Virgin

Actual rating: 4.5 starsFor more reviews, Cover Snark and more, visit A Reader of Fictions.This review is going to be personal in a way that I rarely get on my blog. I’d feel more comfortable if any family members who happen to be reading my blog would please skip this one or at least have the good grace to not talk to me about it. I am not and probably never will be mature enough for that.Reading books like Losing It and Virgin is a very personal experience for me, as I am a 26-year-old virgin. I’m not waiting for something specific except for what feels like the right time for me. Though less abundant than slut-shaming, virgin-shaming is also prevalent in popular culture and I’ve always struggled with my own identity. I felt and still sometimes feel weird and behind, like there’s something wrong with me that I’ve ended up where I am. I’ve even idly (VERY idly) considered plans like Ellie’s: finding someone with the sole goal of not being a virgin anymore. However, I know myself well enough to know that’s not something I’m capable of, even though I do see the appeal of it.Books like Virgin attract me, but they also scare me, because oftentimes the message is that it is indeed better to get it over with and to join everyone else in the land of the penetrated. At the start, I was afraid that this is the sort of book Virgin would be, as Ellie ranted and raved about how fucked up she was because she’d never been fucked. Do not stop reading, PLEASE. Virgin is revolutionary in a way that it shouldn’t be; our culture needs books like this, which frankly discuss all aspects of female sexuality, so that women like me or not can feel more comfortable with who they are and their own personal time table.Ellie is sort of a stand-in for a woman of the modern world. She’s well-educated (in uni for English), attractive (though not model gorgeous), and has friends (not an outcast). She’s fairly average, which makes her incredibly relatable. She hates herself at the outset, the product of society’s messages. She hates herself for the same reasons I struggle to admit what shouldn’t be a shocking truth on my own blog. Everything in her life experience tells Ellie that there’s something wrong with her for having an intact hymen (though really this is a terrible indicator) and wants to fix that by finally having sex.As Ellie launches on this journey, there was a bit more of a bumpy start as she got into a fight with a friend, partly over jealousy that Lara pulled at a club when Ellie had the big plan. Again, don’t let this make you throw Virgin aside. Friendships will be mended stronger than ever. There’s so much kinship and female understanding in Virgin, as the girls open up to one another about all their secret fears.Virgin talks openly and honestly about vaginas. Ellie and her friend Emma end up starting a blog about their experiences as a 21-year-old virgin and a 21-year-old woman who is proud to be, in her attempt to reclaim the term as a positive, a slut. The blog is about vaginas and about sex. They discuss the state of pubic hair, masturbation, discharge, other body hair and things like that. They do so without shame and without letting the negative comments get them down. It’s so glorious. I was laughing and cringing regularly at Ellie’s mishaps, particularly Little Hitler. Then there’s the fact that Ellie’s internal monologues and concerns and fears are almost all things I’ve worried about in my time and I am just so glad that books like this one are starting to be published.Even better, Virgin isn’t really a romance. It’s an actual new adult novel about growing up in so many ways. She’s trying to finish her degree and figure out what to do after that. She spends a lot of time and energy on her quest to lose her virginity, yes, but she continues living a real life on the side of it. Her friends were always more important than whatever boy she was chasing. And, in the end, it’s a book about loving and accepting yourself. It’s about figuring out what you want and what makes you feel good about yourself and embracing that. Hallelujah.Virgin by Radhika Sanghani is brilliant new adult fiction in the inquisitive, comedic vein of The To Do List. It’s painful at times, incredibly awkward, exceedingly honest, and quite humorous. Highly recommended to those who want new adult fiction that is about more than romance.

*I received this book for free from Net Galley in exchange for an unbiased review.*

What can I say about this book?; I was almost embarrassed to read it. First of all, there were a number of editing and spacing errors that bugged me. It's definitely not great literature and I'll probably forget what it was about in a few days. But I must say that it was pretty funny and I laughed out loud a few times. Ellie was quite the character and I loved her. She was a drama queen but her story about shaving was hilarious, as were many of her "adventures". Many years ago I, too, was a 21 year old virgin and I had many of the same fears and concerns over it, just like Ellie. So I could relate in that sense. The dialogue was spot on and contemporary and believable. The author is a pretty good writer and should get even better as she gets older, since she is still so young. I might even read another book by her sometime. I was ready to give this my first negative review, but it was actually okay and entertaining.

I have to admit that I am not part of the target audience for this book. It's the story of Ellie, a 21 year old virgin trying to change that status. I am old enough to be her grandmother! The language in the book is detailed, explicit and informative - who knew what a Brazilian wax actually entailed. My generation still doesn't talk about things like that. This was a funny, occasionally sad, and enjoyable read. I recommend it!

While a lot of people may be turned off (pun unintended) by how blunt and crass this book is, this book is important. Girls talk about everything with their friends but we rarely talk about the ins and outs about sex (ok pun was intended there). Girls and women are really on their own when discovering their post-puberty bodies and the realities of sex.While there are some issues in the book (college senior doesn't seem very concerned about her future just sex) but the main theme is solid: We need to be more open about sex.

Ellie Kolstakis is 21 years old and much to her dismay she is still a virgin. After spending years listening to countless friends talk about their first times, friends with benefits and one night stands Ellie has had enough. She now has one goal and one goal only. Lose her virginity and lose it as soon as possible. She's over the cliches that your first time should be special and with someone you love. Screw the rose petals and the romantic music. She wants to get it over with and move on with her life. When she tells her friend Emma her plan and about her previously failed attempts, they both decide to start a blog vlog. Ellie will shares her worries and her insecurities and Emma (being more experienced) will share her stories and wisdom. Ellie's story is, in one word, hilarious. From the moment I picked it up I couldn't help but laugh hysterically. I loved how she could look back at something that at the time seemed disastrous and humiliating and just chuckle at it and move on. Her and Emma's vlog posts were probably my favorite part of the book, while writing about something most people would find embarrassing they found a way to make light of it while still answering questions and providing information to those less knowledgeable than them. While I thought it was a good read I felt like there was still something missing in it for me. Alas, it just wasn't my cup of tea. But it made a good tequila shot. Until next time,GingerIn compliance with FTC guidelines I am disclosing that this book was given to me for free to review. My review is my honest opinion.

Hilariously intellectual! Literally went out of the ball park. Just great.

First off, I would like to say that this something I would recommend to any young teenager or adult. Basically anybody with a vagina because although the title itself is called VIRGIN, it is just because it is told from that perspective, however, that person does have friends that are far from being a virgin, so it covers more ground. READ IT!. I can guarantee that this book will get you laughing and being able to relate to things most girls trip over on when it comes to this particular topic.

Oh! And this ain't no PG story, it goes into detail, not medically but physically and is not at all CORNY/PORN-Y.
The characters do kind of talk about porn and cliche stuff, and laugh and bond over having but many things to relate to. Shoot, I felt part of their discussion most of the time too!.

The funniest part for me that I cannot get over was their discussion about blow jobs/hand jobs and their not-so-great experiences when performing the sexual act. I have never laughed so much and so hard when reading a book. I had tears come down my face. I was so glad I read this within the privacy of my own bedroom. I would've had that awkward moment where you experience something huge in a book, but then you look around and everything is just peachy. Throughout reading I was able to relate to so many things. I would catch myself blurting out things like, 'me too' or 'I've done that before' or 'I' ve thought of that too', especially 'glad that's never happened to me before'. These characters were so great and out there, I never had a dull moment. I was constantly playing tug-of-war, I either wanted to hug'em or smack'em in the face. Then I'd stop and think about how I had once been in that situation or how easy it could've been me in that situation.

Also, if you are somewhat familiar with a few words such as snog, knackered, and mate, great. You'll immediately know it takes place somewhere like London. Which is what they say for kiss, tired, and friend. I'm American so I don't really hear those words but I did see a movie that had snogging as part of the title, I just can't quite remember the rest. And I had a pamphlet from a uni I had applied to over there soon, yeah.

FINALLY, this book is about Ellie and her ever-present V-card. Cherry. Whatever you called it, virginity. It is still intact, and she just wants to get rid of it, because she feels as if she doesn't fit in. She feels left behind. She has nothing holding her back from losing it. No religious restrictions, self-willing, not waiting til marriage or The One. She is just, "unlucky. "

It delves into her past experience with boys and her ignorant adolescent childhood. Now she is just wanting someone to find her attractive enough to release her from all the pressure she feels. Along the way, she gets help from her friends and sets out on her plan. Despite the fact that she is not totally focused on her last year at uni, she is too pressed with her V-issue. One night stands, arguments, and new friendships later she meets somebody. Progress! Things start turning up. But that does not last. She does mend her friendship, and begins another friendship that is totally worth mentioning because it's her first gay best friend!!!

Some things turned for the worst, but hey at least she got what she wanted.
Inn the end she finally comes to terms with things, albeit too late, but better late than never.

Overall, this was a fantastic read, absolutely enjoyed this book. I could not put it down once I started. Again, I recommend this funny insightful book, a must-have through and through.

This book is humorous take on an issue we all face in life, the losing of our virginity. The writing was well done but I had a difficult time connecting to the characters and some of the attitudes. While this book isn't necessarily for me others may find the humor on the subject entertaining.

BRILLIANT

That's all I can say about this book. Hilarious, brilliant, so very well written.

I love Ellie, and can't help but laugh at the trials and tribulations she goes through while trying to lose her V-plates. I had no idea it was that difficult for some people.

This book had me laughing and giggling. Radhika just has a way with words, and how she describes some of the situations is priceless.

I found this book to be similar to "Bridget Jones's Diary". Both stories take place in England. Both are written in a highly amusing style. Both are about a young woman, who is obsessed with having sex. In this case, Ellie is a virgin, and she is determined to change that. For help, she turns to a new girl friend who has had more than a little experience with the opposite sex, and is willing to do whatever she can to assist in this hunt for a man to remove Ellie's virginal status. Along with the focus on losing her virginity, Ellie and her girl friend share observations about things such as vaginal appearance, discharge, and pubic hair waxing; topics normally not discussed by most women. Being a writer, and a humous one at that, Ellie and her friend decide to write a blog about the virgin and the slut and how they have much more in common than would at first glance seem possible. The idea is for this book is great and the writing is funny and entertaining. It was a fast read, but I would have liked it a bit more if there were less focus on sex and the instruments of sex and more on the characters and their relationships. It is a bit shallow. I'm guessing that this book will have much more appeal to younger readers who will relate in many ways to the people in the story. I thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this title. Ms.Sanghani is a funny and talented writer. I look forward to where her writing goes in the future.

I would like to thank NetGalley & Berkley Trade for granting me a copy of this e-ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. Though I received this e-book for free that in no way impacts my review. Okay, I admit it…I didn’t do it.Yet.This is normal, right? I mean, just because everyone I know has talked like they’ve already done it doesn’t mean that they’re telling the truth…right?It’s not like I’m asking for that much. I don’t need the perfect guy. I don’t need candlelight or roses. Honestly, I don’t even need a real bed.The guys I know complain that girls are always looking for Mr. Right—do I have to wear a sign that says I’m only looking for Mr. Right Now?Sooooo…anyone out there want sex? Anyone? Hello? Just for fun?I am not going to die a virgin. One way or another I am going to make this happen.Hey, what have I got to lose? Besides the obvious.Imagine combining Sex in the City, Seventeen Magazine, Bridget Jones' Diary, along with a dash of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Then take the results and have them retold by an uber-sensitive twenty-one-year-old Greek woman who just happens to still be a virgin. Now throw in two best gal pals and a bunch of hysterically funny stories of past, and present, mortification suffered by said virgin, and you have the recipe for a great beach read.Ellie is obsessed with the fact that she's 21 and still has her V-plates as she calls them. She and her best friend Lara are constantly bemoaning the state of their lives, though we mostly hear about Ellie and her virginity. She is completely awkward around the opposite gender because all she can do is wonder who she can get to help her lose her virginity, and when she's close enough to a member of the opposite sex for that to happen all she can do is worry if she's doing something wrong. Is she kissing the right way? How do you give a hand-job? What techniques are required to give a blow-job?Ellie has set herself a deadline - she

will

lose her virginity before she graduates from university. . . in four months. Her conversations with best gal pals Lara and Emma range from desperate, to racy, to laugh out loud funny; usually all three within the same conversation. Ellie asks the questions that most of us have wondered and never asked ourselves. She faithfully believes in Google when it comes to learning all she needs to know about sex but was never taught in sex-ed, and shares her findings with her friends.The thing that makes this book stand out from all the other 'chick-lit' is its raw intensity, as well as it's no-holds-barred attitude when it comes not only to sex, but any other topic. And Ellie, Lara, and Emma are all distinct personalities, each bringing something unique to the table. Between these three women you'll learn all kinds of entertaining facts, often in the form of one of Ellie's disastrous attempts at dating, or even at a flat-out hookup.Funny thing is, like most things in life, we never appreciate what we have until it's gone. And that seems to hold true for most everyone, regardless of the situation. But getting to that point with the girls is more than entertaining. The things Ellie thinks of, and situations she gets herself into, could easily be any awkward young woman - Ellie is just more honest about them. A great afternoon of beach reading as long as you don't mind laughing out loud, and aren't embarrassed to share just what it is that's making you laugh!

I received this from Netgalley for an honest review. Nothing mentioned in the review are direct quotes from the book per instructions from the publisher.

Going into this book, I wasn’t sure if I would love it or hate it. I knew that it had promise to be uplifting, funny, and could probably help boost my self esteem. I knew that it could also be awkward, embarrassing, and make me feel weird about my body. Thankfully, it did the former. I got way more out of this book than I expected.

This book is for everyone that has ever been shamed for having sex and for everyone that has been shamed for not having sex. This book is for everyone with a vagina that they love. This book is for everyone with a vagina that they hate. This book is for everyone that has a completely different sex life than their best friend but wishes they had the same. There are so many aspects in Virgin. It was addicted.

First there was the humor. Ellie being addicted to her virginity and wanting to lose it was something that I think a lot of people her age can relate to. Her fascination with losing her virginity was entertaining. Her previous attempts at sexual things had me spitting out my drink from laughing so hard. I needed a book to make me laugh and Virgin delivered. The relationship she has with her vagina is one that I feel everyone with a vagina can relate to. I highly doubt there is really someone on earth that gladly goes to get a Brazilian. Virgin is a strong book for the same way that Emma and Ellie’s vlog was strong- because it talked about things we wouldn’t find elsewhere. I’ve never read another book that talked about vaginas in a way that didn’t make me uncomfortable and self conscious about it.

The stories that Ellie’s friends would tell her are things that happen to all of us. I think we’ve all had friends that were more advanced than us. We live for those stories and their dirty secrets.

Virgin sheds light on everything that a twenty-something goes through when it comes to sex for the first time. I love books that show female friendships as healthy. Ellie and Emma, even Ellie and Lara, have healthy relationships. They aren’t secretly hating each other but hang out because they feel they have to. The closer Emma and Ellie got, the happier I was that Virgin had two completely different people become such good friends. This was a very strong book with subject matter that isn’t seen often. We need more books like this. Virgin is honest, open, and hilarious.

There were no embarrassing parts either. I’m not sure if that’s because I have a vagina and many of the things talks about in the book are things that I’ve talked about or thought about, but I know that I never felt weird reading this book.

I truly hope that this book becomes popular, especially in the New Adult and Young Adult crowd. It’s unlike any book that I’ve ever read and that’s a good thing. I will definitely be looking for this in stores.

I truly believe that if this book doesn’t get big in the New Adult genre, then there is something wrong in the NA genre. This book is a must read for everyone with a vagina. And anyone that is interested in how women in their twenties feel about sex. This book had so much potential and it did not fail.

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

First, the title is self-explanatory of the story's plot. This debut novel is a courageous, witty and often humorous book which follows a 21-year-old university student who ruminates over losing her virginity. Since the author is not much older than the characters of which she writes, this novel would mostly appeal to that focus group. University students and graduates in their 20's still navigating the vicissitudes of life as they transition into the"grown-up" world. Narrated with cheeky British humor although I would advise that readers who are easily offended by foul language ( specifically the f--- word) and graphic descriptions of "private parts" (although written to demonstrate the inexperience of the protagonist in often humorous "situations") should skip this book.

I found that the flow of the story needed some re-arranging. The other side stories although interesting become insignificant after the main plot is revealed. I enjoyed the side stories but wished they were woven into the story a bit tighter so that I didn't feel as if reading the rest of the book was obligated.

Overall, it was enjoyable despite the character's often predictable "situations" which arise due to her naiveté.