are often left out of these conversations but are just as impacted.
With the staggering statistics surrounding sexual assault, this book resonates with many. Simon offers a compassionate and insightful guide through the complex journey of healing, reminding us that no two paths look the same. She powerfully emphasizes that trauma cannot be measured or compared—each experience is unique, and so is the healing process. Only the survivor can define what healing looks like for them.
One of the most moving messages in this book is the importance of sharing our stories. By opening up about our experiences and milestones, we create space for others to find their own way forward. Healing is not a solitary act—we are stronger together.
This is a powerful and necessary book, and I have no doubt it will help many begin or continue their healing journey. Thank you to Katie Simon, Tantor Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC.
With the staggering statistics surrounding sexual assault, this book resonates with many. Simon offers a compassionate and insightful guide through the complex journey of healing, reminding us that no two paths look the same. She powerfully emphasizes that trauma cannot be measured or compared—each experience is unique, and so is the healing process. Only the survivor can define what healing looks like for them.
One of the most moving messages in this book is the importance of sharing our stories. By opening up about our experiences and milestones, we create space for others to find their own way forward. Healing is not a solitary act—we are stronger together.
This is a powerful and necessary book, and I have no doubt it will help many begin or continue their healing journey. Thank you to Katie Simon, Tantor Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC.
August 11, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up. This is such an important topic and written about with such care! I’m so glad to have won a finished hardback copy of this title in a Goodreads giveaway. Katie does a wonderful job of leading with honesty, openness, and empathy, and that proves to be a terrific model of the way of being she’s championing in the book. I appreciated the various stories and takes on healing, as there truly are so many different ways to go about recovery. Will definitely share this with folks!
Currently reading
November 4, 2025The book's greatest strength is that it delivers a crucial lesson that every person who's experienced sexual assault and those associated with someone who has needs to hear! There is NO ONE RIGHT WAY to act after assault and you need to react in the way that is best for you. Her recap of people's experience is the perfect way to effectively deliver this message!!
Beyond this though the book has so many positives. Writing style! Helpful real recaps of interviews! Comprehensive coverage of the topic! Well researched! Honest!
Beyond this though the book has so many positives. Writing style! Helpful real recaps of interviews! Comprehensive coverage of the topic! Well researched! Honest!
July 18, 2025
This is a tiny, powerful volume on how survivors of sexual assault and rape navigate sex and relationships afterwards. There's nothing particularly triggering here, but the topic speaks for itself, so readers take caution, if needed. I appreciated the diversity of voices and experiences, the inclusion of queer perspectives, and the offloading onto partners and everyone else to take care and learn. The narration by Rachel Perry was just right: kind, engaged, and clear.
July 10, 2025
As a therapist, this book was such a good read. I will be adding to my list of recommended reads for my clients. Sexual trauma is something that impacts intimacy in many relationships, including the relationship with one's self and with future partners. The author did a great job with pacing, content and information.
Thank you for allowing me to read this ARC!
Thank you for allowing me to read this ARC!
Read
September 23, 2025I read this while researching Two Hearts One Piano. Everyone's experience of SA is different, so everyone's recovery is different. So instead of throwing shade, we should extend grace.
January 12, 2026
not what I was expecting at all, don't good advice but a lot of odd choices
October 21, 2025
I don't even know what to say about this one. It is heavy, but that was expected. Definitely an important and informative book. Thank you to the author and goodreads for the giveaway.
September 23, 2025
💬 BOOK REVIEW
📚 Tell Me What You Like by Katie Simon
🗓️ Pub Date: July 29, 2025
🧠 Nonfiction | Trauma Healing | Sexual Health
#TellMeWhatYouLike #NetGalley #LiteraryHavocReviews
🧷 “Reclaiming your body isn’t a destination. It’s a series of small, revolutionary choices.”
Katie Simon’s Tell Me What You Like is an essential and compassionate guide to navigating sex and intimacy after sexual assault. Part memoir, part survivor anthology, part research-based roadmap, this book is everything I’ve ever wanted to hand to someone walking the long, winding path of reclaiming pleasure, safety, and agency in their body.
🌸 This book does not give a one-size-fits-all solution because it shouldn’t.
Instead, it gives you stories. Choices. Language. Options. And the reassurance that you are not alone.
Some standout elements:
💌 Grounded in trauma-informed care
💌 Real stories from survivors of all genders, backgrounds, and orientations
💌 Topics like triggers, body shame, pleasure, embodied consent, and self-trust
💌 Inclusive, validating, hopeful
Whether you’re a survivor yourself, a partner, or a mental health professional, Tell Me What You Like is a must-read. It’s a healing companion, not a prescription and that’s what makes it so powerful.
🗣️ “Healing doesn’t mean forgetting what happened. It means remembering you are still worthy of love, desire, and choice.”
⭐️ 5/5 | Required reading for anyone navigating intimacy after trauma or supporting someone who is.
#TraumaInformedHealing #SexAfterAssault #HealingAfterTrauma #MentalHealthBooks #KatieSimon #BookstagramReviews #SexualHealing #NonfictionReads #SurvivorVoices #LiteraryHavoc #EmpoweredReading #KensingtonPub
📚 Tell Me What You Like by Katie Simon
🗓️ Pub Date: July 29, 2025
🧠 Nonfiction | Trauma Healing | Sexual Health
#TellMeWhatYouLike #NetGalley #LiteraryHavocReviews
🧷 “Reclaiming your body isn’t a destination. It’s a series of small, revolutionary choices.”
Katie Simon’s Tell Me What You Like is an essential and compassionate guide to navigating sex and intimacy after sexual assault. Part memoir, part survivor anthology, part research-based roadmap, this book is everything I’ve ever wanted to hand to someone walking the long, winding path of reclaiming pleasure, safety, and agency in their body.
🌸 This book does not give a one-size-fits-all solution because it shouldn’t.
Instead, it gives you stories. Choices. Language. Options. And the reassurance that you are not alone.
Some standout elements:
💌 Grounded in trauma-informed care
💌 Real stories from survivors of all genders, backgrounds, and orientations
💌 Topics like triggers, body shame, pleasure, embodied consent, and self-trust
💌 Inclusive, validating, hopeful
Whether you’re a survivor yourself, a partner, or a mental health professional, Tell Me What You Like is a must-read. It’s a healing companion, not a prescription and that’s what makes it so powerful.
🗣️ “Healing doesn’t mean forgetting what happened. It means remembering you are still worthy of love, desire, and choice.”
⭐️ 5/5 | Required reading for anyone navigating intimacy after trauma or supporting someone who is.
#TraumaInformedHealing #SexAfterAssault #HealingAfterTrauma #MentalHealthBooks #KatieSimon #BookstagramReviews #SexualHealing #NonfictionReads #SurvivorVoices #LiteraryHavoc #EmpoweredReading #KensingtonPub
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