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lattelibrarian's review
4.0
"Did you know? It wasn't until 1994 that the NIH mandated that most clinical trials include women."
Above is one of the fun facts that Williams, a black OB, writes for the end of each chapter. This book was exactly at my level. I'm pleased (though not smugly) to report that I was already aware of many facts in her book (women used to use Lysol as a douche/spermicide), and that I was completely ignorant of many others (there are 5 known vaginal shapes?? only 30% of what women menstruate is blood, the rest is tissue and mucus [which, sure, makes sense, but ONLY 30??])
Written as though a conversation between a doctor and her patient, she holds no judgement. Women aren't taught a lot of things about their bodies, and I'd personally go as far to say as though on purpose. She discusses how there are plenty of clinical trials about ED, but that it can take years, up to decades, for women to receive proper diagnosis. And from there? Well, who knows?
Williams gives names to all of our parts, explains what can happen when things go wrong. And even better, the penis is rarely mentioned. When it is, it is not in comparison, but instead in reaction to something a vagina does. For example, our pH levels help to kill off weak sperm so that only the strong and active have a chance at fertilization.
Though completely understandable if you don't want to read this one on the subway, it makes for the perfect couch-read, bath-read, kitchen-table-read, or bed-read. I don't think I've read a book about female anatomy that was so riveting and funny and ultimately charming. I've got a lot of love for my little lady, and it's nice to know that someone else is out there teaching others to love and know theirs, too!
Above is one of the fun facts that Williams, a black OB, writes for the end of each chapter. This book was exactly at my level. I'm pleased (though not smugly) to report that I was already aware of many facts in her book (women used to use Lysol as a douche/spermicide), and that I was completely ignorant of many others (there are 5 known vaginal shapes?? only 30% of what women menstruate is blood, the rest is tissue and mucus [which, sure, makes sense, but ONLY 30??])
Written as though a conversation between a doctor and her patient, she holds no judgement. Women aren't taught a lot of things about their bodies, and I'd personally go as far to say as though on purpose. She discusses how there are plenty of clinical trials about ED, but that it can take years, up to decades, for women to receive proper diagnosis. And from there? Well, who knows?
Williams gives names to all of our parts, explains what can happen when things go wrong. And even better, the penis is rarely mentioned. When it is, it is not in comparison, but instead in reaction to something a vagina does. For example, our pH levels help to kill off weak sperm so that only the strong and active have a chance at fertilization.
Though completely understandable if you don't want to read this one on the subway, it makes for the perfect couch-read, bath-read, kitchen-table-read, or bed-read. I don't think I've read a book about female anatomy that was so riveting and funny and ultimately charming. I've got a lot of love for my little lady, and it's nice to know that someone else is out there teaching others to love and know theirs, too!
bookendtobookend's review against another edition
5.0
Educational and informative. The author provided facts and stories from her patients to convey important information about the vagina. Highly recommended.
thebookkeepers's review against another edition
funny
informative
slow-paced
3.5
This one was hard to rate: information wise 5 stars. But it read as a text book to me (with some humor tossed in) as opposed to a novel. I’m not a huge nonfiction reader so take that as you will.
The historical information felt redundant after a bit midway and began to loose its original appeal. However, I think this would be a great resource to have on your shelf anytime you had a vagina related concern come up.
The author referred to the vagina as a “she” throughout and this language felt unnecessary to me and marginalizes those who have vaginas that don’t identify as female. So if that’s you, keep that in mind before jumping in. But like I said - very educational!
The historical information felt redundant after a bit midway and began to loose its original appeal. However, I think this would be a great resource to have on your shelf anytime you had a vagina related concern come up.
The author referred to the vagina as a “she” throughout and this language felt unnecessary to me and marginalizes those who have vaginas that don’t identify as female. So if that’s you, keep that in mind before jumping in. But like I said - very educational!
jshin9965's review
4.0
Such an informative book about vagina! At first, I thought I was getting some education on vagina health from Dr. Williams. It’s always good to have more knowledge on how to take care of your vagina, right? The more I read on, the more I realized vagina is closed related to societal issues we have today. I enjoyed her insight (and her writing) on many aspects of vagina and how to better take care of it. It is quite a quick read for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge on vagina!
Thank you to Netgalley and Greenleaf Book Group for giving me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Greenleaf Book Group for giving me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
zephsbooks's review
stopped reading this months ago n i kept falling asleep.....might try to pick it up once my cr lists aren't that hectic
amshofner's review
2.0
I really wanted to like this book, but it wasn't to be. It lacked inclusivity. There is no space in this book for anyone other than cis women. The author even uses she/her pronouns for vagina throughout the book. Also got anti-fat and acephobic vibes. Race is confined to an oddly placed chapter at the end, for example, where we learn about the true horror that J. Marion Sims inflicted on enslaved women, despite his name being mentioned neutrally earlier in the book. Would have liked a nuanced approach that highlighted racial and cultural issues throughout the book.
reyesreadingreview's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.75