In A to (almost) Z format, from “Aaah” to “Yeast Infection,” Jane Pavanel provides insightful information that tells all about the human body and how sex works. Teens and young adults should get their hands on this clever “alphabet of smarter love.”

Why is The Sex Book clever? Because Pavanel has looked into the feelings, expectations, ideas and values of teenagers and has come up with something that speaks directly and frankly to them.

The book can be read cover to cover or used as a reference tool. Nothing seems omitted, not even lesser-known terms like “frenulum” and “molluscum contagiosum.” Weightier topics like sexually transmitted diseases and infections are given plenty of space, as are old favourites like French kissing and hickies, which are spiced with humour: “If the French kissing is good, where the saliva is going is the last thing on your mind.”

The real zinger is “Aaah.” As Pavanel writes, “‘Aaah’ is about satisfaction and pleasure and feeling right about what you’re doing and who you’re doing it with, whatever your age, whatever your sexual orientation.” mRb