This show is very open about sex and addressing all of the awkward, funny, and not-so-idealistic sides of it, but it’s also really funny and it can go surprisingly deep at times. I love the large cast of characters, the complicated group dynamics, and the way the show also includes peeks into the lives of the adults in the teens’ lives and their own relationship hang ups. While the show doesn’t reflect my teen experience at all and lends the impression that all teens are hooking up constantly (not true), I do appreciate that it tries to present sex in a more realistic, honest light and the emphasis is on education, de-mystifying, and safe practices. That’s something we could all use more of! If you’ve watched Sex Education and are impatiently counting down the days until season four drops, then check out these YA books that capture the same vibe of exploration and discovery around romantic relationships (and yes, some of them are sexual) and friendships. While there are very few taboos in YA fiction, sex in YA can still be a hot topic and a touchy subject for some adults. I think the more teens can read about and learn about healthy relationships before they become sexually active, the better equipped they will be to make the right decisions for them and the more empowered they will be to make those decisions. Not all of these books depict sex on the page, but many have open and frank conversations about sex, sexuality, or dating.
Nonfiction
Bodies are weird and cool and exciting, and so no matter where you’re at in life, I hope these books provide a bit of guidance, insight, and of course, entertainment! If you want further reading, here are some non-YA books to check out! In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado is a great memoir (for adults) about Machado’s abusive lesbian relationship and how she got out. Maeve is spotted reading it in season three. Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski, PhD is a fantastic nonfiction title (geared toward adults) about female sexuality and how science has traditionally neglected to dive into the particular ins and outs of what makes sex good for women, and the missing emotional link. In this book, Nagoski emphasizes you are perfect the way you are and wants to help you understand how to have more fulfilling sex.
