Taboo: Stories That Can't Be Told

by Sierra Melcher

Unlock the voices of brave women who have broken the chains of silence to share their forbidden stories. Stories That Can't Be Told is a raw, unapologetic anthology that dares to confront the subjects society has forced into the shadows—topics too often deemed unmentionable.
This powerful collection unearths the hidden truths of womanhood, trauma, identity, and survival, revealing the emotional depth and resilience of women from diverse backgrounds. With unflinching honesty, these stories shatter the silence surrounding deeply personal and universal experiences, offering both healing and hope.

Inside this transformative anthology, you will diverse lineup of all-female authors united in their courage to challenge taboos.Unvarnished perspectives and lived realities, offering insight into the complexities of our society.A call to action to end the silence, inspiring readers to embrace their own truths and join the movement for change.This book is more than a collection of stories—it’s a declaration that some things should never be silenced. Prepare to connect, reflect, and be moved as these women’s voices echo the unspoken truths we all carry.

Contributing Sierra MelcherRoje KhaliqueRachel MacnaughtanJess BryanMalissa VeroniKelly Upton Jameson (posthumously)Bianka Kuhn-ThompsonMimi RichLesley GothBuy now and join the courageous authors of Stories That Can't Be Told as they break the silence and spark the conversations we so desperately need.

154 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2024

Reviews

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taboo is an anthology of personal and raw stories that address topics often shrouded in silence, ranging from cultural expectations and personal identity to societal taboos around wealth, health, and trauma. Compiled by Sierra Melcher and published by Red Thread Publishing, this collection is as much a testimony to human resilience as it is a call to break the silences that confine us. Each chapter tackles a different taboo, such as sexual assault, financial independence, and menopause, offering readers a lens into struggles that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.

One of the book’s strongest suits is its unapologetically honest tone. In Roje Khalique’s chapter, The Power of Not Fitting In, I was moved by her recounting of growing up amidst racial tension and classism in 1980s East London. Her reflections on how societal biases diminished her self-worth are gut-wrenching yet hopeful as she transforms rejection into a source of empowerment. The nuanced way Khalique connects her personal experience to larger systemic issues made me pause and reflect on the pervasive nature of bias and resilience.

Jess Bryan’s Soulful Wealth takes a bold and practical approach to discussing money. Bryan’s honesty about breaking generational money taboos and her own transformative journey of grief struck a chord in me. Her idea of “soulful wealth,” where finances align with personal fulfillment, feels both revolutionary and accessible.

Bianka Kuhn-Thompson’s essay on menopause, Howling at the Moon, deserves special mention. This chapter educates and empowers, reframing menopause as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Her narrative is laced with humor and tenderness as she recounts her wife’s battle with cancer and its unexpected journey through induced menopause. The vulnerability in her storytelling left me feeling connected to the text, and her practical tips on reframing discomfort into empowerment were refreshing.

Taboo is intense, evocative, and deeply emotional. While the rawness is a strength, it can also overwhelm readers who are not prepared for the depth of vulnerability shared. That said, this book is a gift for those seeking connection in shared humanity, especially readers ready to challenge societal norms and explore their own unspoken truths.