The Consent Guidebook: A Practical Approach to Consensual, Respectful, and Enthusiastic Interactions

by Erin Tillman

With the fierce momentum of the #MeToo movement, it has become clear that the conversation around consent is in the process of major evolution. For the first time in modern history, consent is being brought to the forefront of social awareness, and society is outraged at what has been uncovered in regard to boundary crossing, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. We, as a society, need to start learning, teaching, and sharing fundamental ideas to encourage respectful behavior. The Consent Guidebook provides a practical, easy-to-follow framework that offers practical advice for establishing boundaries and respecting the boundaries of others, complete with illustrations of consensual and nonconsensual scenarios. Over thirty sex educators, health professionals, HR managers, civil rights leaders, and thought leaders have contributed their own consent advice, stories, and aha moments to this book to offer a variety of perspectives. Topics covered include The Basics of Boundaries, Digital Consent, The Assumption of Consent and the Pop Culture Connection, How to Have Productive Consent Conversations, and Holding Others Accountable, Enthusiastic Consent with Sex, Survivor Support, and more.

Genres: Self Help

166 pages, Paperback

Published February 28, 2018

Reviews

[Beverly Diehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book establishes an excellent overview on consent - what it is, why we need it, how to practice it, and even what to do if we are violated or have violated another person.

Disclaimer: I'm personally acquainted with the author and contributed to the funding for the first run of this book.

Even if I didn't know the author, however, I would recommend that EVERYONE buy a copy of this book and refer to it often. Our culture has taught us to "be nice" or, alternatively, to "take what you can get," whether that hurts others or not. We need to unpack that mindset and learn to practice consent and checking in with ourselves.

It's a small, short book; this may be a good thing, or a bad thing, depending on your expectations. There are wonderful illustrations that are really fun, as well as great quotes from a number of consent experts and sexuality educators. Everyone who wants to deal with other humans ethically and mindfully should pick up a copy.

[Kat Stark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This quick, concise guide is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how consent works and those who teach consent. Erin breaks things down into simple steps for all kinds of interactions, including those with family. Using a lighthearted tone leads to an enjoyable read on a subject that can in less skilled hands feel really awkward & preachy. She pulls in other experts in the field for quotes and comments which add a lot of nuance.

[August McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an important and digestible book! Erin Tillman, a skilled and experienced dating coach, shares her own knowledge as well as thoughts from a range of fellow experts. The messages are so practical and go far beyond sexual consent, which is hugely important. While it holds takeaways for any age group, "The Consent Guidebook" should be made available to college students everywhere.

[Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, this was a mistake.

I made the library buy a copy of this book because I was curious but this is what every arm chair advice columnist with a computer can type out (complete with grammatical errors).

This book is just a few sentences on unrealistic, unenjoyable, uninformed, and certainly unnuanced consent. This book sets consent back.

[Paul Blumer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read for everyone. Coulda gone a bit further with concepts and anecdotes

[Faloni © · Rating 5 out of 5]

🤗 No longer falling for ANY boys bullshitting ass words, one time taught me well.