Ready for It

by Chusita Fashion Fever

A modern introduction to all things sex, Ready For It delivers honest, accurate information in a wholly relatable voice.

YouTube sensation Chusita Fashion Fever gives no nonsense advice on everything from relationships, sexual identity, your first time and the difference between on-screen sex versus #IRL. And this is about real life; Chusita addresses actual questions and concerns posed by her teenage fans.

The bold package features body-positive comic illustrations and “fun facts” health sections, while Chusita’s signature voice is authentic and non-judgmental; straight and LGBTI readers are welcome. Myths are debunked and taboos explored—allowing readers to learn not only about the logistics of sex, but about consent, respect, self care, and the intuition needed to make mature sexual decisions with confidence.

An Imprint Book

"Refreshingly explicit... Concise and easy to read, with advice that is sex-positive and straightforward." —Kirkus Reviews

“A reassuring, nonjudgmental guide that meets today’s teens exactly where they are.” —Booklist

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published September 18, 2018

Reviews

[Stay Fetters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having "the talk" with any one of your parents is super embarrassing. I remember when my Mum wanted to talk to me about it and I just walked away from her. It’s weird and people feel more comfortable with friends or even Doctors.

Ready For It sheds a lot of light on situations that Teens are questionable about. It informs people who are ready without making them feel dirty or bad about themselves. No shame is shared here but a push in the right direction. There is no wrong question here.

Chusita sets up each chapter to inform the ignorant and to hold nothing back. She does this while supporting your each and every comfortable answer or idea. She shows support for people who are ready without casting shame.

This is a great book for anyone who has embarrassing questions or aren’t really sure about sex. Listen to your partner, be supportive, and not pressuring. And we can’t stress this enough: No means No.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the frank voice and explicit discussion of various types of sexual activity in this book, and I would certainly have loved to have read it when I was thirteen. The author is nonjudmental and encourages exploration of what brings pleasure to each individual and his/her partner(s), and strongly suggests practicing safe sex. There are some questions from the authors' followers and short responses that provide reassurance. While there is discussion of sexual identity, masturbation, contraceptives, and penetration, and the book relies on several comic strips to explore topics, I wish there had been more diversity in the images. The author does discuss the need for consensual agreement for various activities, but perhaps this and sexual violence needed to be covered more as another reviewer noted. Still, the book offers some excellent information about sex. The bright cover with outlines of underwear and a condom as well as the title itself will draw readers' attention to the book, for sure.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stylistically, this is one of the most "attractive" sex books for teens that I have come across. The short sections, the illustrations, the diversity in the book format are all going to be attractive to teen readers. It's LGBTQ+ inclusive. It's factual and straight-forward and judgement free. I can see what everyone is saying about the "lack of diversity in the illustrations" and I think that comes from the stylized art choice of how all the illustrated characters are depicted (in that everyone is drawn in an outline/silhouette style so everyone at first glance appears white ... when I would say looking deeper at the illustrations may show for some more diversity than is initially apparent). This is going to circ like crazy at the library because it's short, it's written in an engaging format (this doesn't feel like a health class sex talk book at all), and it's honest ... and teens can smell dishonesty from adults a mile away.

[Katie Olson · Rating 1 out of 5]

If it was possible to give the book 0 stars, I would for this book. This book is meant to be an educational texts for teens/young around before they become sexually active, but the book leaves out so much important information. Yes, this book is a handful of years old at this point, but it’s was not written in the 1950’s or even the 2000’s for that matter. There is very little on consent in the book, other than passively saying that no means no a few times throughout the book. There aren’t many informative illustrations about the different anatomies, which I think is super important for people leaning about their bodies and how they work.
Would not recommend, there are many other options out there for informational sex education books besides this one.

[Lynndell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entirely informative!
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Publishing for the opportunity to read and review Ready For It by Chusita Fashion Fever.
Bluntly honest and informative in all things about sex, from bodies to relationships. Advice and mature content from the author who also has a YouTube channel that deals with sex and all the taboos that go along with it. *Friendly warning: graphic illustrations and information, 4 stars!

[Randi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very solid book for the "intro to sex" and all the things that go with it for pre-teens and teens. It does have very blunt language and illustrations, which I think is great, but not everyone will agree (whether that be parents or shy young readers). I'd happily put it in the hands of my future children, though. I wish I had this book when I was younger.

[Sarah Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly, there are not many books available on difficult topics for children and teens. I found the book informative and easy to read. The book seems to recognize the need for consent. I liked illustrations. Yes, the illustrations could have more diverse.

[Mary Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review will appear in SLC in the near future.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

[Jeannie Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Ready for It
Author: Chusita Fashion Fever
Genre: YA Nonfiction/Relationships
Publisher: Imprint - Copyright 2018
Read: September 9-10, 2018
Release Date: September 25, 2018
Disclaimer: I received a digital advance reader copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: A modern introduction to all things sex, Ready For It delivers honest, accurate information in a wholly relatable voice.

YouTube sensation Chusita Fashion Fever gives no nonsense advice on everything from relationships, sexual identity, your first time and the difference between on-screen sex versus #IRL. And this is about real life; Chusita addresses actual questions and concerns posed by her teenage fans.

The bold package features body-positive comic illustrations and “fun facts” health sections, while Chusita’s signature voice is authentic and non-judgmental; straight and LGBTI readers are welcome. Myths are debunked and taboos explored―allowing readers to learn not only about the logistics of sex, but about consent, respect, self care, and the intuition needed to make mature sexual decisions with confidence.

Review: I don't often review nonfiction books, and it's even rarer for me to review a book on sex. However, I'm glad I took a chance on Ready for It by Chusita Fashion Fever.

Let's be honest. Sex is a delicate subject for teenagers and their parents, even more so in our modern world of fluid gender and sexual identity. Teens and their parents need no longer dread The Talk because Ready for It takes some of the pressure off both teens and their parents. The book isn't a how-to manual for teens looking to have sex. It's more an if-then guide for those who think they may be ready to start exploring their sexuality. Let me be frank: Ready for It DOES NOT advocate random
intercourse among teenagers. However, it DOES advocate INFORMED and RESPONSIBLE decisions by teens.

The author provides real, mater-of-fact advice to teens who are already thinking of engaging in sexual activity, but she also makes it clear that no one should feel pressured to do anything they aren't comfortable doing. The most poignant piece of advice I found within the book is this:

"Remember that the person you owe the most loyalty to in the world is yourself. The only real love that you'll always have, the person you should care for above all else, is you."

The author addresses a variety of topics, including heterosexual and all forms of LGBT relationships, body positivity, and personal responsibility. Accompanying all of this sound information are interesting little side notes from history and modern life. Illustrations are included but these enhance the reading experience and serve to underscore the advice being given.

Overall, the subject of sex and teens is treated with respect and without judgment. In a world filled with confusing and mixed messages, Chusita Fashion Fever has cut through the noise to offer real, sound advice to teens--and their parents--in a completely relatable way. Teens no longer have to feel ashamed for being curious or wanting to ask questions. Ready for It is a perfect solution in an imperfect world that still considers sex to be the ultimate taboo subject.

Review at a Glance:

Concept: A+
Execution: A
Writing Style: A-
Characters: A
Reader Connection: A+
Overall Grade: A