Start Talking: A Girl’s Guide for You and Your Mom About Health, Sex & Whatever by Mary Jo Rapini and Janine Sherman

Short Summary

Start Talking: A Girl’s Guide for You and Your Mom About Health, Sex & Whatever by Mary Jo Rapini and Janine Sherman is a practical, conversation-focused guide designed to help mothers and daughters navigate puberty, sexual health, relationships, and growing up. Although a little dated in places, it’s packed with useful explanations, relatable stories, and plenty of conversation starters to make tricky chats feel easier.

Age Group

Suitable for parents.

Topics Discussed

Parents

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What this book is about

  • Start Talking: A Girl’s Guide for You and Your Mom About Health, Sex & Whatever begins with puberty basics, including periods, tampons, cycle-tracking, and the emotional ups and downs that come with hormone changes.
  • It explains routine health care, such as pelvic exams, and covers vaginal discharge, infections, and sexually transmitted infections in a reassuring, factual way.
  • The book explores sexuality and relationships, including body image, eating disorders, mental health, and the challenges that come with becoming more independent.
  • Birth control methods are introduced, although some information may now be slightly outdated.
  • A section on sex provides the essentials, but the book does not cover modern issues like pornography, sexting, or online safety.
  • Consent and sexual coercion are touched on lightly but not explored in depth, which reflects the book’s older publication date.
  • One of the strongest features is the inclusion of conversation starters throughout, helping parents and daughters open up about tricky topics.
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I hope you find this book review helpful!

Happy talking!
❤️ Cath

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Cath Hakanson is a qualified family sex educator, sexual health nurse and author with 30+ years of clinical and education experience. As an AuDHD parent of two neurodivergent children, she creates clear, practical sex ed resources that help parents talk about bodies, puberty, consent, porn, relationships and sex without shame or judgement.