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Nasty Work: Resist Systems, Explore Desire, and Liberate Yourself
An award-winning sexuality educator takes down society’s deeply entrenched colonial views on sex and gender throughout history in this accessible, candid, and revolutionary exploration of how we can—and should—reclaim our minds and bodies for a more pleasurable existence for all.
When you think about sex ed, your mind likely goes back to those uncomfortable school desks and the stifled laughs of your teenage years. But what we’ve been socialized to believe about sexuality actually hinders our own pleasure well into adulthood. Whether we know it or not, even the most progressive among us are often using 400-year-old inherited thoughts and belief systems in the twenty-first century. Why are we still carrying forth these ancient values that have never served the vast majority?
As a Black, queer, non-binary, disabled femme, Ericka Hart believes that sex ed done right can actually be a tool for liberation. In Nasty Work, she breaks down the ways that social implications keep us from experiencing pleasure, particularly for marginalized communities across race, gender, sexuality, and ability, and how we can dismantle these oppressive myths. From examining what guides our attraction to others to the history of consent, Ericka Hart takes the blinders off and reveals a more empowering view of sex and sexuality.
Nasty Work blends eye-opening research with powerful, poignant personal narrative that disrupts everything you thought you knew about sex and society, offering a liberatory framework that makes pleasure accessible for all.
When you think about sex ed, your mind likely goes back to those uncomfortable school desks and the stifled laughs of your teenage years. But what we’ve been socialized to believe about sexuality actually hinders our own pleasure well into adulthood. Whether we know it or not, even the most progressive among us are often using 400-year-old inherited thoughts and belief systems in the twenty-first century. Why are we still carrying forth these ancient values that have never served the vast majority?
As a Black, queer, non-binary, disabled femme, Ericka Hart believes that sex ed done right can actually be a tool for liberation. In Nasty Work, she breaks down the ways that social implications keep us from experiencing pleasure, particularly for marginalized communities across race, gender, sexuality, and ability, and how we can dismantle these oppressive myths. From examining what guides our attraction to others to the history of consent, Ericka Hart takes the blinders off and reveals a more empowering view of sex and sexuality.
Nasty Work blends eye-opening research with powerful, poignant personal narrative that disrupts everything you thought you knew about sex and society, offering a liberatory framework that makes pleasure accessible for all.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2026
61 people are currently reading
2379 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 27, 2026
I liked this book, but it wasn't quite what I was expecting based on the title/blurb, and for me, it didn't quite hit as hard as I'd hoped. The focus here was really on exploring the ways in which the racist/colonizing/patriarchal society has impacted all of us, and while Hart definitely does bring it back to the ways in which our sexuality and pleasure specifically has been impacted, the desire/pleasure aspect was definitely a lighter touch than I'd been expecting (and hoping for). I do think the author covers these topics well, and even has some takes that felt novel/like less well-trod ground, but I felt that the desire and sexuality aspect of this approach was what made this book stand out, and I wanted the author to more continuously and clearly link their subjects back to that as a central thrust/thesis. There was also more of an autobiographical slant, with each chapter beginning with a personal anecdote from the author's life that particularly represented the theme of that chapter. I wasn't necessarily opposed to this, but it hadn't quite been what I was expecting. I appreciated the questions at the end of each chapter meant to prompt the reader to dig deeper into the different themes, and there was certainly a lot of thought provoking stuff in here, but I didn't love it quite as much as I wanted to.
May 1, 2026
It is literally one of the best books I’ve ever read in every way. One of the most intersectional, frank, and well-written books about intimate, serious, and political topics. MANY other authors would have written this one in a way that is really dry, academic, or a sludge to get through; this one reads really quick and there are no bad takes in it. Truly a must-read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Nasty Work is a bold, thought-provoking exploration of sexuality, power, and liberation that challenges everything we’ve been taught about our bodies and desires. Ericka Hart blends personal narrative with cultural critique, unpacking how deeply rooted systems—colonialism, racism, ableism, and more—shape the way we experience intimacy and pleasure. The result is both eye-opening and empowering, pushing readers to question long-held beliefs and consider what freedom could really look like.
What makes this book stand out is its unapologetic honesty and sense of purpose. Hart doesn’t offer easy answers—instead, they invite readers into deeper self-reflection and a more expansive understanding of desire, consent, and connection. Nasty Work is challenging in the best way: a powerful, necessary read that feels as liberating as it is insightful.
What makes this book stand out is its unapologetic honesty and sense of purpose. Hart doesn’t offer easy answers—instead, they invite readers into deeper self-reflection and a more expansive understanding of desire, consent, and connection. Nasty Work is challenging in the best way: a powerful, necessary read that feels as liberating as it is insightful.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews