Rock Paper Sex Volume 2: Trigger Warning

by Kerri Colford

This follow-up to the bestselling Rock Paper Sex provides a space for the varied voices of individual sex workers, massage parlour owners, and community organizations, in a startling and compelling investigation of the industry. Rock Paper Sex Volume 2: Trigger Warning is timely, compassionate, and enlightening. The stories presented in this sequel offer a wide range of perspectives from the sex industry in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. As new voices are introduced and others from Rock Paper Sex are revisited, key themes related to sex work emerge, including barriers to safety, intersections with human trafficking, and challenging perceptions.

Genres: Nonfiction

232 pages, Paperback

Published October 31, 2021

Reviews

[Rebecca House]

Purposefully not rating this book, as there’s no way to rate some people’s heartbreaking and harrowing stories included in this book. I laughed, I cried, I gasped, my heart ached and I know I will continue to think of these books for a long time. Kerri Cull has done an excellent job with both volumes of Rock Paper Sex. This book is not something you enjoy reading, as the content is heavy and difficult, but it’s something you should take the time to read. As a Newfoundlander, I feel it’s so important to educate ourselves on some of the things that happen here regarding sex work.

[Leighann Hounsell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read about the sex working trades in our province and the resources available to those who need it. You need to read the first book first though because a lot of the interviews are extensions of the interviews conducted in the first book.

[Samantha Pomroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating look into an industry everyone knows about but probably don't know as much as they think they do.

[Lee Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good short read.

[Serena Solange · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know that this second book had the same impact as the first one. It didn’t strike me as adding a whole lot more to the conversation. That may be because so much has happened in the last handful of years since the first book came out, not to mention the pandemic happened making everything feel like it’s flying by but also lasting forever. It could al be that since reading the first book I personally have done more research and found that there has been more mainstream discussions about these topics. Either way it’s still worth the read and imparts important lived experiences and views.

[Dawn Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book! I couldn't put them down. I finished both books in the series in just a couple days. I love how the stories were diverse and authentic to each person's perspective. I love the theme of feminism and the varying perspectives about how it relates to sex work. I also love that this book talks about trauma. It is such an important topic that doesn't get enough recognition in the mental health and addictions conversation. So happy that there are some truly helpful, knowledgeable resources for those who want them. I think that the public recognition about that work and the industry will help in continuing those services.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has come a long way since the original Rock Paper Sex. Props to the author for having the courage and tenacity to stick with it. The result is a much better book, in terms of its representation of a complex field and its journey from cover to cover. Really enjoyed the variety of perspectives in this one as well.

[Randi Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick and interesting read. I read the first one so it was nice to see some people reappear in the sequel. I sympathize with a lot of their stories and how their perspective on their job/how they are viewed differ. Again, surprised that I lived here for 6 years and had no idea on the magnitude of this industry.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent and timely follow up investigation into the sex work industy in St.John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. Cull brings these voices and perspectives from those in the trade to the page with compassion and offers much insight.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me this book opinions are my own.

For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are not typical novels, they read more like a series of interviews. Wish we could have gotten more variety of stories/POVs but I understand it depends on who is willing to be interviewed. Overall fascinating and an eye-opener into the world of sex work in our province

[Cathy Regular · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.8/5.0

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read about the oldest industry in the world, with stories from individuals right in Newfoundland.

[Alicia Hartley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a few of the interviews are follow ups from the first book - best to read while those stories are still fresh.

[Bronwyn Bridges · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was obsessed with Kerri’s first book but sadly the second just didn’t do it for me. I didn’t find the stories chosen as intriguing as in the first book. Overall wasn’t bad but wasn’t as incredible as I hoped for.