Beautiful book that has words and ideas that need to be said. Consent is an incredibly important part of relationships and needs to be more acknowledged for younger people.

It's great to see a graphic novel about consent. The book does a great job of covering consent and what it means. The conversations between the characters, though, seem too contrived. I tend to like to have messages and information inside of a good story, but this seemed more about the information than about the plot. This isn't necessarily a bad thing because the goal of the book is to specifically provide information about consent, which it does. It just seems like a lot of potential that could be turned into something more. I hope people continue to put more graphic novels with subjects like this one out into the world.

This graphic novel starts with a group a friends finding out a girl at their school got raped, leading to a conversation about consent (both in hetero and gay couples). The characters were diverse and representation was on point.
It was really informative and not really a story but I really enjoyed it. It's the kind of stuff we need to teach at school and I wish I read this when I was younger.

What Does Consent Really Mean? provides age-appropriate information about consent in a graphic novel format.

I was intrigued by this book. Could someone actually make consent an easily understood issue in a graphic novel format that kids would read?
What Does Consent Really Mean, clearly lays out what consent is and the official meanings behind the adult words. This is a PSA in book form. while it doesn't speak like teens speak, the dialogue speaks just like we wood in a class or seminar but the form makes it easier to digest without being lectured at by an adult.
The only thing I didn't like is that the women girls had to school the boys about consent. I am for women empowerment and love where the girls tell the boys to stop when they aren't comfortable. The issue is that it still makes it a foreign idea that boys should consider this as an issue. Men and boys must start holding each other accountable and not accept rape culture. I would have liked to see the boys discuss it on their own and then run into the girls. We have to make it acceptable for boys to question "macho" behavior.
Overall, this is very informative and will be of more interest to teens than any seminar or scientific pamphlet we would give them.

This book covers an important topic thoroughly and without condescension. That being said, I'm not sure the graphic novel format is the best for this topic, as it doesn't really read like actual teens speaking.

How do you have those awkward conversations you don’t want to have?

I don’t know, but you have to have them. I don’t know if it’s less awkward to do it through a comic book, but this comic does a good job in educating young people what consent is and why its important.

The subject matter seems geared toward older kids than the comic style is. Or maybe kids need to learn about it younger than I’m comfortable with.

Either way, it’s an important topic that warrants discussion, warrants education, and is well-explained.

I started off reading this book, thinking, they should explain it to guys as well! Fortunately they did cover that, although only about halfway into the book (I was not paying attention to what part of the book it was in/percentage of my electronic ARC). It touches upon grooming, how porn isn't real, and other things that might be too awkward to talk to a younger person about. This book isn't a substitute for actually talking about these difficult issues, but it's a good starting point.

A group of high school aged friends talks about consent in various forms - relationships, friendships and sex.

This book was clearly written by adults but I think it did do a good job about talking about consent in an educational and less awkward way. I liked that they explained consent in sex but also outside of it. It is a quick read and I think could be useful for teens to understand what consent means. I am not sure if they would necessarily pick this up on their own, but it could be good in a school setting.

effective that it considers all sides of consent and what consent means for teenagers. I think it will appeal to many readers. impressed by discussion questions at the end.

I liked the drawings, and the message is obviously very important, but unfortunately the execution was seriously lagging. Not only did the characters not sound like teenagers, they didn't even sound like adults having a natural conversation, but rather like adults reading aloud lines they had been given by an over-eager PSA scriptwriter. It was stilted and unnatural and very, very eye-roll inducing.

Which is a shame, because the topic is SO important. I would love to see this plot worked over by a thorough editor to see what could come of it then.

I have mixed feelings regarding this graphic novel.

The issue of consent is by a critical issue that should be discussed and understood among teenagers and young adults. The addition of content that thoroughly looks at these issues in a manner that is familiar to this age group is a wonderful thing.

The book covered a large number of avenues and grey areas related to the issue, covering both male and female stand points, non-heterosexual relationships, and depicting this a discussion between a diverse group of young people. All solid additions.

However;

I feel as though the style of the book and the obvious goal of being an informed resource was not appealing. I felt like I was reading a book geared toward a much younger audience (once you took away the content) or something you picked up in a therapy room.

Perhaps this is partially the aim for the book. But I feel the key audience for the book would be missed in the fact that they just wouldn't see the book as appealing.

All in all I think it is a great starting point for an important conversation, but that it is something that would only be appealing and therefore effective in certain settings.


Note(1): I received this book from Netgallery in exchange for an honest review and feedback.
Note(2): This book and review contains content of a sexual nature.

Though the language is a bit stilted in places (lots of "it is" where an "it's" would feel more natural), but overall this is a very thorough introduction to the idea of consent and what it entails. The characters are believably diverse and it's nice to see them having frank discussions about sex, sexuality, and issues of consent. The book also features a discussion guide in the back, with resources and discussion questions to further explore the issues touched on in the book.

An important book that should be utilized to merge the gap between what people do and what is correct.

This book deals with a very important topic. By having a group of friends discuss what consent really means, it covers the influence of porn and media and talks about what constitutes a healthy relationship. I loved how the book mentions not just the struggles of girls but also highlights the pressure that boys are under. A must read for teens and adults.

What Does Consent Really Mean?



by
Pete Wallis, Joseph Wilkins, Thalia Wallis

A Review

Note this book is not aimed at a Christian audience per se. Christians may be, some will be, offended by the topics covered here. However, it may open doors for communication for parents, friends, and classrooms.

The authors provide a guide toward understanding what many mean by “Consent” in today’s secular culture. They take no stand on the ethical, moral, or faith based decisions involved in giving consent, only on how to recognize and accept consent or the lack thereof. Same gender issues are addressed, but not strongly - almost as afterthoughts.

Though the reader is given ideas on how to recognize consent, little is said how to respond when consent is not granted. In other words, nothing specific is said about what “No” really means. Another missing topic is the use of alcohol or drugs to limit inhibitions. This topic rises to the service, not as the result of a date rape drug being administered; but as a current criminal case makes it way through the California court system when a guy was seduced by an inebriated girl of similar age. The courts ruled that he was not guilty - a legal decision, not a moral one.

Finally, no mention is made of the issue of consent within a marriage or other established relationship - it is as if the issue of consent only must be addressed by those still dating.

The book provides a beginning point for discussions, it opens the door for conversation; but suggestions need to be made to discuss the missing elements of consent, not covered directly by the authors.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

(full review below - already up on goodreads and will be up on my blog 11/09/17) (goodreads link is direct to review, blog link is just general)

Disclaimer: copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This is definitely super important and I feel like it covered a lot of bases very well - not all the bases, but there are so many layers I can't be surprised about that. I was a bit worried going in since the first person listed is a man - I know there are problems there as well but... - but I was honestly really pleasantly surprised.

To be fair, though, I knew nothing but that going in.

Pros:
- diversity (characters)
- covered different POV's
- educational
- no slut shaming (that isn't pushed against)

Cons:
- read like an afternoon TV special at a few points

That con isn't even that bad, but it is why I couldn't give it a full 5 stars. But I think this is a truly important comic and it's good it's finally out. Especially that we got to see the guys confronting their own toxic thought cycles - ahh, the way people want to seem cool, just making us hurt ourselves, really.

Overall, I'd recommend this for, well, anyone. For classrooms - even for middle school, to be honest, because there can already be those ideas forming about who they should/shouldn't be with people - and libraries, of course. But also just for people. If you've got a son or daughter, especially, I hope you borrow or buy this for them. Let me know that their wants matter, and that not saying yes is not consent.

Originally posted on: https://foxtrevert.wordpress.com/2017/07/25/what-does-consent-really-mean/

Thank you to Netgalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for an early copy of this in exchange for my honest review.

Before I start my review, Jessica Kingsley Publishers are amazing. They publish books that they know will make a difference. These books range from topics of dyslexia, Asperger’s, gender issues, trans rights, etc,. I think they are amazing, not many publishers dedicate their company to books that help young people deal with social topics.

What Does Consent Really Mean is a graphic novel written by Peter Wallis & Thalia Wallis, illustrated by Joseph Wilkins. As it says on the cover, this book is about consent. The novel follows a group of teenage boys and girls as they discover a classmate has been raped and people are posting hurtful comments online about it. This opens a discussion about rape, consent and if you should say yes or no. It’s a very short graphic novel and I flew through it in about half an hour but the message of the novel is so potent that it is definitely worth the read. Plus, a lot of people in my life – including children and teenagers – tell me that they do not have time to read. 63 pages of a graphic novel do not take long and with a story like this, it is a necessary novel to read.

In recent times, rape and rape culture has become part of our dialogue. We speak about it frequently; on the news, on social media, in person – anywhere and everywhere, you will find you are faced with something that is becoming a widely discussed topic. However, some of the discussions surrounding rape and consent are wrong and do not educate or help people understand. Some media outlets use rape as a tool to get views – some shows and films through it in for the scandal whilst others keep it historically and socially accurate.

What this graphic novel doesn’t do is sensationalize this heinous crime. The reader becomes part of a gang of teenagers and feels like they are listening alongside them as they walk through the park, meet up with boys and ‘share’ a plate of chips. Through this, their discussion of consent begins.

The characters discuss how people do not “deserve it” because they had something “shit” happen and that no-one has a right to force someone to have sex, even if they are drunk (which is how the girl is raped in the first place – she was knocked out drunk and somebody took advantage).

The girls are the main group discussing consent and all are diverse and you can see all of their situations – they are all from different ethnic backgrounds and all have different relationships. The girls learn through their chat with each other that consent is an “enthusiastic yes” and that they should not be pressured by anyone, even if their boyfriend’s make them feel bad. When the boys join the conversation, the discussion turns to expectations and consent among men too.

All of these are valuable lessons to be learned and as they are told through the comic strip it is easier to read and feel immersed in for people who do not want to or have a hard time reading.

This book is not for children as there is small swear words in and it is a difficult topic but I would suggest this for anybody going into high school and further. Men and women need to know what consent is and when it is not okay to do something and through this storytelling with relatable characters and friendly faces everyone can learn something.

I gave this book 5 stars. It is a book that needs to be on shelves and seen by all, especially as the topic of ‘consent’ is still one that seems to be lost in translation for some people.