Always remember, your period is a superpower! Instead of dreading it, why not read books that can help you better understand – and appreciate your monthly cycle?
Here are three books about menstruation that we think you should add to your reading list!
The Period Book: A Girl's Guide to Growing Up By Karen Gravelle and Jennifer Gravelle
Do you remember that awful shower scene in Carrie, where she freaks out over the sight of blood? She literally thought she was dying and instead of helping her, Carrie’s classmates made fun of her while she cried in panic. The thought of a young girl in high school not knowing what menstruation is may seem ludicrous, but even at this time, there’s still not a lot of information available about menstruation, especially for young girls. In Carrie’s case, it was her mom who deprived her of that information and shamed her about her period.
What’s nice about this book is that author Karen Gravelle, wrote it with her 15-year-old niece, Jennifer. It’s written in a practical, easy-to-understand manner to help young girls, menstruators, and even parents to talk about menstruation in a clear, healthy manner. The Period Book guides readers through the physical, even the emotional changes that come with menstruation.
The Red Tent By Anita Diamant
Said to be the book that inspired the global Red Tent movement, wherein menstruators are given a safe space to talk about their menstrual cycle, The Red Tent tells the biblical story of Dinah, Jacob’s daughter.
The book shows the different struggles of women during ancient times – including menstruation. Dinah’s remarkable story, which was mentioned in the Bible – in a shocking narrative -- makes for a really interesting read in this touching reimagining.
Period Power: Harness your hormones and get your cycle working for you By Maisie Hill
Did you know that 90% of women experience PMS symptoms? These can range from bloating, fatigue, headaches, moodiness to more severe symptoms, like really bad cramps. While the menstrual cycle is typically a monthly occurrence, a lot of menstruators still lack the understanding and knowledge of what their body is going through during this time.
Either they’re scared or they feel awkward talking about it, but it’s essential for menstruators to get as much information about their bodies as they can to ensure good health. This book gives menstruators no-nonsense explanations about what happens during the menstrual cycle and how menstruators can best adapt to each phase. The author, Maisie Hill, is an acupuncturist, doula, and women’s health practitioner and gives menstruators great insight about the “cycle strategy” to help them get better control of not just their cycle, but of their lives.
The menstrual cycle is definitely very interesting and there’s so much to learn and talk about it. Reading books such as these is a great way to get started in being more comfortable with talking about it with your parents, peers, partner or your doctor.
Let us know if you’ve read any of these books or if you have book suggestions on menstruation and your menstrual cycle!