Stained: an anthology of writing about menstruation

by Rachel Neve-Midbar (Editor), Jennifer Saunders (Editor), Kelly Russel Agadon (Contributor)

"The writers in Stained offer their menarche stories, sometimes magical, sometimes traumatic; their menopause stories filled with longings and goodbyes. But they are also writing all that comes in between, the stories spoken in whispers: the stains, blood-soaked sex, the babies wanted or not and the bleeding after. Endometriosis, PMDD, birth control, body dysmorphia—and many stories of medical mistreatment. Some of these writers see the blood of their bodies as an expression of their selfhood, an aspect of their own magic."

—From the Introduction by Rachel Neve-Midbar & Jennifer Saunders

Genres: Poetry, Feminism, Memoir

336 pages, Paperback

First published May 16, 2023

Reviews

[willow page · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a digital copy from Querencia Press in exchange for an honest review.

This anthology was insightful, poignant, and powerful - refreshingly shedding light on one of the most taboo topics in cisnormative patriarchy. I appreciated both the subject matter of menstruation being lifted from the cloak of shame, as well as the talent demonstrated by the anthology's many writers.

[Amanda Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this anthology! Really appreciated the breadth of experiences shared in these pages and the diversity in voices represented. Highly recommend to anyone and everyone.

[Jennifer Kanke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this book has an index to make it easier to find just the right piece to use with a class or workshop.

[Kelly Pramberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mix of short essays and poems all about periods! Super insightful and very creative writing from all types of women. Four stars. I enjoyed this a lot. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for the purpose of this review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had been in that original Facebook group where this excellent collaboration was conceived and birthed : words of life flowing forth, running from the minds and bodies of countless women.

The book carries pieces of each woman's soul inside. The stories and poems reach deep within the reader, tugging at emotions either long gone, freshly reincarnating those past shared experiences, or exploring moments currently being lived by others. If you've ever wondered if another female had similar experiences, thoughts or feelings, you'll learn someone has.
This book blows down the confines of the moon hut. The women have ceased whispering and are now speaking loudly in the village / town center.
You will never read a more authentic book. Thank you, Rachel Neve-Midbar, for this offering!.

I received a free copy of this book via Querencia Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sweet-Unicorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is "stained". It is a good and interesting anthology of poems all about menstruation. Perfect for anyone curious and for those who loves unique poetry. I received a free copy of this book via Querencia Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Paxton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is definitely one that was hard for me to get through the first page. It wasn't necessarily the writing as it was the topic. I thought I could get through it as the topic interests me. As someone who is in early menopause and still have theirs, I just couldn't get through it.

I received a free copy of this book via Querencia Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Feefs ˚♡˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book was incredible! I love how the true focus of it was to break the silence! I learned that this book originated from a Facebook post where women came together to write this masterpiece.

My favorite poem was "La Mancha En Mi Alma" - Algae. As a Hispanic who went through something similar I saw a lot of pieces of myself reflected in this poem.

I must say the stories did get a bit overwhelming because they only spoke about one main topic so I suggest taking your time with this book so you can absorb and be open to all the stories and experiences shared in it.

[Patricia McMillen · Rating 3 out of 5]

more than you needed to know

Being female myself, I found much of the writing in this book relatable and evocative, though there’s something unfinished about the collection as a whole.

[Alexis Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each story and poem is its own unique story and everything is written so well. It all encompasses what it means to have a period. The good, the bad, and the awful. One of the best things I've read this year.

[Maria Ejike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this memoir. For many years and today, women are still being silenced about menstruation, and it's amazing to have a work filled with personal anecdotes from across the world. Reading this felt like I was being understood, and it felt like a safe haven.