Review
“S.E.X. is a positive and informative all-embracing guide to sexuality by a dedicated author. Corinna challenges adolescents and young adults alike to be proactive in owning their sexuality by being true to themselves, all the while laying the foundation of knowledge and acceptance–key factors for the development of a healthy sexuality.” — Dr. Lynn Ponton, author of The Sex Lives of Teenagers: Revealing the Secret World of Adolescent Boys and Girls”Not only would my own adolescence have been vastly less painful and confusing if I’d had access to the accurate, comprehensive, and above all nonjudgmental information that Heather Corinna so carefully provides, but S.E.X. is, literally, a lifesaving book: Corinna’s vast commonsense wisdom–especially on topics relating to gender roles, queer sexuality, and gender identities–has the potential to improve the physical and emotional health of anyone who reads it, and to help heal our culture’s unhealthy, conflicted approaches to sex, sexuality, and gender.” — Lisa Jervis, founding editor and publisher, Bitch: Feminist Response to Pop Culture”Sexpert Heather Corinna is the big sis you wish you’d had when you were a confused, pimply teen. Better late than never: S.E.X. gives you the lowdown on gettin’ down without talking down to you. Corinna’s had a lot of practice as the impassioned empowering voice behind…the straight-up, sex-ed-for-teens site Scarleteen.com. Geared towards 16-22-year-olds of any gender, S.E.X. covers the nuts and bolts of anatomy in a tone that’s conversational, not cutesy. There is also plenty of value for old dawgs (like the checklist of unhealthy post-breakup behavior). In a segment titled “Ten Bodacious Ways to Boost Body Image,” Corinna put such a compelling spin on “looks aren’t everything” that I felt my eyes tearing up. But it’s her holistic approach and deft handling of other heavy topics, from eating disorders to abuse, that make this book a must-read.” — Bust Magazine”We thought we were liberated and informed, but Heather Corinna puts us to shame. In S.E.X., you get answers to everything you were afraid, embarrassed, or didn’t know how to ask.” — Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards, authors of Manifesta”[S.E.X.] covers body basics for boys and girls, as well as sexual identity, masturbation, body image, contraceptives, sexually transmitted diseases and the emotional repercussions of making sexual decisions….The book is full of the kind of humor that makes Scarleteen so readable, with subchapters like `Get the Ball Rolling’ and `10 Bodacious Ways to Boost Body Image’ and `Genderpalooza! A Sex and Gender Primer.’” — Seattle Post-Intelligencer”[S.E.X.] normalizes sexuality in all the best ways: encouraging communication, helping with responsible decision making, respectfully acknowledging differences in individual and family approach to morality, and giving up to date scientifically valid information as a foundation for lifetime sexual development. The author writes with a compassionate, friendly and knowledgeable voice without being preachy or careless. Another wonderful section gives a `sexual readiness checklist’–providing a really great tool for thinking through the meaning and consequences for one’s actions. All and all, a really useful, smart, user friendly sexual education–great for young people to read on their own–even better for a parent and child to read together.” — Dr. Pepper Schwartz, author of Everything You Know About Love and Sex is Wrong”[A] blockbuster of a book…Much like the authors of Our Bodies, Ourselves and its spinoffs, Corinna answers every possible question teens and young adults could have about virginity, puberty, pregnancy, body image, masturbation, sexual identity, the variety of relationships, and the mechanics of partnered sex. She also addresses topics that are often overlooked, e.g., transgender and intergender identities, realistic teen relationship management skills, and pornography. An excellent resource for preteens, teens, young adults, and people working with these populations; highly recommended.” — Library Journal”[C]hock full of clear, current and inclusive information and advice for young people wherever they are in their philosophical and physical development.” — Minneapolis Star-Tribune”S.E.X. itself is revolutionary as a feminist, GLBT-friendly and overall progressive collection of sexual education material. It offers an alternative and uplifting view of sex… Although the book promotes healthy sexuality, it neither encourages nor discourages teens from engaging in sexual activity. In fact, Corinna prides herself on the open and inclusive nature of the volume. Many people define sex as simply being sexual intercourse, an end of sorts, she said, but she sees things differently… Corinna strives to make information available, not push or pull anyone from a sexual path.” — Minnesota Women’s Press
Have you ever wondered… Am I normal? (and what is “normal,” anyway?) What’s up down there? I really like girls, but I like boys sometimes, too. Am I gay, bisexual, or just messed up? Are we both really ready to have sex? Is it ok if I masturbate? I feel like I can’t ever say no to my partner. What’s the problem? Heather Corinna and Scarleteen.com have been providing sex education and information for young adults, parents, and mentors for nearly ten years. Whether you’re straight, gay, sexually active, or just plain curious, S.E.X. spells out everything you need to know, including: A sexual readiness checklist Illustrations of female and male reproductive anatomy How to love your body, even when it’s changing every day Tips on safer sex for body, heart, and mind An in-depth birth control breakdown How to create and enjoy the relationships that are right for you Popular mechanics of partnered sex: sexual activities explained, including pregnancy and STI risks STIs 101: what they are and how to keep yourself from getting them
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