Bad Sex

At thirty-two years old, everything in Nona Willis Aronowitz’s life, and in America, was in disarray. Her marriage was falling apart. Her nuclear family was slipping away. Her heart and libido were both in overdrive. Embroiled in an era of fear, reckoning, and reimagining, her assumptions of what “sexual liberation” meant were suddenly up for debate.

In the thick of personal and political turmoil, Nona turned to the words of history’s sexual revolutionaries—including her late mother, early radical pro-sex feminist Ellen Willis. At a time when sex has never been more accepted and feminism has never been more mainstream, Nona asked herself: What, exactly, do I want? And are my sexual and romantic desires even possible amid the horrors and bribes of patriarchy, capitalism, and white supremacy?

Nona’s attempt to find the answer places her search for authentic intimacy alongside her family history and other stories stretching back nearly two hundred years. Stories of ambivalent wives and unchill sluts, free lovers and radical lesbians, sensitive men and woke misogynists, women who risk everything for sex—who buy sex, reject sex, have bad sex and good sex. The result is a brave, bold, and vulnerable exploration of what sexual freedom can mean. Bad Sex is Nona’s own journey to sexual satisfaction and romantic happiness, which not only lays bare the triumphs and flaws of contemporary feminism but also shines a light on universal questions of desire.

Bad Sex features:

• Memoir and cultural criticism from noted feminist writer Nona Willis Aronowitz
• Explores modern desire, sexual agency, and feminism
• Weaves personal experiences with political history and radical sexuality movements
• Includes voices and stories spanning nearly 200 years of sexual rebellion
• Hardcover, 352 pages
• Published by Plume (an imprint of Penguin Random House)

Size and material:

• Format: Hardcover
• Length: 352 pages
• Dimensions: 6.3 x 1.25 x 9.3 inches
• ISBN: 9780593180064

🔥 Pleasure Scale™ Rating

This Toy: 🎒 Bedroom Backup

Solid choice, not always first pick but glad it's there. Reliable, easy to use, and perfect as a secondary option in your toy drawer.

Who is this book for?

Bad Sex is ideal for:

• Feminist readers seeking bold, introspective writing that explores the complexities of desire and agency.
• People questioning societal scripts around love, monogamy, and gender roles in a sex-positive context.
• Fans of memoir-meets-manifesto storytelling that’s deeply personal yet culturally resonant.
• Readers exploring non-traditional relationships or recovery from power-imbalanced or performative intimacy.

How to use the Bad Sex?

1. Set the scene: Cozy up in bed, on the couch, or in your favorite reading nook—this is self-exploration in literary form.
2. Annotate and reflect: Keep a pen or notebook nearby. This isn’t just a book—it’s a conversation with yourself about sex, power, and liberation.
3. Pace yourself: The book spans deeply emotional and intellectual material, so take time to absorb and process.
4. Optional: Read with a friend or partner—use it as a jumping-off point for discussions about your desires and boundaries.

Great positions to try:

• Reclined on your back: Classic setup for immersive reading and tuning into intimacy narratives.
• Fetal side cuddle: Ideal for snuggling with a blanket and digesting emotionally charged chapters.
• Lap-sprawl with a partner: Romantic and vulnerable—especially as the narrative touches on longings and fears.

How to clean and care for the Bad Sex?

• Cleaning: Gently dust the cover and keep hands clean while reading to minimize smudges or stains.
• Spill-care: If a drink is spilled, gently dab pages and let air dry away from sunlight or heat to avoid warping.
• Storage: Keep on a bookshelf or nightstand in a dry area away from direct sunlight to preserve binding and print.
• Material-specific tips: This hardcover edition can be wiped down lightly with a dry microfiber cloth.

Book practical use info:

• Versatility: Works as a solo read, book club pick, or paired discussion tool for intimate relationships.
• Education: Deepens reader understanding of evolving feminist thought on sexuality over time.
• Accessibility: Language is intelligent but conversational, making it approachable for general readers.

Additional information:

• Emotional triggers warning: Includes discussion of sexual trauma, heartbreak, and societal oppression.
• Content advisory: While empowering, this reflection-heavy book can surface intense memories or questions—plan time for processing.
• Reading pacing: Some chapters dive deeply into cultural theory while others are memoir-style; it’s okay to jump around.

Special considerations when using Bad Sex:

• Focus level: Best enjoyed when you can give your full attention—some essays are meditative and layered.
• Emotional readiness: Some passages get raw and vulnerable; check in with yourself before diving in deep.
• Sharing: You may feel compelled to lend it out—consider getting an extra copy if the annotations get personal.
• Lighting: Dimmed reading light can help set a reflective or romantic mood if you’re reading before bed.