Member Reviews
I have been a fan of Casey Tanner for a long time now and this book did not disappoint. I particularly enjoyed the "aftercare" and journal prompts which really reinforced the purpose of this book which in my opinion is to participate in the conversation, not just absorb it.
This is a truly useful, compassionate, informative, broad view of not just sex, but the overall health and wellbeing of the person/s having it -- which makes this a unicorn among books about this topic. I've followed Casey on Instagram for awhile now and this is both a reflection of and an expansion of their. voice and community there. This is the book I wish I'd had when I was a teenager, but better late than never.
It's of particular interest to me as a queer person, but would be equally helpful for anyone wanting to examine their relationships past and present, and the person they want to bring to subsequent ones, "sexual" or not.
Feel it All was like watching Casey’s TikTok and then taking a nap in her brain. Would recommend for anyone in a queer relationship. It’s what I needed and I read it at the right time.
appreciate this nuanced but approachable look at sex from a sex positive and queer affirming POV! very readable but still educational, i feel like everyone would benefit from reading this no matter how you identify or what stage of life you're in
In her groundbreaking debut, "Feel It All," Casey Tanner presents a revolutionary framework for redefining our relationships with sex, dismantling societal norms, and embracing a holistic approach to sexual wellness. Drawing upon their extensive experience as a certified sex therapist and her personal journey of overcoming the shackles of purity culture and systemic queerphobia, Tanner delivers a compassionate and empowering guide that transcends traditional narratives surrounding sexuality.
From the outset, Tanner sets the tone for a deeply transformative exploration, weaving together trauma-informed insights, intersectional feminism, and mindfulness practices to navigate the complex terrain of human desire. Embracing themes of decolonialism and trauma-informed care, Tanner invites readers on a journey of self-discovery, urging them to shed the shame and misconceptions that have long hindered their ability to experience fulfilling and authentic intimacy.
Central to Tanner's approach is the notion of secure sexuality—an attachment-based framework that challenges conventional notions of "good sex,” inviting readers to reclaim agency over their bodies and desires. Through a fiercely decolonial and queer-centric lens, Tanner celebrates the diversity of human expression while advocating for reproductive justice and bodily autonomy rights for all.
One of the book's most compelling aspects is Tanner's emphasis on collective care and empowerment. Rejecting the individualistic models of healing that pervade wellness culture, Tanner advocates for community-centered strategies that foster solidarity and mutual support. In doing so, she confronts the pervasive myths of purity culture, heteronormativity, and the gender binary, offering readers a possible roadmap to navigate the complexities of desire, attraction, and relationship dynamics.
"Feel It All" is a testament to Tanner's unwavering commitment to anti-oppressive therapeutic practice and survivor-centered care. By unpacking the intersections of trauma, mental health diagnoses, and queerness, Tanner illuminates how systemic injustices shape our experiences of sexuality and intimacy. Through candid disclosures of their own journey as a survivor, Tanner creates a space of safety and validation for readers grappling with their own trauma and healing.
At the heart of Tanner's work lies a profound understanding of the somatic and neurobiological dimensions of sexual trauma. By exploring the intricate interplay between the autonomic nervous system and the brain, Tanner sheds light on how trauma manifests in the body and disrupts our capacity for intimacy. Through practical exercises and mindfulness techniques, she offers readers a path toward healing and resilience, emphasizing the importance of expanding one's window of tolerance and cultivating self-compassion.
In addition to its rich theoretical insights, "Feel It All" is replete with tangible suggestions, resources, and strategies for building more inclusive and affirming communities. Whether discussing sex accommodations for people with disabilities or critiquing the wellness industrial complex, Tanner encourages readers to interrogate the social structures that perpetuate harm and envision alternative futures rooted in justice and liberation.
In "Feel It All," Casey Tanner offers more than just a book—it is a beacon of hope and possibility in a world shaped by stigma and shame. With its compassionate tone, rigorous analysis, and actionable insights, Tanner's work transcends the boundaries of traditional therapy literature, inviting readers to reimagine their relationships with sex and embark on a journey of self-discovery and liberation. "Feel It All" is not just a guidebook; it is a manifesto for 21st-century sexual liberation—a testament to the power of community, resilience, and radical love.
📖 Recommended For: LGBTQIA+ Advocates, Trauma Survivors, Mindfulness Practitioners, Intersectional Feminists, Sexuality Educators, Fans of Sonya Renee Taylor's "The Body is Not An Apology,” bell hooks's "All About Love,” and Sherronda J. Brown’s “Refusing Compulsory Sexuality.”
🔑 Key Themes: Decolonialism, Trauma-Informed Care, Collective Healing, Mindfulness and Somatic Healing, Intersectionality, Anti-Oppression, Queer-Centrism.
Content / Trigger Warnings: Disordered eating (minor), suicidal thoughts (moderate), psychiatric hospitalization (moderate), sexual harassment (minor), sexual coercion (minor)
This is the book I needed when I was younger - heck, it’s a book I still needed today. This book is equal parts educational, therapeutic and vulnerable, and the reading experience ultimately made me feel less alone. I love the “aftercare” sections, the introspective prompts. The last book that made me think this much (in a good, transformative way) was all about love by bell hooks. Thank you Casey for writing it, and thank you Harper Collins and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book!
First I would like to thank the author and publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is not a book I would normally pick up, but I was curious and wanted to learn more. I had a hard time deciding how to rate this book because it's a good book. It's strucutred really well. I appreciated the "aftercare" sections at the end of each chapter and journalling prompts. However, it just didn't resonate with me. <i> Feel It All </i> is so much about your individual journey and experience with the book, so, for this reason, I gave it 3 stars.
However, I would recommend this book to people who are looking to reconstruct or imagine their relationship with sex. The one thing I will say I was craving was a more specific defintion of sex towards the end. I appreciate that everyone has a unique definition, but it's hard to reimagine your relationship with something that can't be defined.