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camillebotello's review
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
A really good look at the social dynamics and physical components of teen and young adult girls’ sexual development. Written on the idea of achieving intimate justice for girls and women, the book offers a deep dive into the real things we should be discussing with both our young girls and our young boys before they begin sexual exploration— including the murkiness of what constitutes virginity, reciprocity in oral sex, boundary setting and consent acquiring skills, the myth that intercourse is the pinnacle of sexual activity, the grim cost of parental silence, and what our lives could look like when our young people are told the truth. Definitely recommend the read to anyone and everyone- but especially girls and their parents.
sydthebeesknee's review against another edition
3.0
I do not know how to rate this because it was very readable and Orenstein makes many compelling points. At the same time, the way she talks about trans people and Black people at times is off-putting.
horfhorfhorf's review against another edition
1.0
While Orenstein makes some interesting points, this is little more than easy-reading for alarmists.
sarahhplaut's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
julieveg's review against another edition
3.0
Despite being bogged down in statistics, it had some good information.
john5370's review against another edition
4.0
I consider this an important book for all parents of school age children to read.
According to Girls & Sex, my head is in the sand regarding the pressures both girls and boys are experiencing today from Junior High to College. While I'm not disputing the author, after talking to my daughter and local parents, Peggy Orenstein is most accurate in describing the right side of the distribution curve. My daughter, now a HS Senior, had heard rumor of very few girls pressured to perform sex acts or provide pictures, disputing the factoid, every JH girl has been sexually harassed.
I'm not discrediting the book. I am grateful to have read it. It provides a valuable foundation for why the 'sex' talk with parents is important and what topics need to be discussed to help them to become healthy adults.
According to Girls & Sex, my head is in the sand regarding the pressures both girls and boys are experiencing today from Junior High to College. While I'm not disputing the author, after talking to my daughter and local parents, Peggy Orenstein is most accurate in describing the right side of the distribution curve. My daughter, now a HS Senior, had heard rumor of very few girls pressured to perform sex acts or provide pictures, disputing the factoid, every JH girl has been sexually harassed.
I'm not discrediting the book. I am grateful to have read it. It provides a valuable foundation for why the 'sex' talk with parents is important and what topics need to be discussed to help them to become healthy adults.
audiophile71's review against another edition
4.0
This was such an informative, eye opening and often mind blowing book for me. As a public librarian, I am exposed every day to teen behaviors - language, gender identity, PDAs, etc. and am often amazed at how the sexual culture of teens has changed (and I'm only in my mid 40s)! Little did I know what they are REALLY thinking and doing, until I read this book. As I progressed through the book, my perception changed from "How can these girls think this or behave this way" to "Wow! I regret not being exposed to this other attitude towards sex and body awareness." It is important for today's young adults to be involved with educational opportunities like those discussed by Charis Denison, who was direct and honest with teens. She was able to encourage them to open up and reflect upon their beliefs and attitudes and teach how to become more assertive and advocate for themselves - a learned skill that will have benefits for years to come. I applaud the belief that girls, and boys, need to reflect on their situation, choices and feelings in order to learn from them. Life experiences are just that - opportunities to learn from, and not focus on wrongdoing, "if only" scenarios and guilt (yes, I know all about Catholic guilt). As a result of reading this book, I plan to open up a dialog with my two teenage sons, using some of the questions and topics addressed, especially in the last chapter. I know they "know" a lot more about sex than my husband or I ever did at their ages (and beyond), but after reading this, I'm more concerned with their feelings and attitudes about/towards girls, sex and relationships. I'd love to see a "Boys & Sex" version. Definitely a must read for parents, educators or anyone else who interacts with teens - especially those with their heads in the sand!