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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

Required reading for every person who is dating right now.

Rachel is a brilliant writer and has revolutionised conversations around love and modern dating.

An important feminist voice and a spectacular writer. This book will change how (and maybe even whether) we date. An extraordinary piece of work.

Sofie Hagen, author of 'Happy Fat' and 'Will I Ever Have Sex Again?'

Rachel Thompson is the best sex and dating writer since Candace Bushnell. The Love Fix is a companion guide to navigating the highs and lows of modern dating. This book helps us understand why we are the way we are and why we feel things so deeply in the realm of love. This book will validate your experiences and emotions and help you feel less alone in the perilous dating scene.

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

We’ll never have all the answers or even all the questions we have about love fully explained, but it’s clear that the landscape of intimacy has changed and that we are simultaneously hyper-connected and disconnected. This book really unpacks and unpicks how these contextual shifts and adaptations have changed our social expectations when it comes to love, and has altered the course of how we meet, start and maintain loving connections.

Kate Moyle, Psychosexual Therapist and author of 'The Science Of Sex'

Fascinating! So well-researched and insightful. I kept screenshotting pages to send to my friends - the highest form of praise.

Radhika Sanghani, author of 'I Wish We Weren't Related' and '30 Things I Love About Myself'

It is very tempting to respond to modern dating culture with the harshness it hits us with - but Rachel sets us the challenge of radical sensitivity, not only to each other but to ourselves. A must-read for anyone who has forgotten that their greatest love story will not be with an imagined partner, but actually their own self.

Navigating the maze of modern love is challenging at the best of times, more so when you’re in your thirties and the pressure to partner up grows increasingly heavy. But knowledge is power and The Love Fix offers its reader both ... Thompson provides her reader with a rich and timely analysis of today’s dating landscape, alongside the tools to help us all navigate it a little more fruitfully. This book will help you feel less alone and more supported in pursuit of whatever kind of love you may currently be after.

Reclaiming Intimacy in a Disconnected World

Swiping, situationships, ghosting... Dating is hard. Why is it so easy to make connections yet so hard to maintain them? Sex and dating journalist Rachel Thompson blends her decade-long investigation of love post-dating apps with expertise from mental-health professionals and socialists alongside interviews with real people to find answers. With care for marginalised communities, this book reveals: why our odds of finding someone compatible are 1 in 562; the scientific meaning of ‘the spark’; how technology warps communication and self-esteem; why we’re becoming more sensitive to rejection; what real emotional availability looks like. 
 
An essential resource for nurturing your wellbeing and establishing healthy connections and boundaries, The Love Fix offers love beyond the algorithm.

Rachel Thompson

Books by Rachel Thompson

Articles featuring Rachel Thompson

The ultimate feminist books reading list

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