FeministReadingList_Hero-Desktop_Penguin

Reading lists

The ultimate feminist books reading list

How violence has found its way into the bedroom and what we can do about it

Rough

**AS HEARD ON BBC RADIO 4'S WOMEN'S HOUR** 
 
Rough is a revolutionary non-fiction work exploring the narratives of sexual violence that we don't talk about. 
 
A bad sexual experience. 
 
A grey area. 
 
Not rape but... A violation . 
 
These are the terms we use to describe the experiences we don't have words for. The way we talk about topics such as sex, consent, assault aren't fit for purpose. 
 
Through powerful testimony from 50 women and non-binary people, this book shines a light on the sexual violence that takes place in our bedrooms and beyond, sometimes at the hands of people we know, trust, or even love. Rough investigates violations such as 'stealthing,' non-consensual choking, and non-consensual rough sex acts that our culture is only starting to recognise as sexual violence. 
 
The book explores the ways in which systems of oppression manifest in our sexual culture - from racist microaggressions, to fatphobic acts of aggression, and ableist dehumanising behaviour. An intersectional, sex-positive, kink-positive work, the book also examines how white supremacy, transphobia, biphobia, homophobia, and misogyny are driving forces behind sexual violence. 
 
Rough is an urgent, timely call for change to the systems that oppress us all. 
 
'An incredible investigation into a frighteningly common part of our sexual experience,' Dr Fern Riddell 
 
'Rough speaks to how many women often feel after sexual encounters ...This book is excellent and demonstrates just how valid those feelings are,' Adele Walton, founder of Humanitarian Hotgirl

Rough is one of the most comprehensive and interesting books I've ever read. I recommend it to all my friends and patients as essential reading in the world of psychosexual therapy. I cannot say enough good things about it. You won't put it down.

Gigi Engle, author of 'All The F*ing Mistakes'

An unflinching examination of the damaging sexual narratives often hidden or less talked about, Rough looks at the way culture and gender perceptions influence our behaviour in bed. Thompson's writing is burning and unapologetic, and contracts with sharpness and verve. An important, thought-provoking read which renders systems and personal attitudes, and starts a helpful dialogue (in a hope to) to kindle positive change.

This is indispensable reading for anyone who wants both breadth and detail in how sexual consent is expressed, understood and all too often violated. Rough is inclusive and sympathetic writing that, importantly, remains sex positive and optimistic for a future with more knowledge and more power. It's consent writing that would make anyone want to change the world from one of the UK's leading voices on the issue.

Sophia Smith Galer, author of 'Losing It'

Rough speaks to how many women often feel after sexual encounters - violated but unsure of exactly why, and whether our feelings are valid. This book is excellent and demonstrates just how valid those feelings are.

Adele Walton, founder of Humanitarian Hotgirl

An incredible investigation into a frighteningly common part of our sexual experience; determined to give ownership back to those who have had their agency stolen from them.

2021's most important book about sex.

Rachel Thompson

Reclaiming Intimacy in a Disconnected World

Swiping, situationships, love bombing, ghosting, healing... Dating is hard. Why has making connections never felt so simple, yet keeping them has never been so complicated? 
 
To understand why nearly half of us report having negative dating experiences, sex & dating journalist Rachel Thompson has spent the past decade – coinciding with the advent of dating apps – investigating how we seduce, perceive, and treat each other in this new era. 
 
Written for all of us, but with particular care for marginalised communities – from queer people to people of colour, people with mental health conditions and more – this book shares revealing facts on: 
 
· why our odds of finding someone compatible are 1 in 562; 
· what ‘the spark’ being little more than a neurobiological response indicates; 
· how technology warps our communication, standards, and self-esteem. 
· why we are becoming more sensitive to rejection; 
· what real emotional availability looks like; 
 
Weaving anecdotes from Rachel’s 15 years of dating, with expert research and interviews with real people, mental health experts and sociologists, this book offers comforting insights and actionable reflections. The Love Fix is a rallying cry for radical intimacy and a key resource for protecting your wellbeing, asserting healthy boundaries and communicating your needs. It is a path towards real connection with both others and yourself – offering a new vision for love beyond the algorithm.

Rachel Thompson

The Love Fix

Select a format:

Pre-order:

Summary

More books from this author