Book Review
A short overview of this book
Bang!: Masturbation for People of All Genders and Abilities by Vic Liu is a book that will tell you everything you ever need to know about masturbation.
This book is very straightforward and provides factual (and simple) information that will help teens to understand how their body works. It includes basic anatomy, techniques, your mindset, orgasm, troubleshooting, and a wide range of the tools and toys that may be used. There are also sections on debunking myths, exploring your body for the first time, sex toys, tips from trans people for trans people, and a section on masturbating when you have a physical disability and a caretaker (that’s written by disabled folks). You’ll also learn about the history of anti-masturbation stigma, some thought-provoking data, and how to teach your kids healthy attitudes toward masturbation.
As a sex educator who works with parents, I appreciate that guilt is addressed, especially in regards to religion.
I think that this is a great book for teens who are curious about how their bodies work.
You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about sex education.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! I’m Cath Hak, and welcome to Sex Ed Rescue. On my YouTube channel, I review all sorts of books because they’re great for starting conversations about sex education. You can also find lots of helpful resources for parents on my website. Today, I want to talk about a book that I recently got my hands on. It’s called Bang Masturbation for People of All Genders and Abilities by Vic Liu.
This book is a gem! It’s a cute little thing, about that thick, and it’s packed with tons of pictures. The publisher behind it has a whole range of books on similar topics. What I love about this book is how inclusive it is. It doesn’t assume that women only have vaginas or vulvas. It’s welcoming to trans and non-binary folks too. Plus, it’s filled with really good information.
Let me show you a quick peek inside. It covers a wide range of topics, and there are even different courses included. So you’re not just getting one person’s perspective. At the back, it even delves into the history of masturbation and tackles the issue of shame. This is so important because depending on your religious beliefs or the messages you’ve received, you might have grown up feeling that masturbation is sinful. This book addresses those concerns.
It also busts some common myths about masturbation. For example, it doesn’t take away your virginity, and it’s totally normal for kids to explore their bodies. Masturbation doesn’t cause infertility or erectile dysfunction either. Oh, and did you know that it’s actually healthy to masturbate during your period? Yep, it’s true! There’s even a section on the perks of masturbation, like how it can strengthen your pelvic and anal area and improve your sexual stamina.
But here’s the best part: this book goes beyond just touching your genitals. It emphasizes the importance of getting in the right headspace and explores the fact that orgasms don’t always happen. It’s like a little sex therapy session, which I think is fantastic. Many books don’t address what to do when things don’t go as planned.
And let’s not forget the anatomy section! It covers everything from labia to penises to nipples. It’s all there. The book also touches on topics like masturbating while trans or with a disability, providing ideas and insights on how it can work for different individuals. It even talks about different types of sex toys and how to use them safely, both with a partner and when you’re flying solo.
Throughout the book, there’s a strong emphasis on checking in with yourself and figuring out what feels good for you. It acknowledges the presence of guilt and addresses it head-on. And hey, did you know that there’s some fascinating history about dildos and ancient artwork? It’s all in there too!
Overall, I highly recommend this book. It’s inclusive, informative, and non-judgmental. It doesn’t tell you what you should be doing, but rather provides you with the knowledge to make your own choices. If you have an older teen who’s curious about masturbation, this is definitely a book worth considering. Remember, masturbation is a normal part of exploring and understanding your own sexuality. It only becomes a problem if it starts to interfere with other aspects of your life.
I hope you found this review helpful. Cheers!
