Sexing the Cherry contains graphic violence and sex scenes, mentions rape, and portrays oppressive gender roles in relationships. It will be necessary to have serious conversations with the class addressing things these subjects ahead of reading the book. The teacher should prepare the students for sensitive and possibly triggering content, reinforcing that the classroom, above all, will remain a place for respectful and understanding discourse. It might be helpful to have a broad discussion about sexuality and its role in healthy romantic relationships. It might also be helpful to discuss the role of violence in the context of both fantasy and history.
The questions provided for the...