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S.E.X.: The All-You-Need-to-Know Sexuality Guide to Get You Through Your Teens and Twenties
A revised/updated edition of the go-to sex ed guide for teens and young adults, from the founder of scarleteen.com
480 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2007
107 people are currently reading
1112 people want to read
About the author
Heather Corinna
10 books109 followersHeather Corinna is an insufferable queer and nonbinary feminist activist, author, educator, artist, organizer, and innovator. They’re the founder, director, designer and editor of the web clearinghouse and organization Scarleteen, the first comprehensive sex, sexuality and relationships education site and resource of its kind. Heather and the team at Scarleteen have provided millions of young people accurate, inclusive information and support for over two decades. They’re often tired.
Heather’s also the author of the inclusive, comprehensive and progressive sex, sexual health and relationships book for young adults, S.E.X: The All-You-Need-To-Know Sexuality Guide to Get You Through Your Teens and Twenties (Hachette, 2006, 2017), now in its second edition; and, with Isabella Rotman and Luke Howard, Wait, What?: A Comic Book Guide to Relationships, Bodies, and Growing Up (Oni Press/Lion Forge, 2019), for older middle readers and younger teen. They’ve been an early childhood educator, a sexuality, contraception and abortion educator and counselor, a member of the editorial board for the American Journal of Sexuality Education and the Board of Directors for NARAL Pro-Choice Washington; a writer and contributing editor for the 2011 edition of Our Bodies, Ourselves, and a plaintiff for the ACLU where they eventually got to stick it to the Bush administration, which was one of their Best Days Ever. By working themselves to a pulp, Heather has won acclaim and several awards in their field, and a lot of places and people say they’re awesome. Some do not.
They’re navigating middle age and all it entails with as much grace as they can muster (spoiler: not much), and currently, and begrudgingly, live and work in their hometown of Chicago after 20 years away. When not locked in a small room feverishly writing a book in a pandemic or otherwise overindulging in labor, Heather hangs out with their dog, partner and friends, goes outside, makes and geeks out about music, cooks, babies houseplants, and tries to enjoy the purportedly existential theater of life.
Heather’s also the author of the inclusive, comprehensive and progressive sex, sexual health and relationships book for young adults, S.E.X: The All-You-Need-To-Know Sexuality Guide to Get You Through Your Teens and Twenties (Hachette, 2006, 2017), now in its second edition; and, with Isabella Rotman and Luke Howard, Wait, What?: A Comic Book Guide to Relationships, Bodies, and Growing Up (Oni Press/Lion Forge, 2019), for older middle readers and younger teen. They’ve been an early childhood educator, a sexuality, contraception and abortion educator and counselor, a member of the editorial board for the American Journal of Sexuality Education and the Board of Directors for NARAL Pro-Choice Washington; a writer and contributing editor for the 2011 edition of Our Bodies, Ourselves, and a plaintiff for the ACLU where they eventually got to stick it to the Bush administration, which was one of their Best Days Ever. By working themselves to a pulp, Heather has won acclaim and several awards in their field, and a lot of places and people say they’re awesome. Some do not.
They’re navigating middle age and all it entails with as much grace as they can muster (spoiler: not much), and currently, and begrudgingly, live and work in their hometown of Chicago after 20 years away. When not locked in a small room feverishly writing a book in a pandemic or otherwise overindulging in labor, Heather hangs out with their dog, partner and friends, goes outside, makes and geeks out about music, cooks, babies houseplants, and tries to enjoy the purportedly existential theater of life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 3, 2012
I had good sex-ed books growing up, from what I remember. They were straight-forward, science based and once I got over the obligatory "eww gross!" reaction, they were really quite interesting. This book, however, outshines them all.
Let me get my one complaint out of the way: the subtitle. "The all-you-need-to-know progressive sexuality guide to get you through high school and college" alienates anyone who doesn't finish high school, doesn't plan to go to college, or pursues an alternative education and quite often these are the people who most need access to reliable information about their sexual health. In reading the book, I didn't find the content to reflect this bias which was a relief.
But back to the book itself. The author is the founder and owner of Scarleteen, probably the best web resource for teen sexuality. If anyone knows what teens actually want and need to know about sex and sexuality, she'd be the person. Right from the start she tells us that she won't be spending much time on discussing abstinence, backing that decision up with the following statistic: "…about 26 percent of young adults 'practicing abstinence' will become pregnant within one year." Instead she accepts that most young people will want and eventually have sex and tries to prepare them for that eventuality. Unlike may sex-ed books, she goes beyond just explaining how not to get pregnant or contract an STI - she actually talks about how to have GOOD sex. The discussion of safer sex includes the usual physically safer sex, but also emotionally safer sex.
There's a ton of good stuff in this book, including realistic descriptions of what you will experience in an OB/GYN appointment, how to use the various kinds of birth control (including cost and effectiveness), and what an abortion is actually like without all the scare tactics. There is also a recognition that teens don't always (or often) wait for a long-term relationship in order to have sex; many will have hook ups, one night stands or friends with benefits. Queer, genderqueer, and kinky teens will all find themselves represented here which is refreshing change of pace in the world of sex-ed.
Above all the author stresses communication: if you can't talk to your partner about what you want and need from a sexual encounter, you should probably rethink having sex with them at all. Will this prevent anyone who reads it from having bad sex? Probably not, but the more that message gets out there, the sooner they WILL start demanding what they need in their sexual lives, something that people of all ages will benefit from!
Let me get my one complaint out of the way: the subtitle. "The all-you-need-to-know progressive sexuality guide to get you through high school and college" alienates anyone who doesn't finish high school, doesn't plan to go to college, or pursues an alternative education and quite often these are the people who most need access to reliable information about their sexual health. In reading the book, I didn't find the content to reflect this bias which was a relief.
But back to the book itself. The author is the founder and owner of Scarleteen, probably the best web resource for teen sexuality. If anyone knows what teens actually want and need to know about sex and sexuality, she'd be the person. Right from the start she tells us that she won't be spending much time on discussing abstinence, backing that decision up with the following statistic: "…about 26 percent of young adults 'practicing abstinence' will become pregnant within one year." Instead she accepts that most young people will want and eventually have sex and tries to prepare them for that eventuality. Unlike may sex-ed books, she goes beyond just explaining how not to get pregnant or contract an STI - she actually talks about how to have GOOD sex. The discussion of safer sex includes the usual physically safer sex, but also emotionally safer sex.
There's a ton of good stuff in this book, including realistic descriptions of what you will experience in an OB/GYN appointment, how to use the various kinds of birth control (including cost and effectiveness), and what an abortion is actually like without all the scare tactics. There is also a recognition that teens don't always (or often) wait for a long-term relationship in order to have sex; many will have hook ups, one night stands or friends with benefits. Queer, genderqueer, and kinky teens will all find themselves represented here which is refreshing change of pace in the world of sex-ed.
Above all the author stresses communication: if you can't talk to your partner about what you want and need from a sexual encounter, you should probably rethink having sex with them at all. Will this prevent anyone who reads it from having bad sex? Probably not, but the more that message gets out there, the sooner they WILL start demanding what they need in their sexual lives, something that people of all ages will benefit from!
July 28, 2011
This is the best sex education book I have ever seen. I wish I would have had this book at age 14 when I was desperately searching for sex info that was queer-positive and not sexist. An awesome awesome book.
February 2, 2014
Despite being from a relatively liberal part of the country, my health education was terrible. Pretty much all I "learned" was STIs can NEVER be cured (even if they can be), all forms of birth control (including condoms) don't work (ever), if you do anything before marriage you will automatically get every STI on the planet, get pregnant, give birth, and die in seven days, and once you get married, all risk of unwanted pregnancy and STIs disappears entirely.
So basically, nothing of use.
That's why I finally decided, upon seeing this book at my local library, to take my health education in my own hands.
I must say, this book was far more informative and useful than I thought it would be. Most of the time, you get sex-health books and they're so scientific that you can't understand them. It's like reading a medical text book for doctors, not teenagers. I was glad to see this book was not in the "we-need-to-tell-our-kids-this-stuff-but-we-don't-want-them-to-know-this-stuff" kind of book. It's in layman's terms. It's well-organized. It's conversational. You can learn things and not have to run for the dictionary every five seconds, and I didn't feel awkward at all while reading this.
It was also both satisfying and horrifying to see most of what I "learned" disproven in this book, much of it in the "mythbusting" sections. So for me, this book was a necessity if I wanted the facts (and the correct ones at that).
As I said, this includes mythbusting sections to correct the rumors we've heard, and other helpful sections, including a readiness checklist, safety tips, healthy relationship advice (which I think is particularly important, since I know my high school didn't really care about this aspect), and even a chapter on self-esteem (also important, despite no one ever acknowledging it). It has "crappy reasons to have sex" and even addresses the fact that "everyone's different, so here's a bunch of different sketches/descriptions/etc. rather than the one-size-fits-all and if you're black, big, or in any way not white and perfect in every way, you can find one that's right for you." It also includes a short section on legal issues. This part doesn't really give you laws (since it's different in every state and country), but it does tell you things to look out for and that you should look into (age of consent, etc.) before you go about doing anything.
What's also nice is this isn't preachy. It takes the tact of "teens are going to have sex whether we like it or not" and informs (with real facts, not made up scare tactics) rather than tell you that "you'll go to hell" or "you'll die instantaneously if you aren't married." Truthfully, I think the real facts and statistics were much more terrifying than the BS I was fed by teachers in high school (I mean, you'll die before marriage? I know that's not true. Now, 1 in four people have an STI? That's scary).
And before you think it hates on religion, it doesn't. For almost everything that is controversial in the religious/cultural sphere, it says, "if you think your religion or culture has issues with/rules against this, talk to your spiritual leader/parents/school councilor/whoever about it." Like with the legal issues, it takes this tact because addressing every religion's opinions would probably quadruple the volume of this book.
Overall, this book was helpful, informative, and a really good resource. If you are a teen or young adult, or had as atrocious an education as I did, get this book. It's got everything you need to know, and everything you want to know but no one will tell you. It's conversational, doesn't use shame or scare tactics, and most importantly, it doesn't make you feel so awkward you skim or stop reading and thus don't learn anything. Even if you think you know everything you need to know, check this book out anyway. You will learn something.
So basically, nothing of use.
That's why I finally decided, upon seeing this book at my local library, to take my health education in my own hands.
I must say, this book was far more informative and useful than I thought it would be. Most of the time, you get sex-health books and they're so scientific that you can't understand them. It's like reading a medical text book for doctors, not teenagers. I was glad to see this book was not in the "we-need-to-tell-our-kids-this-stuff-but-we-don't-want-them-to-know-this-stuff" kind of book. It's in layman's terms. It's well-organized. It's conversational. You can learn things and not have to run for the dictionary every five seconds, and I didn't feel awkward at all while reading this.
It was also both satisfying and horrifying to see most of what I "learned" disproven in this book, much of it in the "mythbusting" sections. So for me, this book was a necessity if I wanted the facts (and the correct ones at that).
As I said, this includes mythbusting sections to correct the rumors we've heard, and other helpful sections, including a readiness checklist, safety tips, healthy relationship advice (which I think is particularly important, since I know my high school didn't really care about this aspect), and even a chapter on self-esteem (also important, despite no one ever acknowledging it). It has "crappy reasons to have sex" and even addresses the fact that "everyone's different, so here's a bunch of different sketches/descriptions/etc. rather than the one-size-fits-all and if you're black, big, or in any way not white and perfect in every way, you can find one that's right for you." It also includes a short section on legal issues. This part doesn't really give you laws (since it's different in every state and country), but it does tell you things to look out for and that you should look into (age of consent, etc.) before you go about doing anything.
What's also nice is this isn't preachy. It takes the tact of "teens are going to have sex whether we like it or not" and informs (with real facts, not made up scare tactics) rather than tell you that "you'll go to hell" or "you'll die instantaneously if you aren't married." Truthfully, I think the real facts and statistics were much more terrifying than the BS I was fed by teachers in high school (I mean, you'll die before marriage? I know that's not true. Now, 1 in four people have an STI? That's scary).
And before you think it hates on religion, it doesn't. For almost everything that is controversial in the religious/cultural sphere, it says, "if you think your religion or culture has issues with/rules against this, talk to your spiritual leader/parents/school councilor/whoever about it." Like with the legal issues, it takes this tact because addressing every religion's opinions would probably quadruple the volume of this book.
Overall, this book was helpful, informative, and a really good resource. If you are a teen or young adult, or had as atrocious an education as I did, get this book. It's got everything you need to know, and everything you want to know but no one will tell you. It's conversational, doesn't use shame or scare tactics, and most importantly, it doesn't make you feel so awkward you skim or stop reading and thus don't learn anything. Even if you think you know everything you need to know, check this book out anyway. You will learn something.
December 29, 2015
Yes. If you are a sexual being or live in a world of sexual beings (yes, that's you) READ this you probably don't know as much as you think you do and information is power.
August 22, 2016
This is a large detailed book about sex for young people; the author suggests ages fifteen through twenty-five. it's just too much information for younger people. The author points out that "the term abstinence is rarely used in these pages," and I don't think that is a serious omission. The author does emphasize respect for those who may choose not to engage in intimate sexual activity. The author included sections on eating disorders, how to talk about sex, contraceptives, and reproduction options. One could argue that this is information everyone should have, although I managed to get through my teens and twenties without some of it. Since I'm 68 years old some of this information was not available when I was much younger.
I believe there could be more in here about the benefits of long-term monogamous relationships, about the religious agenda. teachings, and restrictions that many people bring into a sexual relationship, as well as about the language used to communicate about sex. But that would make this substantial and excellent book even longer.
Chapter eleven on abuse is especially well done. There are fine brief sections on what it means to be romantic, on the definitions of "sexy" and "sensual" as well as interesting and useful information on multiple orgasms, gender identity, and sexual fantasies. There's a lot of important information about safety.
I also found the section on "How to be Transfriendly and Subvert Crummy Gender and Orientation Stereotypes in Five Easy Steps" interesting; as was "Big Outside Influences on Your Sexuality, " and "Yes, No, Maybe So: A What You want and How You Want it Sex Checklist." You definitely don't want to miss the "Top Ten Really Crappy Reason to Have (any sort of ) Sex with Someone Else." Chapter Ten on Sexual Health Care is neat: it's entitled "Safe and Sound: Safer Sex for your Body, Heart, and Mind." And the last grim chapter on STI's (Sexually Transmitted Infections, not STD's), is as important as anything else in the book.
I ran into terms here I never heard before including demisexuality, skoliosexual, pomosexual, and the Klein Grid. No I'm not going to define them for you here in this review. Get the book if you want to know. You won't regret it.
I believe there could be more in here about the benefits of long-term monogamous relationships, about the religious agenda. teachings, and restrictions that many people bring into a sexual relationship, as well as about the language used to communicate about sex. But that would make this substantial and excellent book even longer.
Chapter eleven on abuse is especially well done. There are fine brief sections on what it means to be romantic, on the definitions of "sexy" and "sensual" as well as interesting and useful information on multiple orgasms, gender identity, and sexual fantasies. There's a lot of important information about safety.
I also found the section on "How to be Transfriendly and Subvert Crummy Gender and Orientation Stereotypes in Five Easy Steps" interesting; as was "Big Outside Influences on Your Sexuality, " and "Yes, No, Maybe So: A What You want and How You Want it Sex Checklist." You definitely don't want to miss the "Top Ten Really Crappy Reason to Have (any sort of ) Sex with Someone Else." Chapter Ten on Sexual Health Care is neat: it's entitled "Safe and Sound: Safer Sex for your Body, Heart, and Mind." And the last grim chapter on STI's (Sexually Transmitted Infections, not STD's), is as important as anything else in the book.
I ran into terms here I never heard before including demisexuality, skoliosexual, pomosexual, and the Klein Grid. No I'm not going to define them for you here in this review. Get the book if you want to know. You won't regret it.
November 8, 2012
Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com
If you're looking for the definitive guide to sex and sexuality, and everything that it entails, then look no further than Heather Corinna's fact-filled book. With straightforwardness, humor, insight, and directness, the founder and editor of www.scarleteen.com delves into every aspect of sexuality, and presents it in a way that teens and young adults (and us old adults, too!) can truly understand.
Everything -- and I mean everything! -- is covered within the pages of S.E.X. From Your Body: An Owner's Manual to To Be, Or Not To Be...Sexually Active, Ms. Corinna puts everything into perspective, for both girls and guys. There are thirteen main chapters included, along with appendixes that cover sexually transmitted diseases and infections and a bibliography and list of recommended sources (which include phone numbers and websites, as well as books).
If you've ever had questions of any type about sex, or about your sexuality, then this is the book to use as a reference. There's nothing silly or embarrassing in this book -- just straight questions and straight answers. There are parts that are humorous, but underneath it all is just frankness for the seriousness of the subject matter. Heather Corinna knows that sex is serious business, and that staying both healthy and happy is, too.
This is a great book! Give it to your sons and daughters, your nieces and nephews, your friends. Read it with them, and don't be afraid to discuss what you've read. If everyone -- regardless of age -- is informed, then sex and sexuality will never have to be a taboo subject.
If you're looking for the definitive guide to sex and sexuality, and everything that it entails, then look no further than Heather Corinna's fact-filled book. With straightforwardness, humor, insight, and directness, the founder and editor of www.scarleteen.com delves into every aspect of sexuality, and presents it in a way that teens and young adults (and us old adults, too!) can truly understand.
Everything -- and I mean everything! -- is covered within the pages of S.E.X. From Your Body: An Owner's Manual to To Be, Or Not To Be...Sexually Active, Ms. Corinna puts everything into perspective, for both girls and guys. There are thirteen main chapters included, along with appendixes that cover sexually transmitted diseases and infections and a bibliography and list of recommended sources (which include phone numbers and websites, as well as books).
If you've ever had questions of any type about sex, or about your sexuality, then this is the book to use as a reference. There's nothing silly or embarrassing in this book -- just straight questions and straight answers. There are parts that are humorous, but underneath it all is just frankness for the seriousness of the subject matter. Heather Corinna knows that sex is serious business, and that staying both healthy and happy is, too.
This is a great book! Give it to your sons and daughters, your nieces and nephews, your friends. Read it with them, and don't be afraid to discuss what you've read. If everyone -- regardless of age -- is informed, then sex and sexuality will never have to be a taboo subject.
March 3, 2019
This is by far the best and most comprehensive sex education book I've found. I'd recommend it to anyone who thinks they're ready to start having sex, or who is relatively new to sex, or who finds themselves with a lot of questions either about sex itself or their own sexuality. I think it's also perfect for adults/parents looking to discuss sex with a teen.
The subtitle could be "Guys, it's time we're straightforward and level-headed about sex."
The subtitle could be "Guys, it's time we're straightforward and level-headed about sex."
May 21, 2010
Awesome book. This book needs to be in every sex education program in school!
November 27, 2013
This book has made me seriously consider becoming a sex-ed teacher again.
I checked S.E.X. out of the county library on the recommendation of the amazing Charity Joy. When my 14-year old saw me reading it, she asked why I had it. Archie and I told her that she was getting to an age, generally speaking, where the people around her would start talking more and more about sex...
"That time has long passed, mother," she interrupted. "Okay, I know" I said. "So they're still talking about it and are starting to explore sexually in earnest. We all know there's a lot of misinformation out there about sex, and I want you to not only avoid getting conned about this very important stuff, but I'd also like you to feel comfortable being a source of reasonable, 'fact' based information for your pals." Something like that.
After giving the book a thorough look-see, I gave it to her and she devoured it. I ended up returning the book to the library quite a bit overdue, but I bought us a copy from Amazon for like $4. AWESOME investment. The book is very progressive by conservative standards and covers topics like hygiene, masturbation, consent, and birth control. S.E.X. is great because it gives my child a chance to read about different sexual topics without having to hear one of my spiels again. I would recommend it to anyone as a supplement to family discussions about sex and as a counter to the ridiculous, fear-based, and dangerous "sex ed" taught in public schools.
I checked S.E.X. out of the county library on the recommendation of the amazing Charity Joy. When my 14-year old saw me reading it, she asked why I had it. Archie and I told her that she was getting to an age, generally speaking, where the people around her would start talking more and more about sex...
"That time has long passed, mother," she interrupted. "Okay, I know" I said. "So they're still talking about it and are starting to explore sexually in earnest. We all know there's a lot of misinformation out there about sex, and I want you to not only avoid getting conned about this very important stuff, but I'd also like you to feel comfortable being a source of reasonable, 'fact' based information for your pals." Something like that.
After giving the book a thorough look-see, I gave it to her and she devoured it. I ended up returning the book to the library quite a bit overdue, but I bought us a copy from Amazon for like $4. AWESOME investment. The book is very progressive by conservative standards and covers topics like hygiene, masturbation, consent, and birth control. S.E.X. is great because it gives my child a chance to read about different sexual topics without having to hear one of my spiels again. I would recommend it to anyone as a supplement to family discussions about sex and as a counter to the ridiculous, fear-based, and dangerous "sex ed" taught in public schools.
January 11, 2008
Heather Corinna is my hero. She signed this book for me at an event where a man asked for a lock of my armpit hair. She is a doll who really truly cares about the sexual health of young people. This book is a great holistic sexuality guide for young people that is all-inclusive. Geared toward high school/college students, but would be good for just about anyone.
July 28, 2008
I loved how S.E.X. didn't refrain from using language and descriptors that adolescents would find familiar. In the same sense, though, it also brought a level of authority in manner in which topics were discussed. Refreshingly honest and informative...it broke down sexuality in all of its components--biological, emotional, psychological, and social.
November 25, 2017
If you are in the search for a great guide to sexuality, this is one of the best books out there. It's written by Heather Corinna of Scarleteen.com (the best online resource for teens/young adults and sexuality). This is a thoughtful and thorough introduction. I highly recommend that everyone who knows a teenager or young adult to first read this book and second buy it for them.
April 1, 2016
The book I wish I had had when I was learning about sex as a teenager.
The approach is far more respectful and holistic that teaching girls that boys only want sex and they need to keep their honour from those horny boys.
The approach is far more respectful and holistic that teaching girls that boys only want sex and they need to keep their honour from those horny boys.
August 13, 2008
Ultimate resource for teens/young adults on sex ed
September 19, 2011
Excellent for my teeanager. No preaching or judgements. just facts. My child will be able to understand that sex and related issues are a normal part of being human.
March 8, 2016
Great progressive, honest, and thorough look at sex for teenagers.
April 18, 2021
This should be used as a textbook in sex education classes everywhere.
May 7, 2022
There are a lot of gems in here - if you are to only read one sex-ed book (as I think is wise to do) let it be this one! I wish I had read this book in my early teens before becoming sexually active.
It is LONG, there's no denying it, but as the author states at the beginning of the book you can read the different parts as and when they are relevant to you. Don't let the length of the book put you off of reading it. You would be doing yourself a disservice.
If you are a parent considering this book for your child, please know that the information is presented in a straight-forward matter of fact way, no birds and bees. I personally prefer that, but if you are of the opinion that your child need only know what you want them to know and how you want them to know it as opposed to a scientifically unbiased perspective, then please don't badmouth this book just because it's not your cup of diluted tea. This book is for those who support openmindedness and matter of fact information. If you think your child won't make the effort to read it by themselves, then why not participate in reading it with them? You'll probably learn a few things as well and it can encourage healthy communication habits.
I hope everyone is given the opportunity to read this book and benefit from the trustworthy accurate information it contains.
It is LONG, there's no denying it, but as the author states at the beginning of the book you can read the different parts as and when they are relevant to you. Don't let the length of the book put you off of reading it. You would be doing yourself a disservice.
If you are a parent considering this book for your child, please know that the information is presented in a straight-forward matter of fact way, no birds and bees. I personally prefer that, but if you are of the opinion that your child need only know what you want them to know and how you want them to know it as opposed to a scientifically unbiased perspective, then please don't badmouth this book just because it's not your cup of diluted tea. This book is for those who support openmindedness and matter of fact information. If you think your child won't make the effort to read it by themselves, then why not participate in reading it with them? You'll probably learn a few things as well and it can encourage healthy communication habits.
I hope everyone is given the opportunity to read this book and benefit from the trustworthy accurate information it contains.
March 27, 2021
Everybody should read it...
January 25, 2018
S.E.X. is a comprehensive text about sex and sexuality. Information is well presented in a way that provides insight without judgment or value statements. The book is written in a gender neutral format (ie. "partners," "person with a penis.") that makes it accessible for all types of people and relationships. It provides expansive information from consent and the emotional/societal/family/peer pressure to (not) become sexual all the way to reproductive options including parenting as a young adult.
The author does a wonderful job normalizing LGBQ+ and fully integrating a non-hetero perspective throughout the text. However, some topics (ie asexuality) could have had more depth. It would have also been nice to see disability, intersex, and trans integrated more fully in sections about consent, relationships, etc. in addition to their stand alone sections.
Overall, this book provides well rounded information about the nuts-and-bolts and socio-emotional guidance. It is a great guide for teens and young adults.
The author does a wonderful job normalizing LGBQ+ and fully integrating a non-hetero perspective throughout the text. However, some topics (ie asexuality) could have had more depth. It would have also been nice to see disability, intersex, and trans integrated more fully in sections about consent, relationships, etc. in addition to their stand alone sections.
Overall, this book provides well rounded information about the nuts-and-bolts and socio-emotional guidance. It is a great guide for teens and young adults.
January 17, 2023
Recommended reading for everyone! Thorough, clear, nonjudgmental, inclusive of everyone, factual and light hearted. Totally non-patronizing and without fear/scare tactics. I love the ‘sexual readiness checklist’ and the ‘10 really crappy reasons to have sex with someone’ list in Chapter 8. I love the respect and care the author clearly has for teens and young adults, and how they equip readers with information and resources and really thoughtful questions and ideas to reflect on. I wish I had been given this book as a teenager. Thankful to have it on hand as an adult and parent.
Four stars out of five because it’s pretty verbose, which works if you want a very conversational tone but gets cumbersome for sharing with those who are reluctant to do a lot of reading. Thankfully it’s got great headings and table of contents and index so it’s pretty easy to skim or use as a reference.
Four stars out of five because it’s pretty verbose, which works if you want a very conversational tone but gets cumbersome for sharing with those who are reluctant to do a lot of reading. Thankfully it’s got great headings and table of contents and index so it’s pretty easy to skim or use as a reference.
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September 13, 2019I read this during college when I was working at the Carleton Gender and Sexuality Center and I remember it being supportive and informative. I had completely forgotten about it, but was reminded when I heard about her new book Wait, What?: A Comic Book Guide to Relationships, Bodies, and Growing Up. The sex ed scene is pretty different now than from when I was growing up, and I think the more varied, positive, and encouraging texts the better off kids and teens will be.
July 19, 2020
I'd like to appreciate the author HEATHER CORINNA who has written a great book on sexuality. It's an abyssal book on S.E.X. What I've learned is S.E.X isn't just about (penis-vagina) intercourse or intimacy between two people. The most vital things are communication, credibility, honest with our partner, our choices of what I do like or don't, our wants, needs & desires and also our limits & boundaries. Now, I know one thing, although sex always comes with emotional and physical risks,there are safer sex practices and mutual responsibility help us to mitigate those risks. I also like the myth busting and tech tips column which has given me little but crucial information. I'd really love the author message that Be hopeful, Happy and Healthy.
June 23, 2011
This is a very complete book about sex. It is written for teenagers and young adults. The author spends a lot of time writing about gender identity and boundaries in a sexual relationship. I think the writing style was overly wordy and full of jargon. However, it was an excellent book for me as a mother of a teen and a preteen. However, I think my kids would not think this book was interesting enough.
I recommend it to parents and to teens once they are very curious about sexual relationships.
I recommend it to parents and to teens once they are very curious about sexual relationships.
January 4, 2023
Over the two editions of this book, I think I’ve now bought something like 6 copies of it to give as gifts. This is an invaluable sex ex resource—broadly inclusive for people of all genders, bodies, races, cultures, and sexualities (including those who are asexual and/or agender), appropriate for people in their late teens and early twenties (and still educational for people a bit older), and meant to promote a healthy, thoughtful, life-long approach to sex and sexuality.
April 20, 2023
Solid sexual health reference book. I think this would have been very helpful to me when I was growing up, and I would keep it around for teens in my life.
October 1, 2018
Changed my life! Definitely recommend for youth and young adults new to sex education. I only recently cleansed my library and let this one go (I'm into minimalism), but this one was hard to part with. Please read and then pass on the knowledge!
January 21, 2010
having to check it out prior to exposing young minds to such filth
Sex Positive
Post Genderism
non-hetero-normitive
Good read for adults and their teens but it does include a how-to in fisting!
Sex Positive
Post Genderism
non-hetero-normitive
Good read for adults and their teens but it does include a how-to in fisting!
June 1, 2010
Must have for any sex education program! Very comprehensive & inclusive.
September 25, 2010
Some good info, but written in a faux-hip way ("whack" - really?) and perhaps TOO much information in places (bloodplay - really, for teens in an "introductory" book?)
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