Publishers Weekly
05/10/2021
Novelist Diamant (The Red Tent) examines all things menstrual in this expansive collection of anecdote, history, and pop culture criticism. Spurred by the documentary of the same title (a producer of which asked Diamant to write “a book about menstruation”), Diamant traces the development of “period-positive” movements that aim to recognize the “full humanity of women and girls and everyone who menstruates.” In “Shame,” she details harrowing stories of period-related embarrassment around the world (in New Zealand and Australia, for instance, more than half of the teenage girls interviewed said they’d rather “fail a school test than have their classmates know they’re on their period”). “Period Poverty and the Tampon Tax” covers the economic toll of menstruation (“menstruators spend $17,000 during their lifetime” on period products), and “Indigenous Wisdoms” offers examples of cultures in which periods aren’t shrouded in secrecy, such as the Hupa’s celebratory Flower Dance. The wealth of information and anecdote can feel disjointed at times, but the effect is powerful nonetheless, and lands as a repository of information rarely in the spotlight. For young women, especially, this will provide a fascinating look back and powerful impetus to work for a shame-free future. Agent: Amanda Urban, ICM Partners. (May)
From the Publisher
"Period. End of Sentence. [is] filled with rich personal testimonies, details on political organizing strategy, and Diamant’s own wisdom on issues ranging from religious rituals surrounding menstruation to pop culture celebrations of periods to menstrual product marketing critiques... Diamant knowingly and lovingly represents it all—with the keen eye of a reporter, the soul of a storyteller, and the voice of a trusted narrator. Her commitment to social justice and dignity for all shines through."—Marie Claire
"The Pad Project documentary, directed by Rayka Zehtabchi for Netflix, chronicled efforts to make menstrual pads accessible in the Hapur district outside New Delhi. Here Diamant continues that effort around the world, by posing questions of dignity, justice and access, and documenting the ongoing efforts of organizations to address them... This hopeful celebration of menstruation will be a useful tool for raising awareness."—The New York Times Book Review
"[A] scorching and utterly unforgettable read ... Brandishing a stunning array of statistics and sharing stories from around the world of girls and women in every social circumstance, Diamant delivers a withering account of how menstruation has led to humiliation, threats, and on more than one grim occasion, even death ... This is a barn burner of cultural analysis that never strays from the preventable suffering at its core. A life-improving title that should be made as widely available as possible."—Booklist (starred review)
"Period. End of Sentence. shines the spotlight on menstrual injustice and how it limits opportunities, damages self-esteem, and even threatens the lives of girls and women all over the world. Inch by inch we can lessen the gender gap and this book provides a leap in the right direction.”—Danai Gurira, award-winning actress, and UN GoodWill Ambassador, and Founder of Love Our Girls
"You may not know it yet, but you’ve been waiting for this book. Smart, accessible, funny, hopeful, it offers a fresh look at culture, politics, biology, and social change. And it speaks to many generations – my 14-year-old daughter nabbed my copy before I even had a chance to read it.”—Judith Rosenbaum, PhD, CEO Jewish Women's Archive
“The perfect ‘go-to’ resource for emerging activists across the globe.” —Judy Norsigian Co-founder, Our Bodies Ourselves
"Breaking down the stigma and taboos attached to menstruation, while pushing for the right policies to be implemented, needs to become a daily conversation. If not, it’s a disservice to future generations. Hats off to Anita Diamant for taking the period conversations a step further and to The Pad Project for their incredible work in bridging the Menstrual Equality gap! Period. End of Sentence. is a must read"—Janet Mbugua, Founder Inua Dada Foundation Author, Media Personality
"Menstruation, overlooked by most cultures, is starting to be recognized for what it is – an issue of human rights. Period. End of Sentence. illuminates the history and impact of this essential, normal biological function, hiding right in our midst. It opens a doorway to menstruation for the mainstream world in ways that few others have."—Nancy Muller, Senior Global Health Expert
“This vital book busts myths, disrupts misinformation and inspires with its narratives of resourcefulness and resistance in the face of menstrual stigma and shaming. Armed with the shocking facts and figures of period poverty, marginalization, and silencing, readers everywhere should join the young activists Diamant celebrates here in the movement for menstrual justice. The global struggle to overcome this fundamental barrier to gender equality, health and human rights is long overdue.”— Susannah Sirkin, Director of Policy/Senior Advisor Physicians for Human Rights
"Brilliant, tenacious, and inspiring: Period. End of Sentence. is a call to arms in the battle against discrimination, stigmas, and gender inequality many menstruators around the world face. Only together can we embrace the beauty of the menstrual cycle of life." —Princess Sarah Culberson, Cofounder of Sierra Leone Rising
“A brilliant and needed critique of an often taboo cornerstone of patriarchy—the shame, stigma and cost of menstruation. Menstruation, and the lack of sanitary products, is one reason many girls around the world leave school. A fairer world is recognizing this important piece in the struggle for reproductive health and justice. Menstruation is healthy, a critical element of reproductive health, and a gateway to the power to create life. Period. End of sentence.” —Joia S. Mukherjee, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School and Chief Medical Officer, Partners in Health.
