Naked: Not Your Average Sex Encyclopedia

Writing resources for teens can be difficult, especially when addressing issues related to sex and sexuality, and there are many resources out there competing for attention. What makes Naked: Not Your Average Sex Encyclopedia unique is the combination of information directly related to sex and the information that is more peripherally relevant. The combination of practical sex advice alongside more abstract but important concepts around bodies and sexualities makes this resource applicable to a wide range of young people.

With 150 terms and concepts defined and explored by aspiring sexologist Myriam Daguzan Bernier (translated by Charles Simard), and accompanied by Cécile Gariépy’s colorful and provocative illustrations, young readers (and adults, too!) will find new things to learn. Organized alphabetically, Naked covers straightforward biological aspects from “Buttocks” to “Penis” to “Vagina”, and concepts from “Arousal” to “Virginity”, uncovering myths and addressing common misconceptions along the way.

But beyond biology and mechanics of sex, Naked also covers other concepts related to gender and sexuality, from “Agender” to “Transgender”, “Asexuality” to “Pansexuality”. Other topics include eating disorders, why bathrooms have become sites of social and political unrest, what the #MeToo movement entails, and why masculinity can become toxic. The inclusion of so many terms and concepts ensures a well-rounded understanding of gender, sexuality, bodily functions, and sex for those who read through the entire text. Those using Naked as a reference text will still find many answers and will likely want to continue exploring since each definition links to other concepts and terms (highlighted through bold text.)

Bernier is thorough but not overly so, an approach which will keep young people interested long enough to read through each entry, and the illustrations keep the book from feeling too dry or text heavy. Use of different font sizes, colors, and side bars break up each page as well, with Gariépy’s colorful imagery helping to mark new sections and entries.

Using straightforward language along with common slang, Naked breaks down and explores a lot of myths about sex, bodily functions, symbols of purity (such as the concept of virginity), questions about consent and arousal, and what it means to live in a hypersexual world. I will note that, because of this straightforward and, at times, blunt approach, those wishing to include the text in schools or libraries should be prepared for challenges or pushback.

Naked: Not Your Average Sex Encyclopedia lives up to its name and also doesn’t speak down to its audience. I whole-heartedly recommend this title for the inquisitive and curious teens in your life, and for adults as well if they want to learn about concepts that are not often covered in other resources for teens.