Period

Reviews

"A Science News Favorite Book of the Year" "Period by the biological anthropologist Kate Clancy, hope[s] to draw our attention to menstruation and the often overlooked organ central to it. . . . Clancy hope[s] to encourage us to better appreciate this remarkable muscle. . . . Rather than greeting our periods with disgust, perhaps we should trade our revulsion for awe."—Yasmine Al Sayyad, The New Yorker "Give this book to everyone."—Aimee Cunningham, Science News "A bracing look at periods and how society lets down those who have them. . . . Clancy excels at outlining how sexism influences the production and process of science, as well as public understandings of research findings. The result is an urgent call to reconsider how periods are researched and discussed."—Publishers Weekly ""Revelatory. . . . Clancy's book will hopefully encourage more scientists to conduct more rigorous research on periods."—Rose George, The Atlantic "In energetic and funny prose, Clancy castigates Western societies, especially scientists and physicians, for menstrual stigmas both ancient and modern. . . . [Period] conveys a consistently positive view of menstrual blood, the menstrual cycle, and the bodies of people who menstruate. Looking for agency, optimism, power, and healing in menstruating bodies, Clancy demonstrates that, indeed, these qualities are there for those whose eyes are open to them. . . . A main theme throughout the book is that there is a diversity of menstrual experiences, and that is a good way for bodies (and people) to be. In the end, Clancy simply wants periods to be understood and respected for the remarkable biological process they are."—Lara Freidenfelds, Science "A Choice Outstanding Academic Title of the Year" "A Seminary Co-Op Notable Book of the Year" Expand reviews