I am big fan of the Quick & Easy Guide series from Limerence Press because I think they cover a lot of ground and really provide with a good amount of information for moving ahead. However, with this book, I was kind of taken aback by the complicated language that was used as it definitely made it less 'quick & easy'. All of the information provided was really good and I liked that there was a disclaimer page that set my expectations before we delved into the book.

For a graphic novel, I think this book relied way too heavily on text. Having read the other books in the series which set an atmosphere and give me a sense of progression as I move along the book with interesting visual, this book did not meet my expectations.

I really, really liked the subject matter that was discussed. I liked that it focused on the "Yes Means Yes" ideology rather than the "No Means No" one that is most often discussed in popular spaces. I do believe that 'no means no' is an important and good ideology but the 'yes means yes' ideology provides for a more nuanced conversation, and this book is full of them. I really liked that it tried to cover as much ground as possible and the checklist at the end of book is a great addition!

In conclusion, I loved the topic this book covered and how it covered it, but for me the graphic part of the graphic novel was lacklustre.

**I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

I thought this book was absolutely fantastic and every person should read this. Especially, middle and high schoolers!!! It covers what affirmative consent is (ex: yes means yes). It gives wonderful and easy to follow examples and explains how to have these conversations. The comic depicts many different kinds of couples within the LGBTQ+ community, different races/ethnicities, ability statuses. It also covers underage (under 18) sex and how different states have different laws about age differences between teenagers. It also explains how those under 18 cannot give consent for any sexual act legally and how sending nudes, even to other underage individuals, is child pornography. It goes into detail about how sex is not just intercourse but can be many different things. It also covers when someone can give consent. If there is too much alcohol or drugs involved how a person cannot give consent. There is also a lot of sex positivity and empowerment! There is even a handy guide/sheet in the back that partners can fill out together to help them communicate about which types of sex they are comfortable performing alone or with a partner, what kind of protection could be used, and when/how often to get tested and how to share results. Overall, an absolutely fantastic book!

In this informative graphic novel, Sargent Yes Means Yes chats with local community members about affirmative consent in sexual situations. The basic concept is carefully explained and summarized, with helpful details tucked in along the way. Although this book is about consent, it briefly explains some other sexual concepts and offers guidance for safer, more enjoyable intimacy. In general, the pictures are attractive and clear and offer a friendly way to approach a sometimes desperately uncomfortable topic. Occasionally the characters are a little cringey in their responses and enthusiasm, but since they are making a point rather than telling a story, this is okay. Although sexual education is often a difficult topic, I appreciate Isabella Rotman’s efforts to make this approachable and not too weird to talk about. It is gender and sex affirming while carefully pointing out both the enjoyable and dangerous parts of physical intimacy. While I don’t think students ever really like sex ed, this book is a smart way to open up conversations and get adolescents and young adults thinking about how to be respectful toward themselves and their partners. It’s also a useful tool for anyone whose partner needs a little help understanding why one keeps wanting to talk about what one wants instead of jumping into undesired sexual encounters.

**I received an e-ARC from NetGalley for an honest review**

This book should be handed out to everyone as they enter puberty.

While it seems aimed for teenagers and young adults, pretty much everyone needs to take the time to read through this book at least once, no matter their age. Times are changing so fast, it wouldn’t hurt people to understand that consent doesn’t start and stop with “No means no.”

Quite entertaining and at the same time informative. If I ever get the money to do so, I will definitely be buying a few copies of this to give to libraries and schools in my area.

The illustrations were amusing, and other than a couple of spelling errors, I really have no negatives for this book.

(Received an ARC from NetGalley.)

Consent guides are so difficult. You have to reach an audience usually comprised of teenagers and explain something to them they've already been misinformed on a million times... not to mention that you have to, you know, reach them. And it is so easy to make teenagers not want to listen to adults on sex.

This book is mostly great-- I agreed with nearly everything it listed, and so I only want to address a couple of critiques. The resource lists were fantastic, and I sincerely appreciated the author's early disclaimers about her limitations. Overall this is the best I have seen thus far, and it reminds me of why I like reading/reviewing these sorts of books-- because the boom is fairly new, and provides a lot of opportunity for rapid betterment.

And now my critiques.

1) You cannot give a teenager a single chance to cringe. Ever. If you have them cringing then they are already taking the entire book as a chance to get social media clout by posting the cringiest screenshots on Twitter. I would know, because I'm barely out of teenagerhood and my first instinct was to tell my friend I was reading something with a character named "Sargent* Yes Means Yes of the Consent Cavalry."

*should be spelled Sergeant. I don't... know how this got through, because I've Googled at least four times and there is no such thing as 'Sargent' in this context. But hey honest mistakes happen.

Basically: I know it's hard to make these things interesting, but I really don't think we need to use silly cartwheeling characters for this kind of stuff. We could just have the couples in the story have honest conversations with each other about consent and how they feel. The way it's split up and the examples used are still largely good; it's just weird to have adult topics explained like this. Teenagers do not want information on sex presented to them like the ABCs.

2) "Always discuss everything verbally."

(screenshots of the collection of panels in which Sarge offers examples of three couples asking for consent)
(screenshot of the panels in which Daniela and Anthony discuss consent, and Daniela says she would have liked if Anthony had asked to kiss her)


Look. Let's all be honest with each other.

Nobody does this. I do not do this. You do not do this. The vast majority of grown-ass adults do not do this. The specific examples are really, really awkward. If you're already holding someone's chin in your hands and looking into their eyes and they are leaning in and smiling, asking to kiss them is redundant.

I recognize this is a slippery slope. The book merely wants to avoid the situation described early on, where one partner might just be 'okay' with something, not into it, and they just don't react so the other partner thinks everything is fine. This is not ideal. In fact, it's bad, and should be avoided.

Which is why I was very happy to see later panels clarify further-- you really don't always have to ask. There are physical tells, and the book conveniently lists several, which include pulling you closer and smiling. That was great! I wish these panels were, therefore, edited to include that information. The important thing in the bottom right picture is not that someone is asking to continue feeling someone up (how often are you supposed to ask??), but that their partner is clearly happy and relaxed.

Again, the issue is that you're going to turn people off (no pun intended) when you tell them that consent means always asking every single time to so much as kiss a partner. And since the book later clarifies that you don't always have to... why does it act like you do here?!

All in all, though, a solid start to the topic and I'm confident things will only improve from here. I wouldn't give this to someone, necessarily, but I can see recommending a later version.

I appreciate how this book highlights the importance of consent. 'A Quick & Easy Guide to Consent' serves as a great comprehensive source of information on the topic of consent. This book explores aspects such as setting boundaries, open communication, and situations that differentiate explicit consent and something that isn’t deemed as consent (for example, coercion, guilt/obligation, leveraging power, and so on).

The art style endearing and engaging. The narrator is non-binary, enabling this read to be more accessible for readers. Also, I liked how this book included definitions and a checklist which can be used as a guide or self-reflection exercise whilst including LGBQIA+ in the narrative.

Overall, this was an extremely great book with helpful information. This is a relevant read and I’d recommend this to both adults and teenagers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I read this book as a pre-release e-book obtained through NetGalley, provided by the publisher.

This attractive graphic novel is aimed at teens and pre-teens, although it has a message which is very important that people of all ages, sexes, genders, and abilities thoroughly understand. Affirmative consent, while it can make good sex into great sex, leaves out the “gray area” of willingness just above “no means no” or refusal and truly consenting. It can help prevent someone from accidentally crossing the line, if they know to get affirmative consent first, and can help the victims of these “gray area” violations from feeling wrong or guilty. It goes into everything from kissing through kink, and how to ensure you have affirmative consent at every turn or level – even recognizing that consent can be withdrawn at any time.

It goes into situations under which a person cannot consent, and having sex under those circumstances is always a sex crime. At the same time, discuss how consent can be given when verbal consent is impossible.

The book points out that many perpetrators of sex crimes – or consent violations – somehow manage to double-thinking it – they know they did not have consent while not considering it rape either.

In short - I LOVED IT, even though I'm well above the age of the target audience. It should be required reading for people in some societal blind spots regarding consent.

The book is initially fine but later one gets very annoying. I expected it to be a informative + fun read but guess I was wrong. Turns out it's just informative

This book explores consent and what does consent means through different (and inclusive) scenarios, and also explains some legal aspect (really interesting even if it's USA centered). It shows again and again how it is important to listen and learn how to read someone reaction, but also to listen to yourself.

This guide, alongside with the Guide to Queer and Trans Identities and the Guide to They/Them Pronouns, is a must read and should be available in every school/highschool.

I have personally learned a lot about the world through comics and in this day and age, I'm glad something like this exists for the younger generations to learn from too.

Admittedly, I didn't really need a guide to learn consent bec I've read a lot of good romances (and lived through some pleasant learning experiences heehee) but it was nice to read this and go through the lessons. They were presented really simple and straightforward, with side servings of fun story lines that was v entertaining to me as a whole. There were also few terms I thought I already knew, but I had to relearn again. haha. This is v helpful also for my romance writing (please don't roll your eyes, I'm still trying so hard to write, huhu) where I have to be more explicit with consent when telling my protagonists' stories.

I especially appreciate the inclusiveness and diversity of this comic, the clarity in the way the lessons were delivered, and to me, it p much covered all the important bases. Sargeant Yes Means Yes was also a really charming teacher-type character that I'm sure readers will have no difficulty loving, and the "students" they were educating were everyday people-types readers will easily relate to.

There were moments outside of the lessons that I really liked too.

Highly recommended bec consent is something everyone should learn and think about.
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*The eARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for free in exchange for an honest review. It doesn't affect my opinion of the book. Thank you.

I requested and received an e-ARC of this book from Isabella Rotman and Limerence Press through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I thought this book provided a wealth of knowledge about consent; how to give it, how to ask for it, and the types of consent that can be given. I also liked that this book did not skirt around sexual assault and provided further information regarding age of consent in America and Canada.

I really liked the checklist at the end of the book, that checklist is thorough and provides enough food for thought for both parties prior to engaging in any sexual activity.

This would make a great edition to any sex education curriculum.

A Quick & Easy Guide to Consent by Isabella Rotman was like a helium balloon with a hole. I had high hopes that it would reach the sky but it slowly sank to Earth. I'm in love with the idea of a quick and easy guide to consent but this was not it. There was nothing easy about it and honestly too quick to truly explain anything, more of a short story at less than 75 pages. The two biggest problems with this book were the Sarge and the words and phrases used. During most of the book you felt like Sarge was lecturing you about consent, I'm talking full pages of panels of him looking at the reader with big text bubbles. BORING. It reminded me of those bad PSA from the '80s. Sarge also used phrases and words that just confused the reader. Mind you this was not the first graphic novel I've read about consent and honestly I could barely keep up with Sarge. I did appreciate how it talked about that consent laws varied by state and country and that it was never the fault of a sexual assault victim.



1..5 out of 5 stars.



I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love these "Quick and Easy" guides. They are clear, honest and no-n0nsense. This one doesn't pull any punches or lean on euphemisms. It makes the topic very easy to understand. The art is clean and appealing--and the story is even fun!

Thank you Limerence Press and Netgalley for giving me an e-ARC of "A Quick & Easy Guide to Consent" in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a must-read for anyone looking for content that skillfully explains consent during sexual relationships. The book is in the form of a comic strip, with the main character as Sarge (referred to with they/them pronouns) who pops up during sticky times and guides the supporting characters through understanding consent and implementing it effectively.

This book broaches topics surrounding consent like non-verbal consent, sexual assault, emotional manipulation, lack of consent and dealing with it, consent when intoxicated and kink-consent with honesty and an all round clarity about it. This book is LGBTQIA friendly. At the end of this book, there is a detailed questionnaire and guide to understanding your own sexuality and figuring out your preferences. The questionnaire also makes it easier to share this info with your partner(s), considering that certain questions have answers broken down into categories like Giving / Receiving (for example: explicit photographs).

I also loved the artwork in the book, it brilliantly brought home many points that are crucial to this important discussion.

For my Indian followers who are looking to buy this book: this book has resources for USA laws for consent and various hotlines, so barring that, the rest of the content is perfectly relatable for discussions because consent is universal.

This was a nice, short graphic novel discussing the terms of consent, how to ask for it, when it is not/cannot be given and so on. I think it really is a good book, especially for older teens and young adults who are just starting their sexual life, in order to understand better how to communicate with their partner.
A thing I really liked was the checklist at the end. I found that really useful and might think about using it or something similar in the future.

This is another fantastic guide from Isabella Rotman. I'd love to hand this out in middle schools and bars alike, not to mention to my patients. The art is warm and welcoming, the tone sounds like a friendly pal, and the subject matter is comprehensive and inclusive.

One quibble: I'd love for future editions to specifically include PrEP on the checklist in the back! Second quibble: I'd also love a specific mention of medical consent in the beginning when showing non-sexual forms of consent, since so many people don't realize they still have the right to withhold consent in medical situations. Or maybe another book about that? I can consult! Isabella, message me...

I received a free electronic ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

"A Quick & Easy Guide to Consent" is an absolute treasure! All teens and adults should be reading this book. The concept of affirmative consent is explained and illustrated brilliantly. The checklists and further resources at the end of the book will be especially useful for anyone needing help figuring out how to apply the information in this book to their own situations. This is a book that I wish I could have had growing up. This topic can be difficult, but Isabella Rotman does an excellent job of handling it with clarity and compassion. Highly recommended for all collections teen and up.

Isabella Rotman has created a must-have, must-read for everyone on our planet! The graphic novel format makes the subject of consent approachable and easy to read, especially for teens, parents, and teachers who are finding this subject necessary in our continually-learning social climate. The level of representation in the depicted characters and relationships is encouraging. My favorite part, however, is the relationship communication guidelines and checklist included in the final pages of the book - this is a priceless tool that can help guide healthy communication for ALL relationships!

This informational graphic novel is perfect for inclusive, positive sex ed! The conversational tone and quick jumps between couples keeps things interesting while packing in a ton valuable of information. The bibliography also cites further resources for more thorough research.

The frank tone, content, and illustrated format will probably turn off more conservative readers(/adults thinking about giving the book to a teen in their life). I’m thinking the mentions of sex toys and consent-in-kink in particular. But all the topics are tastefully addressed in a non threatening, informative way.

Overall, a valuable book I wish I’d had as a teen!

ARC provided by the publisher—Oni Press—in exchange for an honest review.

The title of the graphic novel is a complete and accurate depiction of all that it contains. Through cute and simplistic illustrations, informative monologues, and numerous examples, Isabella Rotman provides a lighthearted but serious guide on consent.

There are a few things that I really appreciated. Rotman focuses on affirmative consent, rightfully placing the entire conversation of consent in a positive light. Furthermore, the characters we see span the continuum of skin color, body type, and preference. This obviously helps more readers see themselves in the narrative.

Our narrator, Sargent Yes Means Yes, can get pretty preachy at times. I kept thinking, as I was reading, that this would be a good YouTube series. It felt a little odd as a graphic novel as the visualizations didn't add much to what was being taught. I also noticed a few misspelled words that can hopefully be corrected before publication.

I've seen other reviewers suggesting this for teenagers. I wouldn't. I think some of the subject matters are too mature for teens and require greater sensitivity and more conversation than a graphic novel has the ability to provide.

Overall, it could serve as a useful starters guide for young adults who are interested in exploring the unfolding world of sex and sexuality.