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All the F*cking Mistakes: A Guide to Sex, Love, and Life

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Come As You Are meets How to Date Men When You Hate Men in this sex handbook for the millennial feminist on how to own your body and sexuality, and use that confidence to take charge of your life

"This bold, sex-positive book delivers on its promise." --Publishers Weekly

Stop Apologizing for Your Sexuality and Take Charge of Your Life

If you've ever wished you had a big sister or older cousin who could show you all the ropes of womanhood, look no further: Gigi Engle has done it all and is here to tell you all about it in All the F*cking Mistakes, a practical handbook for all the slutty and wanna-be-slutty women out there. It is the ultimate sex-talk book, demystifying female sexuality without any of the awkwardness of "the talk." From learning how to take back your confidence in a world full of slut shaming, to discovering and owning your sexual empowerment through masturbation, to demanding the love you really deserve, this book is an ode to the women of the world who deserve to be empowered, sexually and otherwise, without guilt.

Offering bite-sized lessons that incorporate Gigi's own special brand of no-nonsense advice to provide clarity and guidance on all things slutty, sexually normative and non-normative, and everything that falls between the cracks of these brackets, this book is your how-to guide to living your sexy AF, fabulous life.

384 pages, Hardcover

First published January 21, 2020

97 people are currently reading
2225 people want to read

About the author

Gigi Engle

2 books11 followers

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5 stars
92 (29%)
4 stars
103 (32%)
3 stars
77 (24%)
2 stars
29 (9%)
1 star
15 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
323 reviews7 followers
November 20, 2019
All the F*cking Mistakes is a childish and raunchy rant about all things sex. The book is touted as a guide to sex, love, and life in general. It is unapologetically anything goes and a down with patriarchy genital mooning.
This book is a clear example that blogging to book writing is not always a smooth transition. It comes across as a rant nearly all the way through and its oft-repeated mantra seems to be you do you and F anyone who doesn’t like it.
I suppose the title is a reference to all the mistakes the author has made throughout her life in the sexual arena. It seems an attempt to try to convince herself that her choices were valid but she doesn’t seem to believe it herself. Engle comes across like she has to prove a point.
But, look at all the knowledge she has gained through her myriad of sexual experiences. She now has much to teach, right?
I am sure that she has something valuable to offer but nothing valuable is offered here. The book could have been used as an opportunity for real education done tastefully. It is disappointing that it was not.
Instead, the author went for shock value with filthy language that is over the top ridiculous, too many personal stories with way too much personal information given. There was a neurotic jumping around quality that added to the book’s nonsensical nature. It was not well organized and lacking clear editorial strategy. It came across as a tacky and childish, a railing against the patriarchy that is keeping slutty women down. She vacillates between a bragging pride over her self-proclaimed sluttiness while at the same time trying to make a case to convince herself that her sluttiness is perfectly OK. I don’t get the sense that she really believes this.
I believe the book is meant to be about female empowerment and feminism but it comes across as the opposite, someone’s axe to grind. It is somewhat unsettling to think that the language used is actually appealing to anyone, millennials or otherwise. Her information about STD’s should never be taken at her word. She knows nothing about the HPV vaccine but seems to think she is in a position to recommend it. Also, if she did know more about it, she might have concluded that her hospitalization after the shot was likely due to the vaccine, not in spite of it. The problems she has had in this area are the result of lifestyle choices. The fact is, she did not have to have as many sexual encounters as she did to be knowledgeable in this area. Health is not something to be taken for granted and sexual health is vital. Though she states the importance of taking proper precautions, her message doesn’t translate in light of her own actions.
Frank and open conversation is a good thing but it can happen with a sense of good taste. Check out Kim Anami’s and Esther Perel’s work if you want to experience open dialogue about sexual empowerment and information from a true researcher in sexual relationships. To Engle’s credit she does reference Perel several times in her book.
Engle is highly opinionated and her opinions are launched rather aggressively. For example, she believes that once cheaters can be reformed to never cheat again but also believes that cheating automatically means that the cheater does not love the cheated on. The fact is that people cheat for many reasons and a lack of love may not be part of it. Again, check out Perel’s research on this topic.
She does openly advocate for honest communication, full-disclosure, and full consent in relationships. However, this is the author who published a beginner’s guide to anal sex in Teen Vogue, an article that the magazine stood by after the backlash. It was the wrong place for that article period. There are lines you simply do not cross. This is what occurs when someone lacks a moral compass and skin in the game. I would never want my daughter to seek out Engle’s advice on anything, not only because of her I don’t give an F attitude but because there are serious gaps in what she thinks she knows.
This is not some anti slut-shaming manifesto. Nor is it a handbook for sexually empowered women. Women deserve better than this.
BRB Rating: Skip It.
Profile Image for Dawn McCance.
115 reviews2 followers
May 15, 2022
Completely over this genre of feminism-lite instagrammers writing books.
Profile Image for Amy.
483 reviews6 followers
June 10, 2020
Engle's book is split into three parts: the first about stigmas surrounding sex, the second an educational look at sex, and the third a discussion of love and relationships.

While I enjoyed the experience of reading each section and their different subject matter, I personally enjoyed the first and last parts of the book best. The first part of the book really gets to the core of important matters such as the patriarchy, the way sexually empowered women are looked down upon, and encourages readers to reject the status quo - instead opting for a life of sexual empowerment and fulfillment, people's opinions be damned. The third part of the book takes on a more gentle approach, reading like a conversation between two friends about self-love, learning from mistakes and being vocal about what you as a woman deserve out of relationships.

The second section is very interesting, and I definitely learned a few things, but I think it might be suited best to teenagers or women who do not have a strong sexual education. It is pretty general, given that it tries to look at so many different topics.

Something I have noticed some people don't like about the book is the author's tone and personal anecdotes. Gigi Engle definitely has a no-nonsense approach, with strong opinions and vocabulary befitting millennial's and Gen-Z'ers. Personally, I think this added to the books appeal. All the f-bombs added passion to the story, and it felt like being hyped up while reading it. As for the anecdotes, I also think they were a great addition to the book. I loved reading about Engle's experiences, if not for the fact that they are relatable, and I could think to myself "I get you, sister", then at the very least for their entertainment value.

If I had to sum up this entire book in a few short sentences, it would be this: "Your sexual empowerment is your resistance (p. 366)". "Sexual empowerment is how we take back the power. It's how we f*ck sh*t up (p. 14)".
Profile Image for mo (sie).
450 reviews14 followers
October 23, 2020
dnf at about 10%
this was soooo annoying. even for me there was too much swearing and that says something. i have never had that experience before in my whole life. i usually dont mind swearing at all, as long as no hurtful terms are used. i think it is a very healthy way of expressing one's emotions and frustrations. but this was just so uncalled for and overdone and ANNOYING.
i also particularly disliked how this tackles alcohol abuse and how she says true friends are never angry about what you say when you are drunk. i dont think being so drunk so often should be normalised and although i agree that a true friend stays with you even when its your own fault that you are fucked up, this does not mean that you can put them through this every other weekend and that you can say anything you like and be a mean little shit and they still have to APPROVE and accept your drunkenness. there are people who have had very bad experiences around alcohol and it is not ok to expect them to be ok with all of your shit and say that they arent a true friend otherwise.
i just felt like i learned so little and was so annoyed by this that it did just not make sense to go on. i am sure there are much better books on this topic.
Profile Image for Andrea (Hammock and Read).
1,222 reviews26 followers
February 23, 2020
I wanted to like this book but its like reading a tweet or blog. I'm also a sailor when it comes to dropping the F bomb and this was over the top even for me even when I'm the target audience. Also she was trying to use words to be "women power" but missed the mark. It also had the wrong tone, it was all shoving down the throat and preachy not what you want with this type of book. There was so some good things in this and wish there was a book like this when I was younger but it needed way more editing and just different vibe. I'm sure people will love this but a lot of people will not make it pass page one.


Thanks to Netgalley, Publishers for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Emily.
343 reviews
February 28, 2020
Highly recommend for anyone who identifies as female, especially if you received your "sex education" from public school in the 80s and 90s. Auntie Gigi tells it like it is, with no judgment or shame. Be safe out there, everyone!

*ARC provided by the publisher for review consideration*
Profile Image for Suzy.
247 reviews32 followers
Read
December 24, 2020
DNFed due to the tone of Gigi Engle’s writing. I do not like the type of pseudo-empowerment girl boss language that was used throughout the book. Engle is trying very hard to be relatable and I don’t think she pulled it off. It was impossible for me to wade through her cursing and crude talk in order to get to any useful information.

Thanks to Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
549 reviews16 followers
October 5, 2019
This is the book on sexuality that Millennials need. I should preface this review by saying that I'm not a Millennial. However, I believe that this book is necessary. Young adults don't get enough education about their sexuality and it's pretty clear that Gigi can provide what's missing.
The language was a little off putting to me but again I'm not a Millennial so it may appeal to someone who is.
Profile Image for Nan.
1,078 reviews11 followers
March 30, 2023
Very useful information. Wish I’d learned it earlier. Some conclusions don’t work out as well if the person is very toxic towards you and it takes a longer time to work through that if you stay too long/had a toxic childhood.

Anyway, time we openly discussed and share in community how women’s bodies really function etc. time to end the lies and myths patriarchy has spewed.
Profile Image for Holly.
711 reviews115 followers
July 29, 2022
3.5 this was so funny & i’m a little ashamed to admit I learned a few things
Profile Image for Britt Kotiw.
3 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2020
This book is different. It’s informative, empowering, and hilarious. Gigi is an amazing storyteller with a true gift for writing in a way that is simultaneously for everyone yet incredibly intimate. Couldn’t recommend highly enough.
Profile Image for Kelly.
8,847 reviews18 followers
October 28, 2020
The book looked very interesting in its description. I read the first few chapters and Engle uses humor to discuss women's rights and empowerment, but it just wasn't for me. I'm not saying it's not a good book. In the right hands it's an awesome book. Just...not for me.
Profile Image for PAGE⭐️.
4 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2023
i actually stole this book & im so glad i did! painful read
Profile Image for Joy.
123 reviews24 followers
January 6, 2020
This book was not for me. I expected an empowering book about sex-positivity, self-esteem, and love. But instead I read an extremely opinionated and aggressive, preachy " sex handbook" that barely left any room to start a dialog, because the views expressed in the book were being shoved down my throat . The excessive explicit language used throughout the book was more tedious and annoying to read than edgy or refreshing.
Admittedly, there were some helpful points scattered throughout this book, but they were marred by the frustratingly judgemental tone this book seemed to take.
Also there were moments where I felt that there were very close-minded, almost harmful messages being expressed, such as claiming that it is "absolutely impossible' to cheat on a person that you are in love with, and the relationship MUST end immediately if cheating has occurred. The notion that is possible for couple to work past infidelity and that some relationships are even stronger despite infidelity was (literally) laughed at.
I believe that this book could have had the potential to be truly relatable, bold and uplifting, but instead across as alienating, overtly crass, and repressive instead.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced digital copy.
Profile Image for Jennie Seaman.
589 reviews14 followers
January 23, 2020
Yes! Yes yes yes! I loved this! Everyone needs to read this.

I absolutely loved reading this. It is the perfect balance of humor, personal anecdotes, and facts to make this a really enjoyable read. Gigi Engle is the big sister we all need. I loved everything about this book (the audio is fantastic too). As someone who did not get a sex talk by either my parents (I was too embarrassed to ask, and I'm sure my parents were to embarrassed to bring it up) or my school (only in the reproductive unit of biology), I really appreciated this. I've had to do a lot of research on my own and as we all know a lot of what is out there is all about the male enjoyment. I thoroughly believe that girls and women should be taught how to enjoy their own bodies. This book is a wonderful addition to the growing feminist sexual revolution. I also loved that this book did not shy away from the more uncommon forms of sexual exploration. I feel like I'm rambling a bit here!

Overall, I absolutely recommend this book to everyone!
Profile Image for Sue.
929 reviews4 followers
April 16, 2022
I had high hopes for this book, which is why I think I’m so disappointed. She does share some of her own experiences and biases, which was great; and her overarching message is one of sex-positivity (obviously), which was also great. I just felt like I was being preached to, and I didn’t come away feeling accepted, I came away feeling more disappointed that tolerance has to be drilled into people. And I didn’t really get much more insight in myself or any past relationships.
Profile Image for Danielle Schiestle | brooklynbookgirl.
169 reviews25 followers
February 10, 2020
I really, really wanted to love this book... Gigi Engle is so funny and bold and empowering. I’ve loved her articles and appearances on podcasts... But this book just fell flat. Parts were funny. Parts were real. But other parts felt preachy. While I appreciate the bluntness, parts felt put in for shock factor. However, I admire Gigi’s vulnerability. It’s an easy read.
Profile Image for Megan Elizabeth.
216 reviews15 followers
January 27, 2020
Holy freaking moly, I LOVED this book!
“All the F*cking Mistakes” by Gigi Engle is everything the female population could ever hope for in an honest mom-meets-daughter kind of way. The book talks about a lot of issues that a lot of females are often afraid to opening bring up in conversations: sex, masturbation, drunken hookups, sex toys, porn, relationships, cheating, and my favorite, how to be happy as a single woman.

What I love most about this book is that the author is so honest and factual, but also sarcastic and knows that what she recommends isn’t always what people are going to do. For example, she tells us that when giving oral sex, the safest thing to do is put on an external condom to keep safe from STI’s. She immediately says since she knows no one is actually going to do this, to just make sure to know your partner is clean.

The author also makes sure to include information about all races and sexualities. A lot of books focus only on the straight white female perspective, but Gigi also writes about African American, Hispanic, Asian, etc. straight women, as well as bi, lesbian, etc. She understands that there is a lot of anxiety talking about these “taboo” topics throughout different cultures.

There were so many quotes/topics in her book that resonated with me:
1. “Do you know how many guys I’ve fucked who I shouldn’t have? I have fucked so many people while wasted. And you know what? None of that shit matters now”.
2. “Admittedly, there are so few woke guys out there, which blows. To all you ladies who only date men, my heart goes out to you in your time of need”.
3. “There is nothing sexier than a woman that knows her own body. If your partner doesn’t feel that your sexual literacy is hot, don’t date that person. He or she is a fucking idiot”.
I highly recommend this book for any female out there. Even men could read this, to help them understand what it’s like being a woman in a male dominant sexual environment.
Easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5 Stars!
Profile Image for The Lexington Bookie.
671 reviews25 followers
December 30, 2019
Gigi Engle is a fiery goddess that is here to slay. I mean stay. Well, I mean both. Honestly, this woman has life figured out, or at least like, really well outlined, because All The F*cking Mistakes is pure gold.

Engle has compiled a raging, feminist bible about what it means for a woman to claim her sexuality, her body, and her place in the world. In alternating heart-to-heart conversations, exuberant encouragement, heavy dosed sarcasm, and furious outcry, Engle lets her readers know that it's time to wake up and realize that women have the power to stand up and fight for their equality. It's time to demand safety, control over our bodies, and satisfaction in the bedroom!

Nothing is off limits for Engle- in proof of negating the stigma around sex- as she discusses topics like how to talk to your partner about STIs, how to move on from drunken shame, and how to explore your needs in the bedroom (or wherever, no judgement.) Her writing is conversational and brutally honest, which makes it read as if she were a friend, not a lecturer. Oh and speaking of lecture, she also points out how much of this book wouldn't have had to exist if our culture weren't so against proper sex education- you know, where they focus on abstinence more than anything. So, yes, in the spirit of correcting that, there are a few diagrams of anatomical parts because sadly, some women (and men) don't even know what's what down there.

Honestly, everyone needs to read this. The third wave of feminism is here, and it's time to educate yourselves on why we need to stand together and demand change, why we need men to support our efforts, and why we need to get rid of the stigma and double standards that surround sex.  So basically, move over Dear God, It's Me Margaret. Make room for All The F*cking Mistakes.

*This review will be posted on 1/2/2020 on www.thelexingtonbookie.com*
1 review
January 15, 2020
If I'm being honest. This book is a godsend. I'm very well versed in my sexual health/pleasure, or at least I thought I was until I read this book. Gigi does a really wonderful job of making you feel comfortable by keeping it real, while helping you learn more about what's going on with your body. This book clarified a lot of things for me that I never necessarily thought to question when it came to pleasure and why things happen a certain way for me in the bedroom.

Gigi really put things into perspective and gave some knowledge into things that I definitely didn't know about before. It's diverse and straight to the point in a way that doesn't make you feel like you're in middle school sex-ed. I absolutely love it and am grateful to have had the extra push to explore and question my anatomy and sexuality throughout this book.
13 reviews
Read
March 1, 2023
This book goes through many different topics that most kids should be informed of, but aren't really anymore. She gives many different examples of her own personal life along with other experts or people she knows. It is a very open book and she is a very realistic author. A motif that I have noticed is her constant theme of doing what is right for yourself and pushing for equal rights with others. I would highly recommend this book for girls to read to become more comfortable with themselves and learn more about life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for John Wimmer.
36 reviews4 followers
November 3, 2019
We recieved this book from a Goodreads giveaway, and it was enlightening. The author, Gigi Engle offers this book as a guide to sex, love, and life - and it is. This book us packed full of ideas for the modern women to succeed at the game of love. Full of helpful advice designed to guide women in the pursuit of a happy and healthy sex life, this book covers it all. Well recommended for adults!
1 review
September 22, 2020
I loved this book! It has helpful info on intimacy, relationships, using sex toys as part of your healthy sex life. She's honest and gets right down what you really want to know. Nothing is off limits and there is no slut shaming. She tells you how it is and always emphasizes being safe and using protection at all times. I'm a college student and I think every young woman should read this, even high schoolers. It's funny, educational and insightful! Buy it!
Profile Image for Kimberly Gordon-Bercich.
1,860 reviews5 followers
February 7, 2024
Know Thy Self

I loved this book. While only about 50% of the book was right for me, Gigi Engle speaks her truth. I 100% respect this. I believe Gigi would be proud if I walked away with one truth that would help shape the woman I am and the woman I am becoming. So I will take what I like and leave the rest. What I like is that message of empowerment and self-love while holding ourselves accountable for our assholish behavior. I’m taking that with me.
Profile Image for Jessica Slavensky.
73 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2019
This is one book I feel every woman should read at least once, it appeals more to millennials but it was great none the less. Gigi Engle shares some stories from her past, and shares great knowledge on sexual empowerment, how to find your self worth & a relationship worth having. It’s like learning from a best friend whose been through it all. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Kristina Aziz.
Author 4 books25 followers
October 27, 2019
I've read a few 'sex education' books before and been disappointed, but this one will actually make it to my daughter's bookshelf one day. Thankfully I have many years before that will even be necessary, but this is probably the most important thing you could include in a 'first period' survival kit.
1 review
January 14, 2020
As an older millennial, this is a book I wish I had as a young adult. Gigi is so empowering in a very uncensored way that is refreshing and honest. She doesn't dance around the topic of sex, she sings it at the top of her lungs with no regrets. Definitely buying this for every single one of my friends for our next book club. This is a must read!
Profile Image for Jen.
72 reviews
April 16, 2020
I’m undecided on rating as I don’t believe I was the target audience so my rating is for me rather than the book itself. This book is better suited for the single and under 30 crowd. I am neither.
I did take a lot of notes and wrote down authors or other media content providers to explore further.
Profile Image for Becka B.
60 reviews
August 6, 2021
Ok so this book is hugely informative but also incredibly vulgar. No hate, but it’s not my particular style. I want a female empowerment book that lifts my hands up in praise without it calling me a “nasty bitch”. Still this is a good read to shift the paradigm of your own ideas of female roles vs male ones in all aspects of your sexuality.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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