Book Review
A short overview of this book
A Practical Guide to Sex by Meg-John Barker and Justin Hancock is a book for older teens and young adults that will help them to have the sort of sex that they really want to have.
This book is not the traditional ‘how to do it’ sex book, that focuses on technique. It is very different, as it is about working out what is enjoyable to you. I see this book as a sex therapy approach to sex, as it includes a lot of content that I would cover with a sex therapy client. The authors team up to challenge the messages we receive about ‘normal’ sex; look at how to understand and care for yourself; delve into ideas of pleasure for different bodies, ages and tastes; explore relationships; and tackle the tricky topics of communication and consent.
It’s a good book for older teens or for parents wanting to have some ideas about how to talk about sex with teens.
Ideal Age
Ideal for teens aged 16 to 18 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of A Practical Guide to Sex by Meg-John Barker and Justin Hancock from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! I’m Cath Hak from Sex Ed Rescue, and I’m here to talk to you about a fantastic book on sex education that’s a little different from your typical how to guide. This book is all about helping you figure out what you want to do with sex, which is pretty cool, right?
At Sex Ed Rescue, I review tons of books and run a website where I help parents feel more comfortable talking to their kids about love, sex, relationships, puberty, growing up, porn, and all sorts of important topics. If you sign up for my newsletter, I’ll send you weekly emails packed with helpful information to make sex education a little less daunting. Plus, I’ll let you in on my five-day parent sex ed bootcamp, which is totally free! Each day, you’ll get an email with valuable insights and tips to give you a solid understanding of what sex education is all about.
Let’s dive into this book I received from the publisher. Now, I have to admit, I usually prefer reviewing children’s books because, let’s face it, they’re more my speed. But I couldn’t resist checking out this one because it’s written by two amazing authors, Meg-John Barker and Justin Hancock. Barker has some seriously enlightening stuff on gender and sexuality, and Hancock runs the website BISH UK, which is a goldmine of information for teenagers and parents. So, I had high hopes for this book.
The book I received is actually a newer version, with a different title and a fresh look. It seems like the content is pretty similar, but there might be a few updates here and there, especially when it comes to consent. If you’re thinking of buying either version, I’d recommend going for the newer purple one.
What sets this book apart is its focus on consent. Consent is such an important topic, and these authors really know their stuff. They join the ranks of other leading experts like Heather Karina from Scarlettine and the folks behind Oh Joy Sex Toy. Speaking of which, they have a new book out called When You Look for It: Drawn to Sex the Basics, which is another great resource.
But back to this book. It takes a unique approach by treating sex as more than just a physical act. It’s about the connection and the dance you have with someone. Sometimes that dance can be clumsy or mechanical, but other times it can be a beautiful, soulful experience. Sex is a lot like that.
The book covers a wide range of topics, starting with the messages we receive about sex and understanding what it’s really about. It also delves into self-care, exploring your desires, and embracing the uniqueness of our bodies. Relationships play a big role too, with discussions on healthy relationships and making sure you’re engaging in sexual activities because you genuinely want to, not because of pressure or manipulation.
Communication and consent are given a lot of attention in this book, which is fantastic. They dedicate a whole quarter of the book to explaining what consent means in a relationship and how it’s an ongoing process.
Now, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this book for teenagers unless they’re avid readers who enjoy diving into these topics. It’s more suited for kids or teens who are exploring their sexuality and want to develop a healthier mindset around sex. If you want your child to have consensual, enjoyable experiences and feel good about themselves, this book is a great resource. Let’s face it, many young people engage in non-consensual or unpleasant sexual encounters, and we want to equip our kids with the knowledge and tools to avoid making the same mistakes.
I really admire the work of these authors. They bring a fresh perspective and valuable insights to the field of sex education and sexuality. So, if you’re looking for a book that will help you navigate these important conversations with your kids or explore your own understanding of sex, I highly recommend giving this one a go.
I hope this review has been helpful! Cheers!
