We're living in an increasingly sexualized world, and the young--particularly young women--must deal with the consequences. Kids are having more sexual contact than ever, and at an earlier age. They call it "hooking up"--but, according to journalist Stepp, even those who use the term are vague about its meaning--anything from an innocent kiss to sexual intercourse. Stepp followed three groups of young women (one in high school, two in college), sat with them in class, socialized with them, listened to them talk, and came away with some disturbing insights, including that hooking up carries with it no obligations. Relationships and romance are seen as messy and time-consuming, and love is postponed--or worse, seen as impossible. Some young women can handle this, but many can't, and the result is a generation of young people stymied by relationships and unsure where to turn for help.

Hooking up: what it means (Jamie's story) -- What it looks like, what it feels like. High school (stories of Sienna, Anna, Mieka) ; College (Nicole's story) -- How we got there. Feminism (Shaida's story) ; Parents and the greenhouse effect (Cleo's story) ; The college environment (Victoria's story) -- Hooking up: Why it matters (Alicia's story) -- A letter to mother and daughters.