📖 Overview
Emily Nagoski is a sex educator, researcher and author known for her work on female sexuality, relationships, and stress management. Her academic background includes a Ph.D. in Health Behavior with a concentration in human sexuality from Indiana University.
Her 2015 book "Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life" became a New York Times bestseller and has been translated into multiple languages. The book examines female sexuality through the lens of scientific research and challenges common misconceptions about arousal, desire, and sexual response.
Nagoski serves as a faculty member at Smith College, where she teaches courses on women's wellbeing and sexuality. Her work has expanded to include research on burnout, leading to the 2019 publication of "Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle," co-authored with her sister Amelia Nagoski.
Her writing and research frequently appear in major media outlets and scientific publications, where she addresses topics ranging from sexual health to emotional regulation. She regularly conducts workshops and speaks at conferences, translating complex scientific concepts into accessible information for general audiences.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Nagoski's ability to explain complex scientific concepts about sexuality and stress in clear, relatable language. On Goodreads, many highlight how "Come As You Are" helped them understand their bodies and sexual responses better. Reviews frequently mention the book's inclusive approach and evidence-based information.
What readers liked:
- Research-backed content with practical applications
- Humor and conversational writing style
- Destigmatizing approach to sexuality
- Clear explanations of brain science and body responses
What readers disliked:
- Repetitive content in both books
- Too many metaphors and analogies
- Focus primarily on cisgender women's experiences
- Some find the tone too informal for serious topics
Ratings across platforms:
- Come As You Are: 4.3/5 on Goodreads (50,000+ ratings), 4.7/5 on Amazon
- Burnout: 4.2/5 on Goodreads (40,000+ ratings), 4.6/5 on Amazon
One reader noted: "Finally, science-based information without judgment or shame." Another criticized: "Good information buried under excessive metaphors and repetition."
📚 Books by Emily Nagoski
Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life (2015)
An exploration of female sexuality through the lens of neuroscience, psychology, and sex research.
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle (2019) A scientific examination of stress, emotional exhaustion, and burnout in women, co-authored with Amelia Nagoski.
Come As You Are Workbook (2019) A companion workbook featuring exercises and activities based on the concepts presented in Come As You Are.
Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life (Revised and Updated) (2021) An updated version of the original text incorporating new research and expanded discussions of gender identity and sexuality.
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle (2019) A scientific examination of stress, emotional exhaustion, and burnout in women, co-authored with Amelia Nagoski.
Come As You Are Workbook (2019) A companion workbook featuring exercises and activities based on the concepts presented in Come As You Are.
Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life (Revised and Updated) (2021) An updated version of the original text incorporating new research and expanded discussions of gender identity and sexuality.
👥 Similar authors
Brené Brown writes about vulnerability, shame, and human connection based on her research as a social worker and professor. Her work examines how people build resilience and authentic relationships through embracing imperfection.
Bessel van der Kolk focuses on trauma's effects on the body and mind through a neuroscience lens. His research connects physical and emotional responses while providing frameworks for healing from trauma.
Kristin Neff studies self-compassion and its role in mental health and relationships. She combines research findings with practical exercises for developing kinder self-talk and emotional regulation.
Daniel Siegel explores interpersonal neurobiology and how relationships shape brain development. His work bridges attachment theory with neuroscience to explain human behavior and emotional patterns.
Lisa Feldman Barrett researches emotions and how the brain constructs emotional experiences. She challenges traditional views of emotions while providing evidence-based perspectives on how feelings work in the body and mind.
Bessel van der Kolk focuses on trauma's effects on the body and mind through a neuroscience lens. His research connects physical and emotional responses while providing frameworks for healing from trauma.
Kristin Neff studies self-compassion and its role in mental health and relationships. She combines research findings with practical exercises for developing kinder self-talk and emotional regulation.
Daniel Siegel explores interpersonal neurobiology and how relationships shape brain development. His work bridges attachment theory with neuroscience to explain human behavior and emotional patterns.
Lisa Feldman Barrett researches emotions and how the brain constructs emotional experiences. She challenges traditional views of emotions while providing evidence-based perspectives on how feelings work in the body and mind.