31 pages 1 hour read

Peggy Orenstein

Boys & Sex: Young Men on Hookups, Love, Porn, Consent, and Navigating the New Masculinity

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2020

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Boys & Sex by Peggy Orenstein explores modern masculinity and its relationship to sexuality, based on numerous interviews with young men of diverse backgrounds. The book delves into the impact of pornography, hookup culture, and toxic masculinity on sexual and emotional intimacy, including key issues of consent and gendered racism. Orenstein examines how emotional validation can help boys develop into compassionate adults. This work discusses sexual assault and issues surrounding sexual consent.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Peggy Orenstein's Boys & Sex delves into contemporary male sexual experiences and attitudes, offering valuable insights. Critical acclaim highlights its candid interviews and nuanced discussion. However, some suggest it lacks diversity in perspectives and depth in exploring potential solutions. Overall, it's a crucial contribution to understanding modern male sexuality.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Boys & Sex?

Ideal readers for Peggy Orenstein’s Boys & Sex are parents, educators, and those interested in adolescent development and gender studies. If you appreciated books like Girlhood by Melissa Febos or Missoula by Jon Krakauer, you would likely find Orenstein’s insightful exploration of masculinity and sexuality engaging.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Parenting

Gender / Feminism

Love / Sexuality

Themes

Identity: Masculinity

Identity: Sexuality

Identity: Gender

Genre

Psychology

Self Help