Scan barcode
theseasoul's review against another edition
slow-paced
2.0
|| 2 ⭐️ ||
Ehhh….
This book does offer some unique lenses through which to view the menstrual cycle. It goes way in-depth on what women often experience internally throughout the month. And yet it didn’t feel very grounded…in science, or at times, reality. I think that’s partially because there was a lack of discussion about the physical/hormonal aspects of the cycle, and partially because it was very spirituality-focused (in a way that I didn’t appreciate as a Christian). So, I did learn from some of the general tidbits regarding how to lean into and work with my cycle; however, it could’ve been greatly condensed if it hadn’t been saturated with so much weird spirituality. I’m tired of overly feminist books on cyclical living… the encouragement to self-worship is blatant and exhausting. Women are not goddesses just because we bleed and reflect the moon and the seasons in our natural rhythms. Personally, I believe these rhythms point to our Creator; He designed this framework for us to better accomplish the tasks He has set before us for His glory. They’re not there so we can focus on serving ourselves and evolve in our understanding of ourselves.
Also, while this book explicitly addressed women throughout, there was that dreaded disclaimer at the beginning of the book: “we recognize that not all women have periods, and not all those who have periods are women” or something along those lines. Another reason it wasn’t very grounded in science. Women, and only women, can have wombs and menstrual cycles. My trust in cyclical living advocates who deny this basic biological reality can only go so far.
There are much better cyclical living books out there.
aideeng's review against another edition
4.0
I wish I had had such a book as an ally when I started to menstruate! Really great and I can’t wait to dip back in and out as I move through my cycle - I’m even looking forward to my next bleed to see how employing awareness of my cycle will change that. The book takes you through the menstrual cycles and aligns these with seasons and the moods we tends to encounter at these times. At its core it teaches cycle awareness and application of the same, and to connect with each season with love, applying tenderness, kindness and time throughout each (in different ways).
I have a few minor criticisms - a few times in the book they mention further resources or two and it feels a little salesy. I’m particularly sensitive to this as I work in sales and it always makes me a little cynical. There are times when I do feel points could be made more quickly (though this could just be me entering my inner autumn), and while the book did come out a few years back now I do feel it seems a little dated when it comes to the experiences of Trans women - there is an acknowledgement at the start that they don’t have a lot of knowledge of the area but personally I felt this could have been given a little more thought or exploration.
I have a few minor criticisms - a few times in the book they mention further resources or two and it feels a little salesy. I’m particularly sensitive to this as I work in sales and it always makes me a little cynical. There are times when I do feel points could be made more quickly (though this could just be me entering my inner autumn), and while the book did come out a few years back now I do feel it seems a little dated when it comes to the experiences of Trans women - there is an acknowledgement at the start that they don’t have a lot of knowledge of the area but personally I felt this could have been given a little more thought or exploration.
thethuthinnang's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
I live with PMDD and this book has been immensely helpful in understanding what is happening to me and how to work with it.
bayreads's review against another edition
4.0
So I finished the book - I learned a lot and have become menstrual cycle aware. I had hard time to read a book that focused on the spiritual aspect of MCA. But then after watching some videos of the authors I could understand their viewpoints.
I was critical about those but when I learned that I am supposed to be critical in my current phase of the cycle, I sort of liked it. Some chapters had really good information. The autumn part is amazing and I could totally relate to that. I skipped, rather skimmed one chapter on partnership. Did I read menopause part? I cannot remember now. The ending felt awesome, not for the reason that I was menstruating that time.
Honestly, their writing is very good. I read from my iPad, so this format added a bit more pleasure into reading for me.
In short, 4 stars from me as I was more into learning something about the Menstruation cycle and the book did not disappoint me at all.
Positives :
Beautifully written.
Awareness around the cycle
Practical knowledge about dealing with inner critic
Negatives:
Some religious words are repeatedly (over)used (but at the right context)
5 chambers part is complex to understand
No fitness / exercise / diet related chapters
I was critical about those but when I learned that I am supposed to be critical in my current phase of the cycle, I sort of liked it. Some chapters had really good information. The autumn part is amazing and I could totally relate to that. I skipped, rather skimmed one chapter on partnership. Did I read menopause part? I cannot remember now. The ending felt awesome, not for the reason that I was menstruating that time.
Honestly, their writing is very good. I read from my iPad, so this format added a bit more pleasure into reading for me.
In short, 4 stars from me as I was more into learning something about the Menstruation cycle and the book did not disappoint me at all.
Positives :
Beautifully written.
Awareness around the cycle
Practical knowledge about dealing with inner critic
Negatives:
Some religious words are repeatedly (over)used (but at the right context)
5 chambers part is complex to understand
No fitness / exercise / diet related chapters
sophielrobinsonauthor's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Amazing, revolutionary. Essential reading for anyone with a womb or ovaries or who identifies as biologically female. Such wisdom and inspiration here within. Healed my PMDD!
martynahanna's review against another edition
5.0
Absolute bible, together with Period Power by Maisie Hill. These two together provide a perfect combo to learn the foundations of menstruality.