How to Lose Your Virginity

By Shawn Wickens

Embark on a journey through the diverse and unpredictable landscape of first-time experiences with "How to Lose Your Virginity... and How Not To." In this candid collection of interviews conducted across North America, author Shawn Wickens takes you beyond the clich s, revealing the weird, nostalgic, and occasionally cautionary tales of individuals crossing the threshold into adulthood.

Contrary to the expectation of explicit details, these stories are a blend of humor, nostalgia, and genuine reflections on a pivotal moment. Wickens explores the myriad ways people navigate this "ground-breaking" event, from unconventional encounters to heartfelt connections.

Discover the universality of the human experience through stories that transcend time and resonate with both virgins and those who crossed this milestone decades ago. While some found it titillating and comedic, others appreciated the book as a fascinating exploration into the shared journey of growing up.

"How to Lose Your Virginity" challenges preconceptions and offers a window into the diverse tapestry of human sexuality.

Whether you're still anticipating your first time or looking back on it with a knowing smile, this collection is a celebration of the varied paths we take in discovering the exhilarating and sometimes awkward world of adult intimacy.

"...keep it on your nightstand for reading in bed. Come to think of it, after just a few excerpts, I practiced telling my own story. Aloud. To no one. Just so I could hear it."
- Keith, Amazon reviewer

"Amusing...sad....happy.....I found myself reminiscing about my own personal experiences. I would like to share some of these stories with my own teenager...to make him really THINK before acting"
- Rechel, Amazon reviewer

"I'll say this book should replace the inevitably awkward 'birds & the bees' conversation we have with our parents. That's right I said it "
- Shafeek, Amazon reviewer

From Kelsie Testa in Jerk Magazine: "A compilation of shocking yet heartwarming tales of orifices, secretions, and vulgarity that pleasantly ends in an orgasm. From condom follies to mixed-race orgies, Wickens proves that no formula exists when it comes to this seminal and 'ground-breaking' event....

Featured in the New York Daily News, The Huffington Post and Jezebel.com. Breakthru Radio calls How to Lose Your Virginity, "...an entertaining and enlightening read for virgins and non-virgins alike."

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1439269998
• ISBN13: 9781439269992
• Release Date: December 2009
• Publisher: Booksurge Publishing
• Length: 236 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.7" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

a view inside us all

There's a universality to a book like this that makes it very special. Whether you're still a virgin or whether you lost it 50 years ago, it's easy to connect to what the people in these vignettes were feeling when they crossed what is probably the biggest milestone in a young person's life. "How to Lose Your Virginity..." is presented in an easy, thoughtful, straighforward manner, that really draws you in one story at a time. I'll admit I found it a bit titillating at points with thankfully a lot more comedy than tragedy, but overall very much worth the effort. Don't expect a "how to" manual (though a few tips might be valuable), but its still a fantastic conversation piece as well as a fascinating window inside all of us. At one point I remembered thinking, "I wish my story was in there." and then I later realized it was. So is yours.

Interesting insight into human nature

I picked up the book for the prurient reasons most people probably will but I'm writing the review because I was surprised by the insight into human nature revealed by listening to so many people describe the same seminal event in their life. As I read through the book I began to realize that the actual circumstances and events in many of the lose of virginity stories had less to do with a person's emotional contentment with the experience than the lens through which they filtered their interpretation of those events. As a side note, the shorter blurbs in the gray boxes have some really funny moments and comments.

Everyone, But Especially Teens, Should Read This Book!

This is an excellent compendium of stories about losing one's virginity. The anecdotes are honest, truthful and oftentimes physically and emotionally painful. This book wasn't written with one-upmanship in mind -- it's about chronicling a fundamental rite of passage everyone shares. And Wickens has done well in his search for stories of all stripes. This book is perfect for bite-sized reading at the beach, the subway or the can. Better yet, keep it on your nightstand for reading in bed. Come to think of it, after just a few excerpts, I practiced telling my own story. Aloud. To no one. Just so I could hear it.

Seen these before, like this one best.

I checked after reading this to see how many of and what type of these books are out there, and noticed that these "loss of virginity" books come out every ten years or so. Some clinical and designed for academics and doctors, and others just about the deed. I picked this up (obligatory, more on that later) even after being disappointed with the play "My First Time", which was based on stories sent in over the internet. The play could easily have been filled with fake stories, no vetting, this is the real deal. This guy actually went out into the field and interviewed people, in a lot of different places. What amazes me most is how many people opened up to a complete stranger. Some of the stories are hilarious, and some downright tragic, but interesting across the board. A lot of Chapter 12 will break your heart, a lot of the rest will remind you of yours. Some sweet, some funny, always with a little extra from the author, who is an improv guy in NYC. Full disclosure: I know Shawn but didn't know what to expect of him as a writer. I only know him as a guy who is not afraid to climb out on a ledge (He works for me as a window cleaner in New York City). Crazy stuff. So...that having been said: Shawn, I'm duly impressed. This really is the real thing. I'll be sad to lose you when this thing takes off.