Olivia Hinebaugh
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Goodreads
Seventeen-year-old Lacey Burke is the last person on the planet who should be doling out sex advice. For starters, she’s never even kissed anyone, and she hates breaking the rules. Up until now, she's been a straight-A music geek that no one even notices. All she cares about is jamming out with her best friends, Theo and Evita.REVIEW
But then everything changes.
When Lacey sees first-hand how much damage the abstinence-only sex-ed curriculum of her school can do, she decides to take a stand and starts doling out wisdom and contraception to anyone who seeks her out in the girls' restroom. But things with Theo become complicated quickly, and Lacey is soon not just keeping everyone else’s secrets, but hers as well.
This book is a bunch of different things. It's a story of friendship and first love, as well as a tale of taking a stand and coming-of-age, and I pretty much loved it all.
Lacey followed the rules and tried to fly under the radar. She was known to accept the circumstances and go with the flow, but she was willing to fight for the right to a comprehensive sexual health education for her peers.
I am big believer in knowledge as power, and loved that Lacey was so passionate about educating herself and others on a topic, which people often shy away from. She was raised to embrace her body and sexuality and to explore it in healthy ways, and though she had zero experience, she was very knowledgable in matters of sexual and reproductive health. I liked that there was a lot of good information in the book regarding STIs and protection, but the emotional side of sex and consent were also addressed. So, applause for that.
Aside from this book being very sex-positive, it was also about Lacey navigating her friendship, her feelings, and her future. Her reactions to all the changes happening in her life were very authentic, and though she stumbled a little, Lacey made good choices for herself.
Loved these things:
- BFFs - This friendship was not without its complications, but they were an awesome group, and they literally made beautiful music together.
- Present adults - Both Lacey and Evita had fabulous and supportive moms. It was easy to see why they loved and admired them so much.
- An adorable romance - This was a little messy for me, but I still couldn't help but get onboard with it. They were good together, and you know, I love soft boys.
- Music, lots and lots of music.
* ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
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main characters fight for something they believe in?
main characters fight for something they believe in?
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Lacey sounds fantastic, and strong and kind of badass in her own way. I think though this book might have won me over having supportive parents in a wonderfull sex-positive book
ReplyDeletePeople who are into sex-positive books will revel in this one, but it's not just about the attitude towards sex. It's the level of information and the types of issues raised that I appreciated.
DeleteThis sounds like a wonderful and smart novel. I like that it's so sex positive too! And present adults! What a treat!
ReplyDeleteIt really stood out with its honest approach to sex and sexuality, both the physical and mental side of it
DeleteGreat review, Sam! This sounds like such a well written, compelling story! And one every teenager and young adult should read!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I definitely believe a lot of teens could appreciate this.
DeleteSounds like a great read. I do love when characters in books have something they believe in and stand up for, and sexual education is an important one for teens. Knowledge really IS power.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
She accidentally became a voice for her peers. I enjoyed it
DeleteOh this sounds good and love the sex positive vibe. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI loved the family, friendship, and romance with the rest being the gravy on top
DeleteDoesn't sound like one for me, but I think there are a lot of people out there who will want it.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
Definitely an audience for this book out there
DeleteThis sounds like a cute little read. I love that it is sex positive and that it has supportive adults. Those are big bonuses for me when reading YA.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I am seeing more and more of that these days. It just was a healthy and honest approach to sex and sexuality and there are people who will appreciate it
DeleteI love when adults are present and that they have BBFs. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI am a fan of positive relationships. They alway rate high with me.
DeleteI do like the sound of this one, Sam! I love that this book is tackling a rather touchy subject and it sounds like it did it well.
ReplyDeleteIt can definitely be a touchy subject for some, but I know there are kids out there, that would appreciate an honest discourse on the subject.
DeleteI love that she wanted to educate not only herself, but others as well. I think it's important for people to want to learn about the world and what they're passionate about. My husband and I try to instill a love of learning in our house, and we want school to be something our children enjoy. However, we also want to encourage them to pursue the topics and areas that interest them, even if it's not being covered in their classes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this one! It sounds like a good read.
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
Schools don't really educate children on sex, even though some schools have a "class" for it. I remember reading about how our bodies work, but it was very vague and didn't really teach us anything. It was that awkward, weird class that people snickered at and didn't talk about once it was over. I wish schools took sexual education more seriously, and didn't limit what they teach because they're afraid of "corrupting" young minds.
DeleteLacey has a very interesting background. Her mother was a teen mom, but she ended up putting herself through nursing school. Thus, we see a successful teen mom, and that was something I liked in the story. Because of this, Lacey's mom was always upfront about sex, and as a labor and delivery nurse, she was well educated. Lacey also was a doula, and we get to accompany her to a delivery. So, it was well established that women's health was something Lacey was passionate about.
DeleteThe cover looks 100% light and cutesy but the story sounds like it deals with some serious real life issues. Love the inclusion of supportive (and present!) moms. This sounds like one that I would have enjoyed as a teen.
ReplyDeleteThe looks of that cover are deceiving. It's all feminine hygiene products, both control, and pleasure devices.
DeleteYay for sharing a name with the main character! I think sex-ed definitely has to be done well and is so relevant and important for teens!! I like that even though she hasn't had much experience herself she feels driven to do something. I'm all for supportive friends and family (especially parents) as well, which makes this book appeal to me all the more :)
ReplyDeleteIt's an interesting journey as Lacey's personal experiences start catching up with her clinical knowledge.
DeleteThis is such a great review, I'm glad you enjoyed this book, Sam! I'm so happy to hear that one was sex-positive, that's so important and yay for supportive parents and great friendships and relationships! I'll have to put that one on my TBR :D
ReplyDeleteI was really impressed with the amount of good information contained therein, while the author also maintained a likable YA tale.
DeleteI do agree, knowledge is power and I'm happy to hear there were good moms in this, too. Lots of YA have crappy parents so it's nice to see that for a change. I'm not so much for the messy romance, but I'm happy to hear it worked for you! :)
ReplyDeleteI liked that Lacey's teen-single-mom, became a success, and was also so successful raising her child. I feel like my issues with the romance is a me thing, because there always seems to be the intra-group dating on shows and in books.
DeleteI have to read this one. I am compelled! =)
ReplyDeleteIt definitely stands out from other books which include a deeper look at sex and sexuality. Hinebaugh tackled it well.
Delete