What do you think?
Rate this book
The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding on a Tuesday
Delia Bridges is striving to become the compassionate doctor she's been unable to find in her journey to diagnose her excruciating period pain--but when a single rule-breaking incident jeopardizes her future, she must find a way to reclaim her dreams in this funny, period-positive novel.
High school senior Delia Bridges has the most amazing mom and sister, a killer GPA--and periods that are so painful they make her scream, pass out, and throw up. Though she doesn't know it yet, Delia has endometriosis, an affliction plaguing millions of people that is notoriously difficult to diagnose.
Pain makes everything harder, but Delia is just one semester away from graduating from Stockwood Prep and pursuing her dream of become the kind of doctor she's never one who takes her symptoms seriously. But when she breaks a rule for the first time ever and is caught using marijuana at school to manage her pain, Delia is expelled.
Her expulsion jeopardizes her college acceptance, her planned mentorship, and everything she had carefully planned for years. Without her academic success and no closer to a diagnosis, is Delia anything more than her period?
High school senior Delia Bridges has the most amazing mom and sister, a killer GPA--and periods that are so painful they make her scream, pass out, and throw up. Though she doesn't know it yet, Delia has endometriosis, an affliction plaguing millions of people that is notoriously difficult to diagnose.
Pain makes everything harder, but Delia is just one semester away from graduating from Stockwood Prep and pursuing her dream of become the kind of doctor she's never one who takes her symptoms seriously. But when she breaks a rule for the first time ever and is caught using marijuana at school to manage her pain, Delia is expelled.
Her expulsion jeopardizes her college acceptance, her planned mentorship, and everything she had carefully planned for years. Without her academic success and no closer to a diagnosis, is Delia anything more than her period?
304 pages, Hardcover
First published June 17, 2025
25 people are currently reading
3889 people want to read
About the author
Kelsey B. Toney
2 books17 followersUSA Today bestselling author Kelsey B. Toney writes humorous, heartfelt stories about the hope that exists after our most laughably bad decisions. In past lives, Kelsey has been a teacher, recording artist, and actress—always in pursuit of connection through art and empathy. Learn more at kelseybtoney.com, on her podcast, or in her newsletter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
June 13, 2025
💯🎓HIGH SCHOOL IS HARD. PERIOD💯🎓. The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding On A Tuesday written by Kelsey B. Toney was raw, gritty, beautiful, heart breaking, real, powerful, and truthful. I have never read such a relatable book before, my jaw was literally on the floor after reading this heart wrenching story. As women, we all know periods suck, they are the absolute worst whether they are painful or not, they can ruin your day within a blink of an eye. Kelsey Toney broke my heart with this book, I can't believe there are doctors out there who tell women and young girls to get over it, every female has their period, when they are literally bawling their eyes out because it's so painful sometimes. I can't recommend this book enough, The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding On A Tuesday is for all of my girlies who have or had endometriosis. I hear you. I see you. I feel you, but just know your period doesn't define you as a woman. Even if you have never had endometriosis, I truly believe this book is so important to read because it honestly taught me so much even though I've had my period since I was eleven years old. If any of you decide to read this book, please don't skip over the author's note, I think it's so important to read because it truly speaks for every female out there. If you are interested in reading this book, which I highly recommend everyone should, please mark your calendars of June 17th, 2025 because The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding On A Tuesday is such an eye opening book you don't want to miss out on. Ugh, I'm getting so emotional writing my review because of how powerful, inspiring, and heart breaking this story was. 💅🌹I absolutely love love love women empowerment so much, it's truly a beautiful thing to witness💅🌹.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND RANDOM HOUSE CHILDREN'S FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!!
💌💝For anyone who's ever had a really great day ruined by a really bad period, this one's for you💌💝.
"💓😭You know you can be brave and still cry💓😭".
"🖕Ibuprofen can suck it, it does nothing🖕".
"💗💫Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end💗💫".
"💖👯Best friends get to say the hard stuff, that's the deal💖👯".
"😍😭I have learned that sometimes beauty hides in ruins😍😭".
Delia Bridges is a certified card carrying overly emotional lifelong drama queen. Elvira, Delia's period- is the single literal worst part of her life. Delia has periods that are so painful they make her scream, pass out, and throw up, she has been to seven doctors in six years and she still doesn't know anything more than she did when she was twelve years old, the doctors tell her every female has a period and just gives her birth control pills and over the counter Tylenol for pain. Nobody believes her when she says the pain doesn't feel normal, it's truly heart breaking that doctors prescribed this poor girl pills when she told them they didn't work. Delia got her first period when she was twelve years old in sixth grade on Valentine's Day. Sometimes the pain is bearable, but other times it hits at the most unexpected times and completely ruins her day. My heart just breaks for this poor girl, I wanted to just reach into my kindle and give her the biggest hug ever, she's so brave, it just broke my heart when she described her pain to her doctors and they just gave her birth control pills when she literally told them numerous times that they don't do anything for her. Delia, girl, you are one brave soul and your story was deeply inspiring and powerful. I can't even tell you how many tears my kindle absorbed while I was reading this heart breaking story. Since first starting her period, Delia's life has been flooded with apologies for being a burden, for needing help, for missing out, and for messing up plans. I'm sorry, but no female should ever have to apologize for having their period, it's just a part of life, some might have it worse than others, but I don't think we owe anyone an apology.
Delia attends Stockwood Prep, which is a pre-med mentorship program, she's a month away from graduation when she faces expulsion for bringing marijuana to a medical ceremony. Reagan, Delia's little sister has a secret weapon for Delia's period pain- a vanilla flavored weed tincture. Delia faces expulsion for bringing the tiny bottle of pot to the ceremony and for being under the influence of illegal pot. At just seventeen years old with a killer 4.3 GPA, Delia gets an early acceptance into Gleeson University in Boston which is the school of her dreams, but after having pot at school, Delia's dreams of attending this school are thrown away. Delia wants to become the best gynecologist in the world because the medical community was all too willing to say her condition was just a girl being dramatic. After being expelled, Delia returns to Blythe High School to earn the rest of her credits. Ruby Walker and Delia Bridges are reunited at Blythe after an embarrassing birthday pool party made them have a falling out. As she returns to school, Delia meets Caleb who held Delia's hair back while she was throwing up on the side of the road on her first day back at school. After meeting Caleb, Delia just pushes him away when she doesn't feel good, but like an angel, Caleb is always there to help Delia when she needs it the most. I seriously applaud Caleb for being so sweet and for being there for Delia when he had no clue what was going on. After meeting with the right doctor, Delia finds out she has stage three endometriosis on her bladder, intestines, and her stomach. My heart is just broken, this girl shouldn't be feeling tired of being a chore and a burden when all she needs is the right doctor to diagnose her severe condition. After hearing Ruby's story- Delia's friend, my heart broke all over again.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND RANDOM HOUSE CHILDREN'S FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!!
💌💝For anyone who's ever had a really great day ruined by a really bad period, this one's for you💌💝.
"💓😭You know you can be brave and still cry💓😭".
"🖕Ibuprofen can suck it, it does nothing🖕".
"💗💫Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end💗💫".
"💖👯Best friends get to say the hard stuff, that's the deal💖👯".
"😍😭I have learned that sometimes beauty hides in ruins😍😭".
Delia Bridges is a certified card carrying overly emotional lifelong drama queen. Elvira, Delia's period- is the single literal worst part of her life. Delia has periods that are so painful they make her scream, pass out, and throw up, she has been to seven doctors in six years and she still doesn't know anything more than she did when she was twelve years old, the doctors tell her every female has a period and just gives her birth control pills and over the counter Tylenol for pain. Nobody believes her when she says the pain doesn't feel normal, it's truly heart breaking that doctors prescribed this poor girl pills when she told them they didn't work. Delia got her first period when she was twelve years old in sixth grade on Valentine's Day. Sometimes the pain is bearable, but other times it hits at the most unexpected times and completely ruins her day. My heart just breaks for this poor girl, I wanted to just reach into my kindle and give her the biggest hug ever, she's so brave, it just broke my heart when she described her pain to her doctors and they just gave her birth control pills when she literally told them numerous times that they don't do anything for her. Delia, girl, you are one brave soul and your story was deeply inspiring and powerful. I can't even tell you how many tears my kindle absorbed while I was reading this heart breaking story. Since first starting her period, Delia's life has been flooded with apologies for being a burden, for needing help, for missing out, and for messing up plans. I'm sorry, but no female should ever have to apologize for having their period, it's just a part of life, some might have it worse than others, but I don't think we owe anyone an apology.
Delia attends Stockwood Prep, which is a pre-med mentorship program, she's a month away from graduation when she faces expulsion for bringing marijuana to a medical ceremony. Reagan, Delia's little sister has a secret weapon for Delia's period pain- a vanilla flavored weed tincture. Delia faces expulsion for bringing the tiny bottle of pot to the ceremony and for being under the influence of illegal pot. At just seventeen years old with a killer 4.3 GPA, Delia gets an early acceptance into Gleeson University in Boston which is the school of her dreams, but after having pot at school, Delia's dreams of attending this school are thrown away. Delia wants to become the best gynecologist in the world because the medical community was all too willing to say her condition was just a girl being dramatic. After being expelled, Delia returns to Blythe High School to earn the rest of her credits. Ruby Walker and Delia Bridges are reunited at Blythe after an embarrassing birthday pool party made them have a falling out. As she returns to school, Delia meets Caleb who held Delia's hair back while she was throwing up on the side of the road on her first day back at school. After meeting Caleb, Delia just pushes him away when she doesn't feel good, but like an angel, Caleb is always there to help Delia when she needs it the most. I seriously applaud Caleb for being so sweet and for being there for Delia when he had no clue what was going on. After meeting with the right doctor, Delia finds out she has stage three endometriosis on her bladder, intestines, and her stomach. My heart is just broken, this girl shouldn't be feeling tired of being a chore and a burden when all she needs is the right doctor to diagnose her severe condition. After hearing Ruby's story- Delia's friend, my heart broke all over again.
April 3, 2025
It’s hard to explain what I would have given to have had this book anytime in the last 20+ years.
I have never felt more seen in a book, and in most situations actually, as I did while reading this.
Delia has painful periods. Except it’s not just painful period. This was my story and so many others. The symptoms, the lack of compassion and understanding from doctors. The being made to feel like you are crazy because they tell you that your fine but no part of your body feels fine. The constant battle to try and function because of the endless pain.
This book would have been a lifeline for me growing up. To know I wasn’t alone. To know that there could be hope. To help me keep fighting for answers and relief.
Twenty years later and I’m the most pain free I have been since my first period. But this book, this would have made those twenty years a lot less lonely.
Pub Date: June 17
Thank you penguinteen for the earc. 🤍🤍
If you or someone you know has ever had a period, then you should read this book.
I have never felt more seen in a book, and in most situations actually, as I did while reading this.
Delia has painful periods. Except it’s not just painful period. This was my story and so many others. The symptoms, the lack of compassion and understanding from doctors. The being made to feel like you are crazy because they tell you that your fine but no part of your body feels fine. The constant battle to try and function because of the endless pain.
This book would have been a lifeline for me growing up. To know I wasn’t alone. To know that there could be hope. To help me keep fighting for answers and relief.
Twenty years later and I’m the most pain free I have been since my first period. But this book, this would have made those twenty years a lot less lonely.
Pub Date: June 17
Thank you penguinteen for the earc. 🤍🤍
If you or someone you know has ever had a period, then you should read this book.
October 13, 2024
I’m one of the lucky people who got to read this book first, before it’s published, because Kelsey is my critique partner and best friend. This review isn’t biased, though: she is those things because she’s smart, brave, talented, funny, earnest, driven, and caring—all of which are on full display in this novel.
Delia is like if Rory Gilmore made one bad choice that changed the whole plan—relatable. Through her struggles, we experience a world that all too many women, girls, and marginalized people know firsthand, of invisible and under researched illnesses and doctors who don’t take our symptoms seriously. Delia wants to be one of the people fighting to change the system, but will her own medical issues hold her back?
Emotional, hilarious, fun, and important, The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding on a Tuesday brings period conversations to the table for every person impacted, which is all of us.
Delia is like if Rory Gilmore made one bad choice that changed the whole plan—relatable. Through her struggles, we experience a world that all too many women, girls, and marginalized people know firsthand, of invisible and under researched illnesses and doctors who don’t take our symptoms seriously. Delia wants to be one of the people fighting to change the system, but will her own medical issues hold her back?
Emotional, hilarious, fun, and important, The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding on a Tuesday brings period conversations to the table for every person impacted, which is all of us.
December 6, 2024
This is my book! I recommend it!
December 23, 2024
Once I started reading this book, I truly could not put it down. We're shown the life of Delia Bridges, a straight A high schooler with big dreams and nothing stopping her.... except for her own body. She goes through excruciating pain that could go off at any moment, and no professional wants to believe her. Through a series of unfortunate events, Delia sees her carefully constructed plans and life goals go up in flames. How can she get her life back on track?
Delia's struggles and mishaps had me on an emotional rollercoaster. I don't think I've had such visceral reactions to a book in such a long time. While not everyone may have the same exact experience as her, Delia's story invokes so much empathy. Her experience is so real, and I truly feel like anybody would be able to relate.
This book does a great job in relaying extremely important and relevant messages in a highly relatable way. I truly had a great time reading this.
Delia's struggles and mishaps had me on an emotional rollercoaster. I don't think I've had such visceral reactions to a book in such a long time. While not everyone may have the same exact experience as her, Delia's story invokes so much empathy. Her experience is so real, and I truly feel like anybody would be able to relate.
This book does a great job in relaying extremely important and relevant messages in a highly relatable way. I truly had a great time reading this.
June 1, 2025
This is one of the best depictions of chronic pain I have ever read. And I have read quite a few. Toney does not sugarcoat the experience of being disabled and gaslit by medical professionals, especially as a teenage girl. I know this book is going to become so so important to some readers out there, and may even save a life.
TW: Chronic pain (IBS and endometriosis); Medical gaslighting; Vomiting (moderately graphic); Marijuana use; Ableism (contested); Car accident; Anxiety and panic attacks; Blood
This is not an easy read. There's unflinching depictions of having chronic pain, including the level of desperation you feel to just make it stop. There is medical gaslighting, and ableist attendance policies that make you so furious as you read you have to put down the book and go for a walk, and truly just terrible people that I wouldn't mind throat-punching.
I laughed, cringed, cried, and literally had nightmares that my own period came back after years of IUD-induced bliss. I don't have endo, but I do have abnormal periods, and I do not miss them even a little bit. And there is so much secondhand embarrassment. So much. But it feels especially painful because many of us have lived that exact experience, or one just like it.
We all have a horribly embarrassing period or poop story. This book is basically Greatest Hits: Female Body Embarrassing Moments edition. From waking up in pools of your own blood, meeting a cute boy for the first time as you're spilling your guts on the side of the road, eating something and immediately regretting it mid-bite, navigating pool days while feeling like a shark is inhabiting your internal organs, having to sprint down the hall to make it to a bathroom, and being carried to the nurse's office after you fainted at school (again), there is no stone unturned for the endometriosis or IBS experience.
At times the writing felt a bit clunky, but this is a debut novel and it still executed exactly what it set out to do. I burst into tears the first time Delia is believed. This book made me want to go back in time and hug younger Sydney writhing in actual labor pains on the bathroom floor while her friends all went to the beach. I think I would have felt braver about my pain if I had read this in high school.
I am so glad this book exists. If I had the money for it, I'd buy a copy for every single school library in the country.
Rep: Main character with endometriosis; side character with IBS; wlw side character; Mexican side character
Set in Dallas, TX
Thank you to Get Underlined for the physical copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
TW: Chronic pain (IBS and endometriosis); Medical gaslighting; Vomiting (moderately graphic); Marijuana use; Ableism (contested); Car accident; Anxiety and panic attacks; Blood
This is not an easy read. There's unflinching depictions of having chronic pain, including the level of desperation you feel to just make it stop. There is medical gaslighting, and ableist attendance policies that make you so furious as you read you have to put down the book and go for a walk, and truly just terrible people that I wouldn't mind throat-punching.
I laughed, cringed, cried, and literally had nightmares that my own period came back after years of IUD-induced bliss. I don't have endo, but I do have abnormal periods, and I do not miss them even a little bit. And there is so much secondhand embarrassment. So much. But it feels especially painful because many of us have lived that exact experience, or one just like it.
We all have a horribly embarrassing period or poop story. This book is basically Greatest Hits: Female Body Embarrassing Moments edition. From waking up in pools of your own blood, meeting a cute boy for the first time as you're spilling your guts on the side of the road, eating something and immediately regretting it mid-bite, navigating pool days while feeling like a shark is inhabiting your internal organs, having to sprint down the hall to make it to a bathroom, and being carried to the nurse's office after you fainted at school (again), there is no stone unturned for the endometriosis or IBS experience.
At times the writing felt a bit clunky, but this is a debut novel and it still executed exactly what it set out to do. I burst into tears the first time Delia is believed. This book made me want to go back in time and hug younger Sydney writhing in actual labor pains on the bathroom floor while her friends all went to the beach. I think I would have felt braver about my pain if I had read this in high school.
I am so glad this book exists. If I had the money for it, I'd buy a copy for every single school library in the country.
Rep: Main character with endometriosis; side character with IBS; wlw side character; Mexican side character
Set in Dallas, TX
Thank you to Get Underlined for the physical copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
March 3, 2025
Loved this story! Told with humor and grace it's a beautiful story about a teen trying to find answers to why her period each month leaves her in debilitating pain. Racking up absences at school and plodding her way through eight different gynecologists has left her desperate and sinking into depression. Toney does a wonderful job of blending being independent and finding one's voice while also leaning on a strong support system. The best part of this story is that it gives hope to those who suffer and are not taken seriously by professionals. It's a story pf perseverance! Hopefully the authenticity of the characters will foster compassion for those with medical conditions that can be embarrassing and uncontrollable.
August 30, 2025
this book made me feel so seen. as someone who has period pain, although not as severe as delia, that experience of trying to force your way through life while feeling like your insides are so against you is horrible.
i thought this book was written really well, and was really relatable. the conversations felt natural, the references were funny, and i really liked the chapter names asw! delia was a great mc, and the entire supporting character cast was also amazing. caleb was extra cutie and i also loved the reunion with ruby.
the only downside about this book was the dramatic 'period ruined my life' sentences. in my opinion, it didnt. yes it did make life difficult (extremely difficult, in delia's case) i found this to be just a bit tooooo overdramatic at the start of the book.
as a personal end note - i struggle with strong cramps, nausea, and pains around my body leading up to and on my period. its so bad that i miss school almost every month because of it. i always thought it was normal to bleed through the 'extra absorbent' period panties in about half the time they should be filled, and i always thought it was normal to not be able to eat or move in the lead up to my period. it is not. please listen to me. if you have bad cramps or symptoms, go to a doctor, get it checked out. i will never get a diagnosis, as my symptoms are too minor for that, but i have started a type of pill and fingers crossed it works <3.
sorry for the ramble, but this is something i am very passionate about because from a young age girls are told its 'normal' or that theyre 'overreacting'. this talk spreads to your internal monologue and i often find myself doubting that i have serious issues. (spoiler - i do. because if you cant go to school or live your life because of your period, its serious.) this 'maybe i am just weak' inner narrative needs to be stopped and i want you guys to know that you should always trust your gut with your body. its your body, after all!
anyways rant over. i think this book is a must read for anyone. literally anyone, female, nonbinary, male, could benefit with this story.
i thought this book was written really well, and was really relatable. the conversations felt natural, the references were funny, and i really liked the chapter names asw! delia was a great mc, and the entire supporting character cast was also amazing. caleb was extra cutie and i also loved the reunion with ruby.
the only downside about this book was the dramatic 'period ruined my life' sentences. in my opinion, it didnt. yes it did make life difficult (extremely difficult, in delia's case) i found this to be just a bit tooooo overdramatic at the start of the book.
as a personal end note - i struggle with strong cramps, nausea, and pains around my body leading up to and on my period. its so bad that i miss school almost every month because of it. i always thought it was normal to bleed through the 'extra absorbent' period panties in about half the time they should be filled, and i always thought it was normal to not be able to eat or move in the lead up to my period. it is not. please listen to me. if you have bad cramps or symptoms, go to a doctor, get it checked out. i will never get a diagnosis, as my symptoms are too minor for that, but i have started a type of pill and fingers crossed it works <3.
sorry for the ramble, but this is something i am very passionate about because from a young age girls are told its 'normal' or that theyre 'overreacting'. this talk spreads to your internal monologue and i often find myself doubting that i have serious issues. (spoiler - i do. because if you cant go to school or live your life because of your period, its serious.) this 'maybe i am just weak' inner narrative needs to be stopped and i want you guys to know that you should always trust your gut with your body. its your body, after all!
anyways rant over. i think this book is a must read for anyone. literally anyone, female, nonbinary, male, could benefit with this story.
March 15, 2026
When no one believes your pain, how do you fight for your future?
🩸
High-achieving senior Delia Bridges has always done everything right until chronic, debilitating period pain pushes her to break the rules. Undiagnosed endometriosis makes daily life unbearable, and when she’s caught using marijuana at school to manage her symptoms, she’s expelled. This threatens her college plans and dream of becoming the kind of doctor who actually listens. As her carefully constructed future unravels, Delia must confront a system that dismisses her pain and decide who she is beyond her diagnosis.
🥼
Wow. I loved this one and it honestly made me teary more than once. Delia’s struggle felt so real and so unfair, and that’s exactly why it hit so hard. It broke my heart because this isn’t rare; so many kids (and adults) live in pain for years simply because they aren’t listened to or believed. Watching her fight to be taken seriously felt both devastating and empowering. This story shines a much-needed light on what happens when the medical system dismisses young women and why that has to change.
CW: chronic illness, medical content, blood, emesis, racism, medical trauma, car accident, hospitalization, drug use
🩸
High-achieving senior Delia Bridges has always done everything right until chronic, debilitating period pain pushes her to break the rules. Undiagnosed endometriosis makes daily life unbearable, and when she’s caught using marijuana at school to manage her symptoms, she’s expelled. This threatens her college plans and dream of becoming the kind of doctor who actually listens. As her carefully constructed future unravels, Delia must confront a system that dismisses her pain and decide who she is beyond her diagnosis.
🥼
Wow. I loved this one and it honestly made me teary more than once. Delia’s struggle felt so real and so unfair, and that’s exactly why it hit so hard. It broke my heart because this isn’t rare; so many kids (and adults) live in pain for years simply because they aren’t listened to or believed. Watching her fight to be taken seriously felt both devastating and empowering. This story shines a much-needed light on what happens when the medical system dismisses young women and why that has to change.
CW: chronic illness, medical content, blood, emesis, racism, medical trauma, car accident, hospitalization, drug use
July 18, 2025
I knew this was going to hit me hard… but I didn’t expect to feel this seen. The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding on a Tuesday isn’t just a story, it’s a lifeline for anyone who’s ever felt dismissed or ignored in their own body.
Delia is smart, driven, and doing everything right… until she breaks a rule trying to manage the pain no one takes seriously. Her journey toward answers, self-advocacy, and reclaiming her future is one I deeply connect with. Every moment of frustration, every invalidation, every plea to simply be heard. As someone who’s been medically gaslit for most of my life, who lives with IBS and undiagnosed period pain, reading this felt like exhaling something I’ve held in for years.
Kelsey B. Toney balances gut-wrenching honesty with humor and warmth in a way that makes this story unforgettable. It’s period-positive, feminist, fierce and painfully real. I found myself crying, laughing, and underlining a good amount of the book. If I had read this as a teenager, I think I would’ve been a little louder and cried a little less in the doctor's office.
This is the kind of book you want to hand to everyone you know. Especially now, when women's healthcare is under attack and our stories matter more than ever.
Delia is smart, driven, and doing everything right… until she breaks a rule trying to manage the pain no one takes seriously. Her journey toward answers, self-advocacy, and reclaiming her future is one I deeply connect with. Every moment of frustration, every invalidation, every plea to simply be heard. As someone who’s been medically gaslit for most of my life, who lives with IBS and undiagnosed period pain, reading this felt like exhaling something I’ve held in for years.
Kelsey B. Toney balances gut-wrenching honesty with humor and warmth in a way that makes this story unforgettable. It’s period-positive, feminist, fierce and painfully real. I found myself crying, laughing, and underlining a good amount of the book. If I had read this as a teenager, I think I would’ve been a little louder and cried a little less in the doctor's office.
This is the kind of book you want to hand to everyone you know. Especially now, when women's healthcare is under attack and our stories matter more than ever.
January 10, 2025
Such a phenomenal book! I had the very good fortune of getting to read this early courtesy of NetGalley and I had trouble putting it down! Thank you, Kelsey, for highlighting what so many women and BIPOC people experience: medical gaslighting, belief in myths of how people experience pain, being dismissed by providers for being too “dramatic,” “too much,” etc. etc. etc. I loved reading this book and encourage anyone with a uterus, knows someone who has a uterus, or has ever felt dismissed or less than by a medical provider to read it!
September 23, 2025
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
I found this book did a great job of showing what it's like to deal with not only period pain, but chronic pain in general. The frustration of your own body betraying you, not knowing when it would hit, and then having medical staff not believe you. I have been through all of that and related to every bit of it, the desperation of trying anything and also the acquiescing to medical professionals even though you know your body better than they do, because you want to be seen as a good patient, think well, if I go along with what they want maybe eventually we'll try the things I think we should.
What I felt was unnecessary was the romance plot line. It was a small part of it, but I felt it wasn't needed at all. Showing her struggle to rely on others and not wanting to be a burden was shown with her friends and family.
I found this book did a great job of showing what it's like to deal with not only period pain, but chronic pain in general. The frustration of your own body betraying you, not knowing when it would hit, and then having medical staff not believe you. I have been through all of that and related to every bit of it, the desperation of trying anything and also the acquiescing to medical professionals even though you know your body better than they do, because you want to be seen as a good patient, think well, if I go along with what they want maybe eventually we'll try the things I think we should.
What I felt was unnecessary was the romance plot line. It was a small part of it, but I felt it wasn't needed at all. Showing her struggle to rely on others and not wanting to be a burden was shown with her friends and family.
July 12, 2025
WOW! I've read a few books with endometriosis rep before but this was the absolute BEST for young readers suffering from chronic period pain, struggling to get proper diagnoses and having to negotiate the medical system where far too many doctors are quick to dismiss period pain and excessive bleeding as things to just get used to or accept.
10/10 recommend this book especially for fans of authors like Torie Jean. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!! Kelsey B. Toney's debut is told with humor and personal experience empathy and I couldn't have loved it more! Absolutely AMAZING!!
⚠️CW: endometriosis and IBS rep
10/10 recommend this book especially for fans of authors like Torie Jean. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!! Kelsey B. Toney's debut is told with humor and personal experience empathy and I couldn't have loved it more! Absolutely AMAZING!!
⚠️CW: endometriosis and IBS rep
July 20, 2025
I don’t normally write reviews, but I had to for this one. I was just diagnosed with stage IV endo, after dealing with extremely debilitating periods for almost 15 years. And I wish I had had this book. I would have known I wasn’t alone, and that I wasn’t crazy, and that it wasn’t something I just “had to get used to”. I hope that this reaches all of those girls out there who have been gaslit into thinking that this pain and these symptoms are normal, because they’re not. And if men had this sort of pain, we know this would be a whoooole other story….
November 19, 2025
(4.5) Excellent endometriosis rep, and I’m so happy it’s YA to help young people with the condition feel seen. It also has IBS rep. The story is well written and was super accurate about living with a chronic illness and chronic pain. It had me emotional as an adult.
July 6, 2025
Delia's story of hope, anticipation, pain, desperation, and disappointment sings the chorus of so many who live with chronic health conditions. If that speaks to you, read it! If you have someone in your life with chronic health conditions, read it! If you have ever had a period, READ IT!
September 2, 2025
I will (try my best to) never complain about period cramps again because my tummy hurting is NOTHING compared to people with endometriosis.
March 24, 2026
I really wanted to love this book because it deals with heavy, painful periods. Not only do I have personal experience with this issue, but it is something that is hard to get a diagnosis for and has very little medical research. Additionally, many doctors don’t believe the patient or just say deal with it, it’s just a “typical woman problem”. While the book does clearly show these issues, the writing was very poor. The characters came across as flat and undeveloped. Instead of rooting for them, they were just stereotypes. I almost didn’t finish the book, which is a shame because this is an important topic.
March 7, 2025
4.5, this was fantastic and I had a great time reading it
Delia has horrible, damn near unspeakable period pain. It makes her super sick - terrible pain, low blood pressure, fainting spells, nausea, headaches... like it's just so bad. She's been chasing a diagnosis for years, and her gynecologists medically gaslight her ass badddd
The title is in reference to the series of events that happen after she casually (read: not that casually since it's not very casual) gets her period on a Tuesday morning. Her sister sees her pain and can't stand it, so turns out she had bought some weed seeds online and cultivated a marijuana plant for months in order to harvest the leaves and make a pain relief tincture. It helps Delia a ton, so later in the day, when she has a very important meeting, she takes more of the tincture. But she's a dumb teenager and over-doses herself, which has some very slapstick effects. However, it snowballs very quickly and next thing she knows, she's kicked out of her fancy school. Which affects her college choice. Which affects... her life.
She has to go back to her old school district for the last couple weeks of senior year, which is especially tough because she left after an embarrassing incident that cost her her best friend (was she even a great friend anyway?). She does link back up with her best friend, Ruby, who I think does a great job at apologizing and showing that she's changed. Delia also meets a boy she likes for the first time, and has to do a lot of logical and illogical thinking about the ways having a significant other with chronic pain affects one's life, and if the risks outweigh the rewards.
There's a lot to love here. The descriptions of (what turns out to be) endometriosis are super educational for those of us who don't have it, and hopefully good representation for those that do. Ruby has IBS and she is NOT shy about it, and I think that's pretty good representation, too. People these days are not ashamed about their period and IBS and any other bodily function-type illness, at least far less than they used to be. I think the more we talk about it, the more it's normalized, and I can appreciate this book for presenting a really tough illness in a generally lighthearted way.
This, like Rules for Camouflage, is also giving Freeform TV series, and I would love to see either adapted tbh
Delia has horrible, damn near unspeakable period pain. It makes her super sick - terrible pain, low blood pressure, fainting spells, nausea, headaches... like it's just so bad. She's been chasing a diagnosis for years, and her gynecologists medically gaslight her ass badddd
The title is in reference to the series of events that happen after she casually (read: not that casually since it's not very casual) gets her period on a Tuesday morning. Her sister sees her pain and can't stand it, so turns out she had bought some weed seeds online and cultivated a marijuana plant for months in order to harvest the leaves and make a pain relief tincture. It helps Delia a ton, so later in the day, when she has a very important meeting, she takes more of the tincture. But she's a dumb teenager and over-doses herself, which has some very slapstick effects. However, it snowballs very quickly and next thing she knows, she's kicked out of her fancy school. Which affects her college choice. Which affects... her life.
She has to go back to her old school district for the last couple weeks of senior year, which is especially tough because she left after an embarrassing incident that cost her her best friend (was she even a great friend anyway?). She does link back up with her best friend, Ruby, who I think does a great job at apologizing and showing that she's changed. Delia also meets a boy she likes for the first time, and has to do a lot of logical and illogical thinking about the ways having a significant other with chronic pain affects one's life, and if the risks outweigh the rewards.
There's a lot to love here. The descriptions of (what turns out to be) endometriosis are super educational for those of us who don't have it, and hopefully good representation for those that do. Ruby has IBS and she is NOT shy about it, and I think that's pretty good representation, too. People these days are not ashamed about their period and IBS and any other bodily function-type illness, at least far less than they used to be. I think the more we talk about it, the more it's normalized, and I can appreciate this book for presenting a really tough illness in a generally lighthearted way.
This, like Rules for Camouflage, is also giving Freeform TV series, and I would love to see either adapted tbh
January 9, 2026
This book is perfect. For anyone with a uterus, it’s worth reading even if you don’t have “bad” periods or endometriosis.
Toney has woven humour into a subject that is usually a topic of frustration or panic. It’s written about a teenager, going through high school who has periods so bad she blacks out, is incapacitated and yet does amazing with her school work and her social life despite it showing how debilitating her symptoms are. There’s embarrassing moments she goes through, that anyone who has been to middle school/high school knows is awful.
You can feel the frustration in Delia, as she seeks out answers again and again until she finds a doctor who will finally listen and take the time to find out what is going on. She’s a character that’ll stick with me for a long time.
On a personal note, my “bad” periods didn’t really start until into my 20’s but went on for almost 10 years. Along with my heavy, painful periods, I had bleeding in between them (after any form of exercise) and it never seemed to end. Despite having multiple abnormal paps done, no family doctor would refer me to a specialist. It wasn’t until after having a stillborn and finally having a doctor (who had never seen me before in my life) refer me to an endocrinologist that I got answers. While our character gets diagnosed with endometriosis finally after seeing 8 different doctors, mine turned out to be a polyp that required surgery to have it removed. Safe to say, now that that has been taken care of, I no longer have the symptoms or as painful of a period so I don’t know what it’s like to have continuous symptoms even after a diagnosis, but I can say that seeking out answers, being assertive and finding the right doctor is so so important. Something I wish I’d learned right after I had my first abnormal pap so it wouldn’t have taken so many years of not knowing to go through.
Toney has woven humour into a subject that is usually a topic of frustration or panic. It’s written about a teenager, going through high school who has periods so bad she blacks out, is incapacitated and yet does amazing with her school work and her social life despite it showing how debilitating her symptoms are. There’s embarrassing moments she goes through, that anyone who has been to middle school/high school knows is awful.
You can feel the frustration in Delia, as she seeks out answers again and again until she finds a doctor who will finally listen and take the time to find out what is going on. She’s a character that’ll stick with me for a long time.
On a personal note, my “bad” periods didn’t really start until into my 20’s but went on for almost 10 years. Along with my heavy, painful periods, I had bleeding in between them (after any form of exercise) and it never seemed to end. Despite having multiple abnormal paps done, no family doctor would refer me to a specialist. It wasn’t until after having a stillborn and finally having a doctor (who had never seen me before in my life) refer me to an endocrinologist that I got answers. While our character gets diagnosed with endometriosis finally after seeing 8 different doctors, mine turned out to be a polyp that required surgery to have it removed. Safe to say, now that that has been taken care of, I no longer have the symptoms or as painful of a period so I don’t know what it’s like to have continuous symptoms even after a diagnosis, but I can say that seeking out answers, being assertive and finding the right doctor is so so important. Something I wish I’d learned right after I had my first abnormal pap so it wouldn’t have taken so many years of not knowing to go through.
June 15, 2025
Who would have thought a coming of age YA story about periods could be so powerful and moving.
This book shares an important message but does so in a humorous, lighthearted way. The chapter titles had me giggling "A well behaved uterus rarely makes history".
Delia is a likeable, relatable character who you can't help but root for. The author pulls you in to Delia's struggles and makes your truly appreciate what so many women are living with.
The dismissal from drs on female pain is loud.
This made me so angry and sad. The complete dismissal, the unfair treatment from the school administration. Teenages passing out in school and being threatened they won't graduate if they go home. It's unfortunately such a common experience for women, especially young women. This book shows the importance of advocating for yourself, standing your ground when you know something isn't right, and standing up for yourself and others against unfair treatment.
I would recommend this book to every young female.
Thank you to Hachette Children's Group | Hodder Children's Books for this advanced copy.
This book shares an important message but does so in a humorous, lighthearted way. The chapter titles had me giggling "A well behaved uterus rarely makes history".
Delia is a likeable, relatable character who you can't help but root for. The author pulls you in to Delia's struggles and makes your truly appreciate what so many women are living with.
The dismissal from drs on female pain is loud.
This made me so angry and sad. The complete dismissal, the unfair treatment from the school administration. Teenages passing out in school and being threatened they won't graduate if they go home. It's unfortunately such a common experience for women, especially young women. This book shows the importance of advocating for yourself, standing your ground when you know something isn't right, and standing up for yourself and others against unfair treatment.
I would recommend this book to every young female.
Thank you to Hachette Children's Group | Hodder Children's Books for this advanced copy.
March 23, 2026
She had the perfect plan: straight A’s, dream college, future doctor energy. 🎓✨
Her body had… other plans.
Delia Bridges is that girl—until pain starts taking over everything. Not just cramps. We’re talking scream-in-the-hallway, pass-out, can’t-function pain that no one seems to take seriously.
So when she breaks the rules just to survive the day?
Yeah… everything falls apart.
🚨 Expelled
💔 Future on hold
🩺 Still no diagnosis
Now Delia’s left asking the question no one prepared her for:
Who am I if I’m not the girl who had it all together?
This book was raw, real, and way too relatable—a young woman's story of fighting to be heard in a world that keeps brushing you off. The author's writing style had me rooting for Deli; the author truly got into the head of Delia and all of her suffering and frustration with no one believing in her and her struggle with her period. The struggle to have a normal life. Reading the afterward written by the author revealed that she too suffered like Delia did, until someone listened to her.
This is a book that young girls, who may be suffering in silence, need to read.
Her body had… other plans.
Delia Bridges is that girl—until pain starts taking over everything. Not just cramps. We’re talking scream-in-the-hallway, pass-out, can’t-function pain that no one seems to take seriously.
So when she breaks the rules just to survive the day?
Yeah… everything falls apart.
🚨 Expelled
💔 Future on hold
🩺 Still no diagnosis
Now Delia’s left asking the question no one prepared her for:
Who am I if I’m not the girl who had it all together?
This book was raw, real, and way too relatable—a young woman's story of fighting to be heard in a world that keeps brushing you off. The author's writing style had me rooting for Deli; the author truly got into the head of Delia and all of her suffering and frustration with no one believing in her and her struggle with her period. The struggle to have a normal life. Reading the afterward written by the author revealed that she too suffered like Delia did, until someone listened to her.
This is a book that young girls, who may be suffering in silence, need to read.
February 6, 2026
Absolutely amazing representation of what it’s like to live with endo, especially at such a young age undiagnosed. I teared up at parts, and so much of it spoke to my own life (much like Delia, I also happened to get my period the day of my diagnostic lap, and also sobbed when my doctor told me she found endo).
This book does have some writing shortcomings. Some characters are flat, some plotlines are pointless. It’s not super connected to what teenagers actually are.
However, I’m giving it 4 stars despite these shortcomings because it does get SO much right about being a teen girl with endo. Yes, you do feel so much pain you nearly faint. Yes, you do feel like you’re a burden to your friends, and an even bigger burden to your partners. Yes, your life will change course because of your disease. But as Delia says, if we can survive this, we can survive anything.
This book does have some writing shortcomings. Some characters are flat, some plotlines are pointless. It’s not super connected to what teenagers actually are.
However, I’m giving it 4 stars despite these shortcomings because it does get SO much right about being a teen girl with endo. Yes, you do feel so much pain you nearly faint. Yes, you do feel like you’re a burden to your friends, and an even bigger burden to your partners. Yes, your life will change course because of your disease. But as Delia says, if we can survive this, we can survive anything.
July 8, 2025
4.5⭐️
The Unexpected Consequences of Bleeding on a Tuesday is an important read that sheds light on the often overlooked reality of period pain that goes far beyond what’s considered “normal.” Through stories the author actually experienced, it gives a voice to the many women whose experiences with chronic pain and reproductive health issues are too often dismissed or misunderstood. This book is a reminder that women’s pain deserves to be taken seriously and that we need more awareness, compassion, and conversation around what so many go through alone.
The Unexpected Consequences of Bleeding on a Tuesday is an important read that sheds light on the often overlooked reality of period pain that goes far beyond what’s considered “normal.” Through stories the author actually experienced, it gives a voice to the many women whose experiences with chronic pain and reproductive health issues are too often dismissed or misunderstood. This book is a reminder that women’s pain deserves to be taken seriously and that we need more awareness, compassion, and conversation around what so many go through alone.
July 7, 2025
This is a profoundly impactful, funny read. Toney tackles a tough subject with wit and frankness; I loved seeing high schoolers act like high-schoolers. I loved seeing the real feelings. I loved seeing a story about a girl finding her fight, and the support-system who helps amplify her voice.
I loved the encouragement from the author at the end to anyone who is struggling silently to keep going and find help.
As a person who has had adenomyosis (not for as long or as severe as the endometriosis Delia experiences), I felt SEEN. All the girls I’ve taught in my fifteen years in education who have sat and cried in the nurse’s office, or at the comfy reading couch in the back of my classroom because they didn’t want to be absent anymore- I saw them in this story, too.
I feel like so many folks with uteruses (or those without, like me, finally) will maybe feel less alone because this book exists. Maybe they will have the courage to keep advocating for themselves and finding doctors who listen.
This was an incredible story.
I loved the encouragement from the author at the end to anyone who is struggling silently to keep going and find help.
As a person who has had adenomyosis (not for as long or as severe as the endometriosis Delia experiences), I felt SEEN. All the girls I’ve taught in my fifteen years in education who have sat and cried in the nurse’s office, or at the comfy reading couch in the back of my classroom because they didn’t want to be absent anymore- I saw them in this story, too.
I feel like so many folks with uteruses (or those without, like me, finally) will maybe feel less alone because this book exists. Maybe they will have the courage to keep advocating for themselves and finding doctors who listen.
This was an incredible story.
September 4, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. It’s very funny, but I also learned so much about what it’s like to live with endometriosis, which I think everyone should learn more about, whether they have a uterus or not. 5 stars :)
June 23, 2025
As someone that suffers from endometriosis, I can relate to so much of this book. This book had me in tears knowing how much I can relate.
January 14, 2026
god this was so wonderful, a love letter to every person with a period who feels like their pain is misunderstood. What a powerful young adult novel, it was a privilege to read it!
September 22, 2025
"You're so worried that you're a burden, you're not considering that some costs are worth paying."
eligible-in-2025
November 2, 2024Our thanks to Rachael for this recommendation. https://dogoodwithbooks.substack.com/...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews