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Doing It: Women Tell the Truth about Great Sex
Women love sex. So why do we have such a difficult time accepting them as sexual creatures?
For a society that loves to project sex onto women, we’re not so keen on their free sexual expression. Doing It brings together some incredible female writers to reflect on why that might be, how they feel about sex, and why they love it. Women don’t get to talk about this, or hear it, enough.
Edited by renowned feminist Karen Pickering, Doing It celebrates women taking control of their sexual lives, with some brilliant writing on intimacy, physicality, gender and power. These stories encourage honest discussions about sex and remind us of simple women’s bodies are their own, everybody’s idea of good sex is different, and loving sex is nothing to be ashamed of.
Featuring some of Australia’s most engaging voices, and some international stars, this exceptional collection combines the serious, the hilarious, the satirical, the personal, the political, and the downright sexy. Contributors Hanne BlankEmily MaguireClem BastowJax Jacki BrownAmy GrayVan BadhamAmy MiddletonAdrienne TruscottMaria LewisTilly LawlessJenna PriceDeirdre FidgeJane GilmoreBrigitte LewisMichelle LawSimona CastricumRosanna BeatriceAnne-Frances WatsonJessamy GleesonSinead StubbinsGiselle Au-Nhien NguyenFiona Patten
For a society that loves to project sex onto women, we’re not so keen on their free sexual expression. Doing It brings together some incredible female writers to reflect on why that might be, how they feel about sex, and why they love it. Women don’t get to talk about this, or hear it, enough.
Edited by renowned feminist Karen Pickering, Doing It celebrates women taking control of their sexual lives, with some brilliant writing on intimacy, physicality, gender and power. These stories encourage honest discussions about sex and remind us of simple women’s bodies are their own, everybody’s idea of good sex is different, and loving sex is nothing to be ashamed of.
Featuring some of Australia’s most engaging voices, and some international stars, this exceptional collection combines the serious, the hilarious, the satirical, the personal, the political, and the downright sexy. Contributors Hanne BlankEmily MaguireClem BastowJax Jacki BrownAmy GrayVan BadhamAmy MiddletonAdrienne TruscottMaria LewisTilly LawlessJenna PriceDeirdre FidgeJane GilmoreBrigitte LewisMichelle LawSimona CastricumRosanna BeatriceAnne-Frances WatsonJessamy GleesonSinead StubbinsGiselle Au-Nhien NguyenFiona Patten
304 pages, Paperback
First published August 29, 2016
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212 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 13, 2016
Full disclosure: I have an essay of mine included in this anthology.
I really loved this collection of unashamedly feminist perspectives on sex and devoured it in less than a day. It's diverse, with pieces from queer women, trans women, disabled women and WOC, and equal parts funny, moving and thought provoking. Standouts for me were the pieces from Hanne Blank, Tilly Lawless and Van Badham, but it's a really solid set overall that balances personal and political extremely well. An easy but important read.
I really loved this collection of unashamedly feminist perspectives on sex and devoured it in less than a day. It's diverse, with pieces from queer women, trans women, disabled women and WOC, and equal parts funny, moving and thought provoking. Standouts for me were the pieces from Hanne Blank, Tilly Lawless and Van Badham, but it's a really solid set overall that balances personal and political extremely well. An easy but important read.
July 10, 2017
I don't know. I'm tired of the discourse. Sex-positivity is too white feminist for me. I think it's an okay anthology but one that leaves out a discussion of race and how it intersects with sexuality. I would recommend for people who are just starting to read about feminist issues.
November 23, 2016
I cannot express enough how powerful this book is. It is a must read for all who call themselves feminists, it's a must read for all those times you are with your partner and you can't express why or how your actions have accumulated into the way they are and it's a must read for girls who love sex but feel ashamed expressing it. This book taught me so much about myself, the culture women face everyday from their first kiss all the way to maturity in advocating for their desires in a society that doesn't want to know. Most powerfully, is the reminder that we still live in a world that tells women that they are not sexy unless they have not consented to it and that we - ALL OF US -have the ability to shift this archaic thinking to shape a society that allows women to feel sex as more than objects of male pleasure.
January 24, 2020
This book is really important.
It includes writing about sex from straight women, queer women, trans women, and disabled women. They talk about marital sex, sex work, self-sex, same-sex sex, sex education, and sex in the digital age - among so much else.
I’ve never seen the C bomb dropped so many times in one book, and I loved it.
It includes writing about sex from straight women, queer women, trans women, and disabled women. They talk about marital sex, sex work, self-sex, same-sex sex, sex education, and sex in the digital age - among so much else.
I’ve never seen the C bomb dropped so many times in one book, and I loved it.
September 13, 2016
I loved this book! It was one of my first endeavours into non-fiction reading and I enjoyed it far more than I had anticipated!
September 30, 2016
A great anthology of sex-positivity from a lot of different female perspectives - straight, gay, queer, trans, asexual, academic, intensely personal, amusing and poignant. A really lovely read.
January 27, 2017
This was a hecking great read!
March 27, 2017
Positive, well thought-out, empowering, and readable to boot. Very happy to have this collection on my shelf.
Read
August 31, 2025* **Doing It** is a collection of firsthand narratives, penned or curated by Karen Pickering, in which women courageously share their candid, vivid experiences of what makes sex truly satisfying.
* Rather than prescribing a one-dimensional ideal, the book embraces the rich diversity of sexual **pleasure**, presenting concrete, intimate examples that range from exhilarating first-time encounters to deeply connective long-term passion.
* Contributors present authentic stories covering themes such as:
* Building **confidence** and navigating body image.
* Exploring **masturbation**, **kink**, and non-monogamous relationships.
* Recognizing how mood, setting, and emotional safety shape fulfilling experiences.
* By weaving together perspectives from across the spectrum—queer and straight, younger and older, single and partnered—the book underscores that “great sex” is highly personal and withstands societal expectations.
* The overarching message is that **openness, honest communication, and self-acceptance** are not only foundational but revolutionary in reclaiming sexual autonomy and joy for women.
---
### Tone and Writing Style
* The tone is **warm, candid, and accessible**—readers feel like they're engaging in an open conversation among friends, not a clinical or academic lecture.
* The writing is **approachable and inclusive**, combining candid storytelling with sensitivity and often a touch of humor, which encourages comfort without diluting the emotional depth.
* This conversational style is perfectly suited to the book’s intent: to normalize discussions about female pleasure, dismantle shame, and create a space where stories can be shared freely and affirmingly.
---
### Author’s Qualifications
* **Karen Pickering** is a seasoned writer and editor with a focus on sexuality, relationships, and women’s empowerment.
* With a background in publishing and journalism (often contributing to sex-positive platforms and women's magazines), her editorial insight ensures that each narrative in the book is both compelling and handled with care.
* Pickering’s expertise in curating authentic voices, combined with her professional experience in creating sex-positive content, deepens the impact of the book’s theme—celebrating diverse, unfiltered experiences of pleasure as a form of empowerment.
* Rather than prescribing a one-dimensional ideal, the book embraces the rich diversity of sexual **pleasure**, presenting concrete, intimate examples that range from exhilarating first-time encounters to deeply connective long-term passion.
* Contributors present authentic stories covering themes such as:
* Building **confidence** and navigating body image.
* Exploring **masturbation**, **kink**, and non-monogamous relationships.
* Recognizing how mood, setting, and emotional safety shape fulfilling experiences.
* By weaving together perspectives from across the spectrum—queer and straight, younger and older, single and partnered—the book underscores that “great sex” is highly personal and withstands societal expectations.
* The overarching message is that **openness, honest communication, and self-acceptance** are not only foundational but revolutionary in reclaiming sexual autonomy and joy for women.
---
### Tone and Writing Style
* The tone is **warm, candid, and accessible**—readers feel like they're engaging in an open conversation among friends, not a clinical or academic lecture.
* The writing is **approachable and inclusive**, combining candid storytelling with sensitivity and often a touch of humor, which encourages comfort without diluting the emotional depth.
* This conversational style is perfectly suited to the book’s intent: to normalize discussions about female pleasure, dismantle shame, and create a space where stories can be shared freely and affirmingly.
---
### Author’s Qualifications
* **Karen Pickering** is a seasoned writer and editor with a focus on sexuality, relationships, and women’s empowerment.
* With a background in publishing and journalism (often contributing to sex-positive platforms and women's magazines), her editorial insight ensures that each narrative in the book is both compelling and handled with care.
* Pickering’s expertise in curating authentic voices, combined with her professional experience in creating sex-positive content, deepens the impact of the book’s theme—celebrating diverse, unfiltered experiences of pleasure as a form of empowerment.
April 10, 2020
I devoured this book.
It is essential reading and helped me to frame sex and sexuality in a positive way. I cannot understate the importance of this book.
The book encapsulated diverse experiences by a diverse group of women and women identifying individuals.
Definitely one I shall be returning to!
It is essential reading and helped me to frame sex and sexuality in a positive way. I cannot understate the importance of this book.
The book encapsulated diverse experiences by a diverse group of women and women identifying individuals.
Definitely one I shall be returning to!
July 3, 2021
Favorites:
Kiss me, Judas
Room 408
Wildest dreams
Why it never gets old
How is your sex life?
Sex and love Berlin 2016
Kiss me, Judas
Room 408
Wildest dreams
Why it never gets old
How is your sex life?
Sex and love Berlin 2016
March 31, 2020
COVID-19 book 4. Honestly had a hard time choosing a favorite essay in this anthology!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews