August McLaughlin - Girl Boner: The Good Girls Guide to Sexual Empowerment

[...] reading Girl Boner is like having a sleepover with your cool older sister. This book has the potential not only to empower young women sexually, but to change their lives in radical and important ways.

Susan Harper, PhD, instructor of gender studies

One part memoir, one part sociological manifesto = something of interest for women of all ages. [] Frank, personal stories and interviews interspersed throughout the book help us unpack our personal inner conflicts.

Cheryl Grant, MA, MFT, psychotherapist

Discussions about sexual health and desires help young women to better understand who they are. [...] I cannot think of a more compassionate and sincere person to lead these conversations than August McLaughlin.

Cora Reidenbach, school psychologist

Girl Boner is a book every woman should read, including our daughters, not just for the pleasure it offers, but because it validates the link between female orgasm, power, and happiness.

Ande Lyons, founder of Bring Back Desire

August McLaughlin is a powerful and necessary voice in a world that is finally ready to listen. Her work [...] encourages a new generation of women to proudly embrace their personal journeys.

Dr. Lisa Masterson

Amberjack Publishing
1472 E. Iron Eagle Drive

Eagle, Idaho 83616

http://amberjackpublishing.com

The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. This book is written as a source of information only. The information contained in this book should by no means be considered a substitute for the advice of a qualified medical professional, who should always be consulted with questions regarding a persons health.

All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this book as of the date published. The publisher and the author disclaim liability for any adverse effects that may occur as a result of applying the methods suggested in this book.

The personal events of the authors life contained herein are accurate to the best of the authors memory. Minor details which do not impact the story have been changed as necessary to protect the privacy of those involved. The author has received written permission from those who have been mentioned, quoted, and paraphrased herein. The author has received written permission from sources used for research herein. The author owns the rights to the Girl Boner trademark.

Copyright 2018 by August McLaughlin
Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, in part or in whole, in any form whatsoever without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. Amberjack Publishing books may be purchased for educational, business or sales promotional use. For information, please contact: specialmarkets@amberjackpublishing.com.

Publishers Cataloging-in-Publication data available upon request

Names: McLaughlin, August author.

Title: Girl boner : the good girls guide to sexual empowerment / by August McLaughlin.

Description: First Edition. | Eagle : Amberjack Publishing, [2018]

Identifiers: LCCN 2018002591 (print) | LCCN 2018003256 (ebook) | ISBN 9781944995720 (eBook) | ISBN 9781944995713 (hardcover : alk. paper)

Subjects: LCSH: Women--Sexual behavior.

Classification: LCC HQ29 (ebook) | LCC HQ29 .M465 2018 (print) | DDC 306.7082--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018002591

Cover Design by Wayne Wolf
Illustrations by Roberta Zeta
Interior Design by Jessica Reed

CONTENTS

by Megan Fleming, PhD

I MET AUGUST IN September, 2014 at North Americas World Sexual Health Day celebration where she was the emcee. At the event, a celebration across thirty-five countries promoting greater social awareness of sexual health, I first heard and felt her passion for bringing a global, positive, and respectful approach to sexuality and all sexual relationships.

The following June, August interviewed me on Girl Boner Radio . Of course I was thrilled to appear on the podcast and blog that reaches tens of thousands of listeners and readers each month, with the podcast often ranking in iTunes top ten shows in the sexuality category. During the interview, I shared with her listeners my passion for sexy monogamy and rekindling desire. This was the beginning of a wonderful friendship between August and me. Soon after, I became the shows resident sex and relationship expert.

August has a knack for taking material many find sensitive and making it so approachable. She is a voice for all women to embrace their bodies and sexuality, and there is no topic she wont tackle. She shares her own experiences and interviews mainstream celebs, empowered adult stars, sexual health experts, authors, activists, everyday women with inspiring stories, and more, exploring topics and issues that matter. She has taken the wisdom of ten-plus years of health writing, six years of Girl Boner blogging, and over four years of hosting Girl Boner Radio to bring to you this remarkable and comprehensive book.

Whether youre new to Augusts work or have been following along for years, I know you wont be disappointed and I cant wait for you to dive into this books brilliance. Girl Boner: The Good Girls Guide to Sexual Empowerment holds something for everyone, whether you are just beginning to explore your sexuality or youre a sex expert yourself. As you read, I have no doubt you will feel the authors authenticity, passion, and energy for breaking down all barriers (stigma, fear, taboo, and lack of informed education) surrounding sexuality. The more we learn and embrace our sexuality and capacity for pleasure, she asserts, the more likely we will be able to savor both. Amen !

From exploring the ABCs of sexual empowerment (awareness, boldness, compassion, and commitment) and recent relevant research to sharing the disturbing facts that only twenty-four states plus the District of Columbia currently require sex education at all, and only twenty require that the education be factually, medically, or technically accurate ( what ?!?), August debunks common sexuality myths and covers it all. I personally love that she brings you, the reader, along on the journey of self-discovery as she invites you to reflect and journal along the way.

August has so much to share on womens sexual empowerment that she jested on Facebook that Girl Boner may grow to be an eighty-volume series. I dont know about you, but Id cheer that on. This is only the beginning, and I cant wait to see what comes next.

Megan Fleming, PhD

Clinical psychologist

Author of Invisible Divorce: Finding Your Way Back To Connection

Instructor at Weil Cornell Medical College/
New York Presbyterian Hospital