bluenicorn's review against another edition
3.0
Well, I wouldn't call it "hilarious," but it was amusing and educational. Let's face it- one of her main points is that the whole world of womanly secrets is still so secretive and mysterious to women themselves. It's true... I was embarrassed to learn several things I had not known for sure. But the best part of this book is the vintage advertisements. They're throughout the whole book (which helps bulk up the length) and range from the old days (1800s) to old school (1950s douching literature). Even if you don't read the book, it's worth flipping through it to see the ads.
ashvaberle16's review against another edition
2.0
It was.. okay. It had some interesting information that had me praising the good Lord that I use cloth pads and the DivaCup. Also, the FDA sucks. Advertising companies suck. Everyone sucks. Including this author- mostly because there was too little information and too much side commentary that was as sassy as a peppercuino is spicy..
theflowerandthetree's review against another edition
3.0
Educational but didn't find it as hilarious as it lead on to be. There was a lot of information in this book that I felt I should already know but didn't, so enjoyed walking away from it with a better understanding of woman's history with this. Started out reeally slow.
danitrieskey's review against another edition
4.0
Nice merger of a coffee-table/conventional book. I remember being in 5th grade and all the girls constantly comparing notes to see who would get their period first. And of course, those who got it first graced the others with their sage advice. I also recall being informed that tampons are bad. This book did a great job of capturing all of this with a nice historical and sociological perspective. Enjoyed the vintage ad inserts. Scary to think of Lysol being used as a douche. Even had a nice section on female hysteria, a notion that was still used by medical professionals well into the 20th century.
smj322's review against another edition
4.0
I discovered this book because I was interested in the history behind the whole topic. It ended up being a pretty interesting and enlightening read. They make an excellent point that menstruation shouldn't be conceived as something disgusting and unwholesome, but rather something completely natural that women experience. This is something that I've believed for years. The book gave me a feeling of feminism and I think honestly if and when I have a daughter and she reaches puberty, I would encourage her to read this.
The tone is very personable and friendly, sort of like Seventeen Magazine or something. I thought it was cute.
The tone is very personable and friendly, sort of like Seventeen Magazine or something. I thought it was cute.
sharonfalduto's review against another edition
Cultural norms, rituals, and advertisements for fem care products highlight this immensely readable book about the taboo subject that affects half the world's population.
lumbermouth's review against another edition
BORING. Gave up, took it back to the library.
fluffdragon's review against another edition
2.0
Written far too casually, was weirdly anti-medicine for a book ostensibly about a bodily function, didn't acknowledge that not everyone is cis (try to contain your shock), and far too short to try to be a landmark book on the subject.
faintingviolet's review against another edition
2.0
NO. Don't read this one. Instead make a photocopy of the bibliography in the back and choose a few articles to peruse. Only worth reading if you are interested in a good collection of images from advertising about feminine care.
http://faintingviolet.wordpress.com/2013/04/16/flow-a-cultural-story-of-menstruation-cbr5-15/
http://faintingviolet.wordpress.com/2013/04/16/flow-a-cultural-story-of-menstruation-cbr5-15/