A review by lattelibrarian
Our Red Book: Intimate Histories of Periods, Growing, & Changing by Rachel Kauder Nalebuff

4.0

Rachel Nalebuff has taken on the task of compiling stories about periods, menstruation, and menopause across various communities, generations, and demographics. Told through short essays, interviews, and comics, this book allows for a variety of stories to be told and shared. She believes that sharing these stories with each other is hugely important--even if our experience with getting our period is "welp, I got it one day and I've been bleeding once a month ever since." The purpose is to destigmatize what happens at some point to nearly half of the world's population.

For some, it was a joyous or neutral occasion. For others, it was terrifying and heart-wrenching. For others, it was stressful and difficult and menopause brought about a freedom they'd never felt before.

Certainly with a project of this scope, I didn't find every essay compelling nor did I totally agree with everyone's feelings regarding their periods--but that's okay! The point of this is to open our minds and understand where others might be coming from, from personal families to organizations looking to destigmatize such a common event in our lives.