These are the books on sex and relationships to add to your 2023 reading list
WORDS BY SHANNON VALENTINE
Exploring gender identity, feminism and modern erotica.
When it comes to sex and relationships, not everyone has the support system in place or comfort to ask for advice from family and friends. This is why books on sex, bodies and relationships have been so popularised, from Kaz Cooke’s Girl Stuff and Sonya Renee Taylor’s The Body Is Not an Apology to Madonna’s controversial coffee table book, Sex.
In the last 10 years, books exploring gender identity, feminism and modern erotica have become accessible through bookstores, libraries and digital book platforms, making sex education even easier. Social media has spurred plenty of opportunities for public discussion of these texts, particularly with the rise of ‘bookstagram‘ and ‘booktok’.
Looking for more thought-provoking reads? Try our Life section.
So for a positive boost of self-love and some clarity on the more taboo topics, add some sex and relationship books to your 2023 reading list. With the help of suggestions from my own bookstagram page (shameless plug), find a list of to-read titles below.
All About Love by Bell Hooks
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An absolute classic and a must-read – put it at the top of your list. American author and activist Bell Hooks has written incredible works on feminism, race and class. All About Love is one of her most well-known works. Going beyond romance, this book talks about the idea of love as a search for connection and healing. It’s moving, honest and life-changing for many readers! With Bell’s passing in 2021, her written work was once again widely discussed in the mainstream media, making waves on bookstagram accounts.
Get it here.
The Sex Ed You Never Had by Chantelle Otten
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Melbourne’s own leading sexologist Chantelle Otten graced us with her educational read in 2021. Described as “a fun, empowering and shame-free guide to sex and your body” this book covers everything from consent and sexual health to pleasure, anatomy and communication. Complete with illustrations breaking down taboo topics, Otten’s book is comprehensive and a great way to get in touch with your body. This book is the perfect addition to your bookshelf for more in-depth learning.
Get it here.
Legitimate Sexpectations by Katrina Marson
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Katrina Marson, a criminal lawyer turned author, wrote Legitimate Sexpectations to question the limits of the legal justice system. With a background as a sexual offences prosecutor, Katrina explores sex education with a focus on education and preventing sexual violence. Speaking at Melbourne’s Writers Festival last year, she encouraged a cultural shift to improve the way sex education is taught.
Get it here.
What a Time to be Alone by Chidera Eggerue
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British author Chidera Eggerue, also known as The Slumflower, wrote her powerful book What a Time to be Alone about how self-love is key. Chidera urges us to put ourselves first, protect our energy and work to be our most authentic selves. What a Time to be Alone is rooted in feminism, as Chidera speaks on independence, power, support and community.
Get it here.
Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski
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Sex and Science? Yes, please. Women’s sexuality is complex and often under-researched, which is why American sex educator and author Dr Emily Nagoski wrote Come as You Are to explore the individualism of female sexuality. This book stresses we should not compare ourselves to others, and instead tap into what makes us tick. Come as You Are explains that there is no ‘normal’ when it comes to sex, and the best thing we can all do is embrace our personal intimate sexuality.
Get it here.
To find more reads like this, head here.
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