Boys & Sex

Building on the groundbreaking research that informed her bestseller Girls & Sex, Orenstein now shifts her focus to boys, providing an intricate examination of their experiences and struggles. Through exhaustive interviews with young men from diverse backgrounds, as well as insights from psychologists and experts in the field, she uncovers profound truths about how boys view sex, relationships, and masculinity.

This New York Times Bestseller has been praised for its revelatory content and impactful narrative. "Blows your mind on every page," says Caitlin Moran, while Lori Gottlieb, New York Times bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, states that it "should be mandatory reading for anyone who cares about the next generation."

Boys & Sex dissects multiple facets of male sexuality, including "locker room talk," the influence of pornography as an informal sex education resource, and how empathy plays a crucial role in their sexual development. The book delves into boys' understanding of hookup culture and consent, and critically, it examines their experiences as both perpetrators and victims of sexual assault.

By presenting these narratives with honesty and sensitivity, Orenstein shows the myriad ways in which cultural norms and expectations shape young men's identities. She reveals their hidden struggles, unearthing the emotional and psychological complexities involved. The book operates as a clarion call for change, laying out a nuanced vision for how boys can evolve into more empathetic and morally grounded individuals.

With Boys & Sex, Orenstein provides not just an analysis, but a blueprint for what it means to navigate the path to manhood in today’s world. This provocative and paradigm-shifting work is essential reading for parents, educators, and anyone invested in fostering a healthier, more respectful approach to sex and relationships among the next generation.