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Honest. Everything They Don't Tell You About Sex, Relationships and Bodies
Let's talk about sex.
Sex is EVERYWHERE. So why don't we talk about it properly?
A bare-all, refreshingly honest guide for teens, written by someone who isn't thirty years older than you.
Being a teen is tough enough without having to navigate the minefields of discovering sex, love and bodies. And let's be real: sex education at school doesn't always cut it.
Sex educator and journalist Milly Evans is here to help - as a young adult who is still figuring life out, she knows exactly what teens are going through. And she's here with answers to all those questions that aren't in their school textbooks.
From orgasms to anatomy, gender identity to masturbation, positive relationships to first times, it's all here, and in candid detail.
With playful and informative black-and-white illustrations by Lucia Picerno throughout, HONEST is the searingly frank, inclusive and witty guide that every 21st century teenager needs.
Enough foreplay! Let's do this.
Sex is EVERYWHERE. So why don't we talk about it properly?
A bare-all, refreshingly honest guide for teens, written by someone who isn't thirty years older than you.
Being a teen is tough enough without having to navigate the minefields of discovering sex, love and bodies. And let's be real: sex education at school doesn't always cut it.
Sex educator and journalist Milly Evans is here to help - as a young adult who is still figuring life out, she knows exactly what teens are going through. And she's here with answers to all those questions that aren't in their school textbooks.
From orgasms to anatomy, gender identity to masturbation, positive relationships to first times, it's all here, and in candid detail.
With playful and informative black-and-white illustrations by Lucia Picerno throughout, HONEST is the searingly frank, inclusive and witty guide that every 21st century teenager needs.
Enough foreplay! Let's do this.
320 pages, Paperback
Published June 9, 2022
15 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 24, 2023
Definitiv für Jugendliche geschrieben und für diese auch sehr geeignet. Leider nicht auf deutsch verfügbar, ansonsten wäre es ein toller Verweis im Sexualkundeunterricht.
May 11, 2022
The is a fabulous book for teenagers and young adults about bodies, sex and relationships. It’s written in plain language without being condescending, and even though I’m in my twenties and had a fairly comprehensive sex education, I learned some things, so I think it’s a great resource to fill in knowledge gaps. I highly recommend!
The chapter on anatomy covers genitals in an affirming and inclusive way, with labelled diagrams, a discussion of functions, common health issues and signs of cancer, with links to extra resources and an account by an intersex activist.
The chapter on sex covers a range of things under the ‘sex’ umbrella, which again is inclusive and doesn’t centre penis-in-vagina intercourse. It discusses orgasms, the emotional components of sex and non-sexual intimacy, boundaries and consent, aftercare, and practicalities like lube. As a Disabled person on the asexuality spectrum, I really appreciated the inclusion of both disability and ace identities in the discussion around having sex (and the account from the fabulous Black ace activist Yasmin Benoit).
There is another chapter specifically devoted to consent and boundaries. It covers useful language for consent, setting boundaries and saying no. It also talks about cultural issues around consent and sexual assault (there is a trigger warning included just before this section) with info about victim support organisations.
The chapter on health talks about the symptoms of common STIs and getting tested (with lots of extra resources listed), intimate hygiene products, contraception and barrier protection. The chapter on masturbation is kind and pragmatic; the chapter on relationships covers ‘green flags’ as well as break ups and navigating power dynamics.
There is a chapter discussing sexuality and gender which is trans- and non-binary inclusive. It covers choosing (or not) and using (or not) labels, coming out, and discrimination against and within LGBTQ+ communities. There’s another chapter that covers gender (identity, expression, pronouns, sex, dysphoria), stereotypes and equality. The book rounds off with online issues like internet dating and pornography, and mental health awareness.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review
The chapter on anatomy covers genitals in an affirming and inclusive way, with labelled diagrams, a discussion of functions, common health issues and signs of cancer, with links to extra resources and an account by an intersex activist.
The chapter on sex covers a range of things under the ‘sex’ umbrella, which again is inclusive and doesn’t centre penis-in-vagina intercourse. It discusses orgasms, the emotional components of sex and non-sexual intimacy, boundaries and consent, aftercare, and practicalities like lube. As a Disabled person on the asexuality spectrum, I really appreciated the inclusion of both disability and ace identities in the discussion around having sex (and the account from the fabulous Black ace activist Yasmin Benoit).
There is another chapter specifically devoted to consent and boundaries. It covers useful language for consent, setting boundaries and saying no. It also talks about cultural issues around consent and sexual assault (there is a trigger warning included just before this section) with info about victim support organisations.
The chapter on health talks about the symptoms of common STIs and getting tested (with lots of extra resources listed), intimate hygiene products, contraception and barrier protection. The chapter on masturbation is kind and pragmatic; the chapter on relationships covers ‘green flags’ as well as break ups and navigating power dynamics.
There is a chapter discussing sexuality and gender which is trans- and non-binary inclusive. It covers choosing (or not) and using (or not) labels, coming out, and discrimination against and within LGBTQ+ communities. There’s another chapter that covers gender (identity, expression, pronouns, sex, dysphoria), stereotypes and equality. The book rounds off with online issues like internet dating and pornography, and mental health awareness.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review
January 7, 2023
3.5
I could tell this book was targeted towards younger teens than myself, or even preteens, as I already knew a lot of the information in it, but it’s a great resource for kids going through puberty
I could tell this book was targeted towards younger teens than myself, or even preteens, as I already knew a lot of the information in it, but it’s a great resource for kids going through puberty
January 28, 2024
this is a very helpful and insightful book, especially to teens/young adults like myself. i've discovered many new things thanks to it, while also still appreciating the topics that i already knew something about.
it's a great start for people who would like to expand their knowledge regarding sex ed, relationships and the impact that society has on our bodies.
it's a great start for people who would like to expand their knowledge regarding sex ed, relationships and the impact that society has on our bodies.
July 15, 2022
This was targeted at my age range so I thought I'd pick it up, sex ed was never a huge thing in any school I went to, and the things we learnt weren't exactly that informative or helpful.
However, reading this, I feel like I just knew all of it already, some of it was very obvious (I know it might not be for all people, but it was for me) and I found myself skipping certain chapters because I was already educated on the matters.
This book could be incredibly helpful for people who do need and want to know this stuff, there is so much in here about how 'your body is normal no matter what' which could be so, so helpful to younger teenagers who are growing up in a social world full of photoshop and filters, but I feel like for older teenagers, you may already know most of this anyway!
I would still recommend picking this book up if you feel like you need to learn some things about people's bodies and relationships, and I commend the author for writing such an honest book, it just wasn't anything new to me!
However, reading this, I feel like I just knew all of it already, some of it was very obvious (I know it might not be for all people, but it was for me) and I found myself skipping certain chapters because I was already educated on the matters.
This book could be incredibly helpful for people who do need and want to know this stuff, there is so much in here about how 'your body is normal no matter what' which could be so, so helpful to younger teenagers who are growing up in a social world full of photoshop and filters, but I feel like for older teenagers, you may already know most of this anyway!
I would still recommend picking this book up if you feel like you need to learn some things about people's bodies and relationships, and I commend the author for writing such an honest book, it just wasn't anything new to me!
July 4, 2022
i found this to be very informative but it just wasn't quite what i was expecting it to be!
March 31, 2022
Wow am I glad I requested this book. It’s the book I wish I had when I was a teenager with all these unvoiced questions and anxieties. It’s certainly a resource I am going to be glad to have when my kids approach the teenage years. It’s a really thorough, comprehensive guide to the physical, societal and mental health issues teenagers face during puberty. Yet it’s written in an approachable, casual and friendly way.
It’s a great book for giving me hints on how to broach topics with my children as well as having them read independently on the subject too. It belongs on the bookshelf of every family home.
It’s a great book for giving me hints on how to broach topics with my children as well as having them read independently on the subject too. It belongs on the bookshelf of every family home.
December 31, 2022
an educational read. clearly aimed at a slightly younger audience (pre-teens and teenagers) and for this reason, some of the chapters seemed to be about topics which are very much obvious and almost “common-sense” to me. however, i still managed to learn something new and it was an enjoyable read. especially useful for a younger audience just jumping into learning about sex, relationships, identities, etc. for the first time.
i also thought that it was very inclusive because of the fact that it did not only focus on the heteronormative perspective regarding all of the aforementioned topics.
i also thought that it was very inclusive because of the fact that it did not only focus on the heteronormative perspective regarding all of the aforementioned topics.
November 28, 2022
*Thank you to HotKey Books for gifting me a copy of this book!*
This book was honestly (haha, see what I did there) really good, and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I was actually learning from it. Despite being 23 and feeling like I was pretty clued up about a lot of things covered in here, over time it became clear that I have also been a victim of both misinformation and lack of information available.
I found this book to be extremely accessible, which is exactly what you’re looking for when it comes to this type of non fiction read. There was no jargon, everything was explained clearly without patronising the reader, and it was easy to connect with the voice of the author. The way their shared anecdotes of their own experiences with various things really opened the reader up to engage, made it all feel less overwhelming, and it was relatable. I also loved how Millie’s personality shone through as well in the writing style. Sometimes learning things can feel taxing or dull, but it was actually easy to engage with here and has several funny moments that I enjoyed. That also never took away from the emphasis on the seriousness of some of the topics discussed which were done so with a lot of care.
Never have I seen sex ed so inclusive and diverse before. This book is honestly going to help so many people, and be the start of a lot of great conversations. It was open in discussing all bodies, sexualities, genders, and even had disability representation. These are all things so much formal education is terrified of covering, but is what we actually need more of for the health and safety of future generations.
I really enjoyed it. It was well written, balanced, digestible, and thoroughly referenced and researched. I loved the artwork and extra resources available here too. Great read.
(Also I managed to have a chat with the author at an event recently and they were so nice! And very cool. Unsurprising that they’ve written such an amazing book.)
This book was honestly (haha, see what I did there) really good, and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I was actually learning from it. Despite being 23 and feeling like I was pretty clued up about a lot of things covered in here, over time it became clear that I have also been a victim of both misinformation and lack of information available.
I found this book to be extremely accessible, which is exactly what you’re looking for when it comes to this type of non fiction read. There was no jargon, everything was explained clearly without patronising the reader, and it was easy to connect with the voice of the author. The way their shared anecdotes of their own experiences with various things really opened the reader up to engage, made it all feel less overwhelming, and it was relatable. I also loved how Millie’s personality shone through as well in the writing style. Sometimes learning things can feel taxing or dull, but it was actually easy to engage with here and has several funny moments that I enjoyed. That also never took away from the emphasis on the seriousness of some of the topics discussed which were done so with a lot of care.
Never have I seen sex ed so inclusive and diverse before. This book is honestly going to help so many people, and be the start of a lot of great conversations. It was open in discussing all bodies, sexualities, genders, and even had disability representation. These are all things so much formal education is terrified of covering, but is what we actually need more of for the health and safety of future generations.
I really enjoyed it. It was well written, balanced, digestible, and thoroughly referenced and researched. I loved the artwork and extra resources available here too. Great read.
(Also I managed to have a chat with the author at an event recently and they were so nice! And very cool. Unsurprising that they’ve written such an amazing book.)
August 4, 2022
I could and would have so appreciated this in my teens when I was younger.
The book is informative, but it is so not preachy and it doesn't gloss over things that make us feel uncomfortable to be talked about in large groups of people, yet which we all know goes on, like orgasms and masturbation.
My mom was always very open about periods, contraception, sex and not getting pregnant, I never felt I couldn't tell her things in my later teens but I would want my step kids and perhaps even my children when they come along to feel like they could come to me and if they couldn't I'd be getting this book for all of us, especially useful for children but also from an adults point of view in learning how to approach these rather awkward subjects, this book becomes a tool for all.
I really didn't know what to expect with this book, but I've really enjoyed it and it's made me wish more than ever that my education had had a bold and educational book like this. It's not just about the education though, we were taught about sex as teenagers, fifteen and the boys watched a video and the girls were drilled about not getting pregnant, where to buy condoms etc, obviously I don't feel that's very fair and so I really liked the part about where the author talks about why she campaigned for sex education and I feel that is so REFRESHING.
The chapter on anatomy was by far something I thought was so important, down to the labeling on the organs to the importance of checking and looking for signs of ill health. I really liked how the author included disability, something which affects a vast majority of people, mental health, anxiety and transgender, including discrimination within and against the community, coming out and more.
I also really appreciated the chapter about consent and having the ability to say no, sexual assault and also about the importance of relationships and boundaries, and how to cope with break ups. Such a handy book, I will definitely be getting a copy of this for when those turbulent years approach, its something I want to be very open about in my house and I want everyone to feel comforted and like their is no shame, having sexual feelings, or wanting sex - isn't dirty, its a natural thing.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review
The book is informative, but it is so not preachy and it doesn't gloss over things that make us feel uncomfortable to be talked about in large groups of people, yet which we all know goes on, like orgasms and masturbation.
My mom was always very open about periods, contraception, sex and not getting pregnant, I never felt I couldn't tell her things in my later teens but I would want my step kids and perhaps even my children when they come along to feel like they could come to me and if they couldn't I'd be getting this book for all of us, especially useful for children but also from an adults point of view in learning how to approach these rather awkward subjects, this book becomes a tool for all.
I really didn't know what to expect with this book, but I've really enjoyed it and it's made me wish more than ever that my education had had a bold and educational book like this. It's not just about the education though, we were taught about sex as teenagers, fifteen and the boys watched a video and the girls were drilled about not getting pregnant, where to buy condoms etc, obviously I don't feel that's very fair and so I really liked the part about where the author talks about why she campaigned for sex education and I feel that is so REFRESHING.
The chapter on anatomy was by far something I thought was so important, down to the labeling on the organs to the importance of checking and looking for signs of ill health. I really liked how the author included disability, something which affects a vast majority of people, mental health, anxiety and transgender, including discrimination within and against the community, coming out and more.
I also really appreciated the chapter about consent and having the ability to say no, sexual assault and also about the importance of relationships and boundaries, and how to cope with break ups. Such a handy book, I will definitely be getting a copy of this for when those turbulent years approach, its something I want to be very open about in my house and I want everyone to feel comforted and like their is no shame, having sexual feelings, or wanting sex - isn't dirty, its a natural thing.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review
February 22, 2024
A brilliant guide providing both reassurance and knowledge. The book I needed to read as a teenager, but which is also a great read as a young adult. Milly has done a wonderful job - the lay out and structure of this book is fab.
October 15, 2023
siento que es un libro muy importante para cierta audiencia, pero no fue para mi y se me hizo pesado de leer.
March 14, 2022
I read this book really quickly, it is well written in a informative manner without making it seem like it is preaching or like a textbook, which I think is imperative for the teen market. Every question I would have had in my teens, and more, were answered in this book. It is a great read for teenagers and I wish I had this book when I was a teen and to be far it helped me with certain things even now. I will definitely recommend and get a physical copy.
July 16, 2022
Milly Evans has single handedly written one of the best sexual education books ever written. A book that I could've done with owning ten years ago, and one that if it were up to me, would exist in every teenager's collection.
Having grown up in the early two-thousands, a time where sexual liberation was on the uprise but still facing challenges, and many parents were becoming more liberal yet in a stronghold of their conservative sexual condition, sexual education was ultimately a complete void. Of course, Primary School would dish out the traditional cliche of 'when a man and a woman love each other very much' -- insert wheeling out the big TV trolley for a video of a man inserting a penis into a vagina -- but, frankly, I think that captures everything problematic with sexual education at the time.
Honest is the very book many of us needed back then. It covers a brilliant range of topics, from keeping your sexual anatomy happy and heathy, to sexuality, gender identity, and mental health surrounding society's normative tendencies. We live in a society that is underpinned by a lot of socialist values where people should be allowed to be whoever they want. Milly Evans has taken that attitude in stride of every page of this book, and continually brings us back to earth with her own human experiences in each matter.
For what it's worth, this book is entirely attitudal. You wont find anything about exploring your own tastes in pleasure, or any at-length discussions on the literal acts, but I feel this is Evans being self aware and understanding there is a place and a time. There are plenty of books you can read about different kinds of things to extend your sexual education - and after reading this, I implore you to do so.
If you're a parent for a teenager, buy it now. Like, right now. You heard me.
Having grown up in the early two-thousands, a time where sexual liberation was on the uprise but still facing challenges, and many parents were becoming more liberal yet in a stronghold of their conservative sexual condition, sexual education was ultimately a complete void. Of course, Primary School would dish out the traditional cliche of 'when a man and a woman love each other very much' -- insert wheeling out the big TV trolley for a video of a man inserting a penis into a vagina -- but, frankly, I think that captures everything problematic with sexual education at the time.
Honest is the very book many of us needed back then. It covers a brilliant range of topics, from keeping your sexual anatomy happy and heathy, to sexuality, gender identity, and mental health surrounding society's normative tendencies. We live in a society that is underpinned by a lot of socialist values where people should be allowed to be whoever they want. Milly Evans has taken that attitude in stride of every page of this book, and continually brings us back to earth with her own human experiences in each matter.
For what it's worth, this book is entirely attitudal. You wont find anything about exploring your own tastes in pleasure, or any at-length discussions on the literal acts, but I feel this is Evans being self aware and understanding there is a place and a time. There are plenty of books you can read about different kinds of things to extend your sexual education - and after reading this, I implore you to do so.
If you're a parent for a teenager, buy it now. Like, right now. You heard me.
January 24, 2024
First of imagine the impact if this book was given out for free in all schools!! I truly think the world would be a better place!
This book is absolutely fabulous and the book I wish I had at 12 or even much later would have been so helpful and probably saved me from quite a few situations. I'm 100% going to recommend this to as many teens as possible. Sex Education is so vital and I would recommend this book even to some people in their twenties, who still haven't got the memo. I wish the book wasn't as Pink as much as it sucks to say Toxic Masculinity is a thing. Too many men will be too caught up in toxic masculinity to pick this book up because it looks too "feminine", it sucks to say bu unfortunately market research has shown it to be true. Plus the men who are caught up in this need it more! Even parents I bet will buy this book more subconscious for their daughters because of the pink! I know a few men who need this information so much but if I hand it to them they will turn their noise up at 🤦
Having dated Men in their twenties who still don't know what a period ,STI's or contraception are, I cannot scream how much educating your sons are so important and neglected so much. The responsibility of contraception is often placed on the women and I'm so sick of it.
I would absolutely love it if Milly could make a book on Sex Education aimed purely at Young Adults or even more Men. I think Milly has so much potential and I can really see the impact she has already made and will make. A book based purely for Men on how to treat a woman respectfully in relationships !! Please make it. So many idea's, so many more books I truly believe Milly could make and make a huge impact 🙌
This book is absolutely fabulous and the book I wish I had at 12 or even much later would have been so helpful and probably saved me from quite a few situations. I'm 100% going to recommend this to as many teens as possible. Sex Education is so vital and I would recommend this book even to some people in their twenties, who still haven't got the memo. I wish the book wasn't as Pink as much as it sucks to say Toxic Masculinity is a thing. Too many men will be too caught up in toxic masculinity to pick this book up because it looks too "feminine", it sucks to say bu unfortunately market research has shown it to be true. Plus the men who are caught up in this need it more! Even parents I bet will buy this book more subconscious for their daughters because of the pink! I know a few men who need this information so much but if I hand it to them they will turn their noise up at 🤦
Having dated Men in their twenties who still don't know what a period ,STI's or contraception are, I cannot scream how much educating your sons are so important and neglected so much. The responsibility of contraception is often placed on the women and I'm so sick of it.
I would absolutely love it if Milly could make a book on Sex Education aimed purely at Young Adults or even more Men. I think Milly has so much potential and I can really see the impact she has already made and will make. A book based purely for Men on how to treat a woman respectfully in relationships !! Please make it. So many idea's, so many more books I truly believe Milly could make and make a huge impact 🙌
August 11, 2022
I have conflicting thoughts. The book is like someone hand holding you through Mind the Gap by Dr Karen Gurney and the Vagina Bible by Dr Jen Gunter.
It's not a surprise, given the youth of the author - she knows how to target a new audience who quite frankly have needed this access for a while and even older readers could benefit taking a glance to check they know everything.
That said. Health and body books from an unqualified professional, given the rife issues of misinformation on Tik Tok that already exist, opens a door to further accidental spreads. I like the content, I'm not sure though whether traditional publishers endorsing it isn't a slippery slope that could end in more harm than good.
It's not a surprise, given the youth of the author - she knows how to target a new audience who quite frankly have needed this access for a while and even older readers could benefit taking a glance to check they know everything.
That said. Health and body books from an unqualified professional, given the rife issues of misinformation on Tik Tok that already exist, opens a door to further accidental spreads. I like the content, I'm not sure though whether traditional publishers endorsing it isn't a slippery slope that could end in more harm than good.
August 2, 2022
wow, those 300 pages did more for my sex ed than any teacher or lesson in a decade of schooling ever did ...
It's a fun and easy read, very inclusive and covers many different and important topics from sex, to relationships, mental health, LGBTQIA+, social media and everything good and bad inbetween. I truly wish I had such a book growing up!
I only would have used a different font for the interviews as it's very thin/light and a bit difficult to read!
It's a fun and easy read, very inclusive and covers many different and important topics from sex, to relationships, mental health, LGBTQIA+, social media and everything good and bad inbetween. I truly wish I had such a book growing up!
I only would have used a different font for the interviews as it's very thin/light and a bit difficult to read!
July 6, 2022
I am so glad this book exists. That young people have the opportunity to pick up this book and have a safe, informative and inclusive sex education unlike anything I received in my youth (which was nothing). Thank you so much to Milly Evans, their teachings are so important. This book was well written and easy to digest.
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October 8, 2022I'm not the target audience for this book, but I read it because I am a teacher and wanted to get examples of how to talk about certain topics in a more accessible and easy-to-understand way. It helped me do exactly that, and I think it was a great overview of a number of different topics within relationships and sex education.
February 18, 2023
Packed with essential, upfront information. Very inclusive written and therefore possibly the first sex ed book I've read that covers a lot of inclusive topics. The consent section was my fave and I'm glad this book discusses deeper matters too.
July 3, 2024
dnf lol. honestly i thought this book was just very surface level of like oh be careful about pregnancy and stds and it felt like the things that actually were interesting and not normal information were barley talked about. yeah idk. sorry milly evan’s i’m sure you’re nice.
August 18, 2022
Every question I would have had when I was a teenager, and more, were answered in this book. I wish I had this book when I was a teenager, it even helped me with certain things even now.
November 9, 2022
Very informative read.
For younger readers/late teens but definitely a must read filled with so much information that can help you in life
For younger readers/late teens but definitely a must read filled with so much information that can help you in life
February 4, 2023
quite slow-paced for me but maybe that was because i feel it was aimed at a younger, teen audience and spoke about topics i already knew a great deal about. great for teens and people just starting to learn about sex education though!
February 28, 2023
Not usually my type of book but it was nice to have a book like this that gives realistic and truthful answers to some awkward questions
April 8, 2024
Definitely targeted for teens or preteens as I didn't find any of the information new, but it is a good overview and includes good information for those that are lgbtq+
November 28, 2024
It was an interesting book but I had thought it would be more informational than it was. It seemed quite surface level, which is good but I thought more depth would be interesting.
February 14, 2025
very helpful ngl
June 20, 2025
Great Sex Ed from an AuDHD Educator
September 20, 2023
ok! so i’ve been wanting to read this book for ages and i’m so glad i finally did. i love adult/teen sex ed books - as someone who received barely any sex ed myself, i find it healing to read the things i should’ve learnt, and to find out what kids are being taught nowadays.
this book was written recently enough that it is highly relevant, inclusive, and the information given is correct. i’m pretty sure i even learnt some stuff.
i still have a few notes though.
- there was poor punctuation, and some spelling issues which annoyed me
- “women and people with a vulva” you’re nearly there, but not quite. not all women have vulvas, so what you really mean is just “people with a vulva”. it’s very strange to act like you’re trying to be inclusive, because you’re STILL using the word “women” in the wrong way. i don’t see why you wouldn’t just cut it out.
- “boys, men and people with a penis” again - you just mean people with a penis, so why would you not just say that? it’s baffling.
- it explains how to wash and how to check for lumps in male genitalia but not female genitalia or breasts, which i find odd
- again, no mention of breasts at all
- why would you describe being intersex as being “affected”? affected by what?
- pineapple on pizza joke in 2022 - automatic sin
- i appreciated the part about asexuality - it went really in-depth and the author is clearly well-educated, which is refreshing
- the bit about consent was well written
- i don’t like the phrase “non-consent” or “non-consensual sex”. it’s called rape. but the section regarding rape is good
- the friend zone and peer pressure bits were good
- all the sti stuff and the stuff regarding contraception was really good. i appreciated the bit about how it was tested on enslaved people
- i feel like having a wank over someone else is definitely cheating i’m sorry
- i’m SO sorry how the hell do you fit a body spray inside yourself 😭😭😭
- i like how she went “don’t do this, but you’re going to do it anyway, so do it safely”. it’s the realistic and necessary attitude to take with teenagers.
- i like how she interviewed her parents - shows their genuine sex positivity
- the bit about how to recognise abuse and unhealthy relationships was good!
- the sexuality and gender stuff was explained simply but comprehensively, which is rare. i can’t find anything inherently incorrect about it. the advice on coming out was also good - safety first, you don’t have to, and not “i love you in spite of coming out” but “i love you because this is you”.
- “biphobia, lesbophobia, transphobia and discrimination against asexual people” bro so close 😭😭 say “acephobia” it’s one google search away
- again, the gender chapter is great. simply explained but includes neopronouns, the fact that pronouns ≠ gender, expression ≠ identity, gender ≠ sex - basically covers all bases.
- the explanation of how it makes sense to discuss gender inequality using binary terms, because it’s a societal phenomenon and that’s how society perceives gender, makes a brilliant point
- perhaps the first book that tackles e-safety in a non-condescending way. it acknowledges that children know more than teachers in this respect. i really appreciate that
- again, the addition that social media isn’t some new cause of bullying/peer pressure but just an extension of what already happens - really appreciated. you will not reach kids by patronising them. this is the way to go.
- misspelled “dyeing” hair as “dying”
- the section on mental health was not condescending which is refreshing as hell, and the part about self esteem was enlightening
- i was hoping they’d mention body neutrality and they did!
generally, this is a great book that i will hopefully be able to give to my kids, with maybe a couple of annotations if some of the information is no longer correct by that point. it covers pretty much everything, and it does it well.
this book was written recently enough that it is highly relevant, inclusive, and the information given is correct. i’m pretty sure i even learnt some stuff.
i still have a few notes though.
- there was poor punctuation, and some spelling issues which annoyed me
- “women and people with a vulva” you’re nearly there, but not quite. not all women have vulvas, so what you really mean is just “people with a vulva”. it’s very strange to act like you’re trying to be inclusive, because you’re STILL using the word “women” in the wrong way. i don’t see why you wouldn’t just cut it out.
- “boys, men and people with a penis” again - you just mean people with a penis, so why would you not just say that? it’s baffling.
- it explains how to wash and how to check for lumps in male genitalia but not female genitalia or breasts, which i find odd
- again, no mention of breasts at all
- why would you describe being intersex as being “affected”? affected by what?
- pineapple on pizza joke in 2022 - automatic sin
- i appreciated the part about asexuality - it went really in-depth and the author is clearly well-educated, which is refreshing
- the bit about consent was well written
- i don’t like the phrase “non-consent” or “non-consensual sex”. it’s called rape. but the section regarding rape is good
- the friend zone and peer pressure bits were good
- all the sti stuff and the stuff regarding contraception was really good. i appreciated the bit about how it was tested on enslaved people
- i feel like having a wank over someone else is definitely cheating i’m sorry
- i’m SO sorry how the hell do you fit a body spray inside yourself 😭😭😭
- i like how she went “don’t do this, but you’re going to do it anyway, so do it safely”. it’s the realistic and necessary attitude to take with teenagers.
- i like how she interviewed her parents - shows their genuine sex positivity
- the bit about how to recognise abuse and unhealthy relationships was good!
- the sexuality and gender stuff was explained simply but comprehensively, which is rare. i can’t find anything inherently incorrect about it. the advice on coming out was also good - safety first, you don’t have to, and not “i love you in spite of coming out” but “i love you because this is you”.
- “biphobia, lesbophobia, transphobia and discrimination against asexual people” bro so close 😭😭 say “acephobia” it’s one google search away
- again, the gender chapter is great. simply explained but includes neopronouns, the fact that pronouns ≠ gender, expression ≠ identity, gender ≠ sex - basically covers all bases.
- the explanation of how it makes sense to discuss gender inequality using binary terms, because it’s a societal phenomenon and that’s how society perceives gender, makes a brilliant point
- perhaps the first book that tackles e-safety in a non-condescending way. it acknowledges that children know more than teachers in this respect. i really appreciate that
- again, the addition that social media isn’t some new cause of bullying/peer pressure but just an extension of what already happens - really appreciated. you will not reach kids by patronising them. this is the way to go.
- misspelled “dyeing” hair as “dying”
- the section on mental health was not condescending which is refreshing as hell, and the part about self esteem was enlightening
- i was hoping they’d mention body neutrality and they did!
generally, this is a great book that i will hopefully be able to give to my kids, with maybe a couple of annotations if some of the information is no longer correct by that point. it covers pretty much everything, and it does it well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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