betwixtthepages 's review for:

Period. It's About Bloody Time by Emma Barnett

4.0

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This book provides a very strong argument in the quest to normalise periods. (feels weird evening writing that bc isn’t it obvious that periods are normal?!) I found it very educational and shocking to read of the ridiculous stigmas that STILL surround menstruation, around the world but also here in the UK. I found it a little bit funny - but not laugh out loud. Mostly I found it eye-opening and it’s geared me up nicely for debates about the topic. The author has a plethora of examples, anecdotes and research to make this book an all-round great handbook. As a female who has periods, even I was shocked at how little I knew about them, never got taught it in school! But not only is it a great tool for women, I also would encourage men to read this one too - if only to tease out some empathy! Barnett covers SO many topics including period poverty, period sex, menopause, and endometriosis to name a few! I was constantly picking out great quotes to highlight and repeat to my family, who were all equally as shocked! I will also say that I usually find non-fiction books a drag to read - but this was anything but! Insightful and honest - it was a pleasure to be a part of beating the period taboo