This graphic novel sex ed book is everything that sex education should be. With a sex positive (i.e. sex isn’t inherently shameful) approach Ericka Moen and Matthew Nolan show the wide world of sexual adventure; from having a feeling of attraction to starting a relationship, to how to (and what to) discuss with an intimate partner. There is usually a friend asking and a friend (or two) with experience or research. This conversational approach more closely mirrors how teens would (or maybe should) seek out information about sex and relationships. Coming from an “abstinence only” education area, this provides wonderful, accurate, non-judgmental information helpful for any one at any age starting to explore their own sexuality, in a very accessible format. Also, the amount of diversity (ability, race, gender, sex, sexuality, ideology) is impressive and provides a full spectrum feel to the information therein.

Conservative warning: Some of the teens in the book speak accurately to the teens I know; there are a few instances of the f-word. Also, there are illustrations of correct anatomy (including genitalia and internal structures) for males, females, and genetically intersex individuals.

Thank to Net Galley for the ARC.

Let's Talk About It covers physical, mental, and emotional topics surrounding sex and bodies. Because it is a short graphic novel, it doesn't dive deep into any of the topics which isn't necessarily a bad thing. This could be a great introduction into the topics for a teen.

I like the artwork and diversity throughout the book. Many different body types, disability, relationships, and skin tones were represented.

Some of the dialogue felt like adults trying to write teens speaking. That could make a teen roll their eyes. It doesn't happen enough to take away from the information.

Overall, a good introduction to topic of sex and relationships for teens.

While this book is primarily geared towards teens and young adults, it's catchy, informative, graphics and easy to read comic book style should and will appeal to anyone interested in learning more about sex, gender and relationships. It breaks things down to their fundamentals, and even covers "taboo" topics like kink/fantasies and masturbation. It's probably the least judgmental sex ed book I've ever seen, and that puts it at the top of my list of recs for books on the topic.

I wish I had this when I was a teen! Inclusive, real, direct sex ed and useful advice about stuff they don't teach you in school (how to handle jealously, identify abuse, etc.). The dialogue is a little cheesy sometimes but it's a teen guide. It works.

I've been reading Erika Moen (and Matthew Nolan) for years now. She somehow became one of the webcomics I followed very early on in college, lost her for a bit, and then she came out with her latest Oh Joy Sex Toy, and I was back. Now, Moen and Nolan are together creating a comprehensive, diverse, scientifically accurate, guide to relationships/bodies/and sex. They have always been really great at showing diverse characters and body styles, which they continue to do here. They go through the basics of what a body is and what the parts are, to consent, relationships, and even things such as sexting (WHICH THANK YOU! That never seems to be broached and is always an issue for teens especially...) Because they're trying to fit so much information, this can be overwhelming with text, even with the great illustrations included. I'm just so grateful for them and all of the other authors creating the QUICK AND EASY GUIDE TO... because we really need this information out there, and we need it in a way that's going to get the kids early. I know that this will probably make a lot of parents uncomfortable, but this is such a great resource for any adult that needs to have these conversations with their kids or themselves. I really appreciated the last chapter on rejection, because that is another topic that isn't talked about a lot either. Especially the part about apologizing for your crappy behavior doesn't mean you get to try again, and also the checklist for an I in an abusive relationship/am I an abuser. I think this will be a great resource for teens and should be handed out to everyone.

This book answers a ton of questions people have about becoming sexually active. It has a lot of information! The pictures contain diverse people in all kinds of relationships. I like that it includes info about jealousy and support. It is a book I feel all teens would want to read. It is part graphic novel part information text. It might be embarrassing for some and some adults might not like it but above all, it teaches to learn what your body is thinking and feeling and caring about the consent and feelings of partners. I recommend this book and will purchase it for my library’s collection.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the DRC.

It's cute, deals with important issues while making it seem casual. I'm not sure my teens would seek out advice from this graphic novel. It seems that it is one of those books adults love for teens, but teens wouldn't really care. The art is great, and the conversational dialogue gives it a nice feel.

An excellent overview of so many important topics, including ones not often covered in sex ed books. Inclusion of relatively newer concepts like sexting and ghosting are also really important, as is the continued focus on the social aspect of sex, not just the physical actions. The characters are hugely diverse, and it's so important to see people of various genders, races, and sexual orientation contextualized within all these topics. The tone is never judgmental, and in fact is respectful and even understanding of the fact that most teens probably have heard of most of what's covered in this book. Topics like masturbation, anal sex, gender/sexual identity, and kink are given necessary and appropriate explanations, which function well as a first introduction to readers who have never heard of these things, as well as great explanations for teens who have heard of them but might need more context and understanding. This is an important and necessary purchase for every teen collection.

Like most nonfiction in graphic form, this book is a tight, quick-and-dirty overview. It relies on "conversations" between characters to inform the reader, and while it's effective, this method can at times feel a little cheesy.

More informative sex education books exist for teens, but this book is particularly strong at tackling the emotional/relational/human issues that pop up in sexual, romantic, and even platonic situations: body image, jealousy, maintaining open communication, and the feelings around climaxing and performance are important and not often found in sex ed materials. I also thought the masturbation chapter was particularly thoughtful and thorough.

This is a great book to have on the shelf next to sexual health books that are longer and may turn off teens looking for an easy entry to the subject. Fantastic representation of all kinds of bodies, including disabled, intersex, trans, Black and POC, and bodies of all sizes.

Librarians who buy this book should know there are illustrations throughout the book depicting naked bodies, bodies engaging in sexy activity, genitalia, and items like birth control methods and sex toys. All images are unapologetically presented. But the book might get challenged by caregivers or community members, so make sure you can defend its place in your collection like you'd do with any other sexual health materials.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Graphic for the advanced review copy!

I liked the concept of this and the information was good.
I found the 'graphic novel' format to be a great idea, but often the facial expressions of the different characters seemed off or in-congruent to the scene. (They often looked menacing or angry when there was nothing going on to imply that emotion/reaction.)
Having a teen, working in a high school library, and being a totally clueless teen myself (back in the day) - I think this is a great resource for kids these days, who get so much inaccurate garbage information from media and friends.

Let's Talk About It by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan is the best thing I have ever read regarding sexuality, gender, and relationships. The tone throughout is non judgemental and accepting, it's like talking about things with your closest friend. The use of diverse characters in gender, sexuality, ethnicity, and people with disabilities. Complex topic are expressed in short chapters which I personally loved. It made me feel like I could take a break between chapters to digest what they had talked about. Everything is explained in simple easy to understand terms in a way that doesn't feel like someone is lecturing you. Overall, this book will be my go to recommendation for anybody, teen or adult, who needs help on the topics covered.

There is so much good stuff in this book.

Authors Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan begin their Authors’ Note with, “Sex education isn’t JUST about how bodies smoosh together; it’s about learning what it means to be a human who engages with other humans. Really, sex education is relationship education, because while we’re not all going to have sex, we are all going to have relationships with the people around us. When you learn about the wide world of sex, relationships, and intimacy, you learn more about yourself and others, which helps you to be a better person and to do better by others.”

And that’s the book in a nutshell. The content is very thorough and informative. The graphic format is engaging, if sometimes a little corny. There’s great information on sexuality and gender, body image, and safe sex, AND the authors don’t shy away from conversations about porn, masturbation, and kinks. There are many penises and clitorises and breasts pictured. There’s active heterosexual and homosexual sex pictured. I’m torn on whether I should consider this for my library. I’m feeling cowardly.

Thank you, RH Graphic and NetGalley, for the advance readers copy.