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Blood Moon
This powerful, timely novel in verse exposes provocative truths about periods, sex, shame, and going viral for all the wrong reasons.
After school one day, Frankie, a lover of physics and astronomy, has her first sexual experience with quiet and gorgeous Benjamin—and gets her period. It’s only blood, they agree. But soon a gruesome meme goes viral, turning an intimate, affectionate afternoon into something sordid, mortifying, and damaging. In the time it takes to swipe a screen, Frankie’s universe implodes. Who can she trust? Not Harriet, her suddenly cruel best friend, and certainly not Benjamin, the only one who knows about the incident. As the online shaming takes on a horrifying life of its own, Frankie begins to wonder: is her real life over?
Author Lucy Cuthew vividly portrays what it is to be a teen today with this fearless and ultimately uplifting novel in verse. Brimming with emotion, the story captures the intensity of friendships, first love, and female desire, while unflinchingly exploring the culture of online and menstrual shaming. Sure to be a conversation starter, Blood Moon is the unforgettable portrait of one girl’s fight to reclaim her reputation and to stand up against a culture that says periods are dirty.
After school one day, Frankie, a lover of physics and astronomy, has her first sexual experience with quiet and gorgeous Benjamin—and gets her period. It’s only blood, they agree. But soon a gruesome meme goes viral, turning an intimate, affectionate afternoon into something sordid, mortifying, and damaging. In the time it takes to swipe a screen, Frankie’s universe implodes. Who can she trust? Not Harriet, her suddenly cruel best friend, and certainly not Benjamin, the only one who knows about the incident. As the online shaming takes on a horrifying life of its own, Frankie begins to wonder: is her real life over?
Author Lucy Cuthew vividly portrays what it is to be a teen today with this fearless and ultimately uplifting novel in verse. Brimming with emotion, the story captures the intensity of friendships, first love, and female desire, while unflinchingly exploring the culture of online and menstrual shaming. Sure to be a conversation starter, Blood Moon is the unforgettable portrait of one girl’s fight to reclaim her reputation and to stand up against a culture that says periods are dirty.
340 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2020
23 people are currently reading
2154 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 419 reviews
April 22, 2020
What a GREAT book!!! This is a story about friendships, relationships, high-school, first sexual relationship, bullying, periods, social media and many more. I related to the main character A LOT and I think EVERY girl out there needs to read this. It's such an IMPORTANT story. I don't usually use capitalized words in my reviews but OMG THIS BOOK. I honestly didn't expect it to be my cup of tea, on one hand because of the genre, on the other hand because of it being a verse novel, which I found off-putting at first, but only for the first couple of pages. Soon after I was drawn into the story and it took me less than a day to finish it. It made me mad and it made me legit shed a couple of tears and it made want to punch some characters and scream at others. You know when certain events seem so big when you are young and so difficult to manage, but were they to happen again, you wouldn't even flinch and you would know exactly how to tackle them. This is the funny part - you can't blame a young person for being overwhelmed by what you think is so easy in retrospect, and this is why this book would probably hit home for almost every girl out there, because there's no way you haven't gone through something like this. Loved it!!!
October 1, 2021
4.5 Stars
CW: Horrific period shaming
Well I feel like I have just read something incredibly important.
This verse novel looks at changing the narrative around women, periods and sex. Lucy explores period shaming, slut shaming and toxicity between women on social media in this engaging story. It is very intense at times and I felt ill at the threatening nature of the online bullying that Frankie faced after a meme about her went viral. I honestly could not put this down as I felt connected to this story and invested in the characters. Absolutely fantastic!
CW: Horrific period shaming
Well I feel like I have just read something incredibly important.
This verse novel looks at changing the narrative around women, periods and sex. Lucy explores period shaming, slut shaming and toxicity between women on social media in this engaging story. It is very intense at times and I felt ill at the threatening nature of the online bullying that Frankie faced after a meme about her went viral. I honestly could not put this down as I felt connected to this story and invested in the characters. Absolutely fantastic!
April 27, 2025
⭐️ 4 ⭐️
Blood Moon
Plot:
Frankie is shamed online after getting her period during her first sexual experience.
My Thoughts:
I picked up this book because of its unique formatting. It took me over half way to enjoy the formatting. Most of the time I was wishing it was just written as a normal novel because the emotions and the character development was lacking.
I read this in a day. So I appreciate this being a short book and it re-entered me into my YA era. The resolution was kinda yeah sure for me. I highly doubt that would ever happen but read this book for yourself to find out.
Blood Moon
Plot:
Frankie is shamed online after getting her period during her first sexual experience.
My Thoughts:
I picked up this book because of its unique formatting. It took me over half way to enjoy the formatting. Most of the time I was wishing it was just written as a normal novel because the emotions and the character development was lacking.
I read this in a day. So I appreciate this being a short book and it re-entered me into my YA era. The resolution was kinda yeah sure for me. I highly doubt that would ever happen but read this book for yourself to find out.
May 29, 2020
This was a powerful book about period shaming and I liked it. It doesn't shy away from showing what cyber bullying really looks like and what it can do to you, even in the long run.
I loved that this book was told in verse and with a particular use of typography. These aspects gave the narrative an impact that was not only textual but also visual.
However, this book wasn't exactly for me. I love the concept but the execution had its highs and lows.
The beginning was slow and it bored me; the synopsis promised me the period shaming plot but instead I got a student-teacher drama, which I 100% could have done without.
The second third I absolutely loved. When people at school start gossiping about Frankie and Benjamin's experience, the writing suddenly turns very gritty and it's impossible to put the book down. It was like watching a trainwreck, where you know it's going to get only worse but you can't not watch. That part realistically shows why women have the urge to hide that they are on their period in a "boys will be boys" society.
The last part I didn't like again. It was a sweet resolution, but it felt unrealistic and quick. After everything that Harriet said and did to Frankie, I don't understand how Frankie had to be the one to go to her and apologize first. Harriet is no good friend, she's borderline abusive for me.
I'm also not a fan of Benjamin's part in the plot.
The ending was disappointing. I couldn't stop thinking about how the other students in school weren't there for Frankie when she needed their help the most. At the assembly they all defend her and it's like they never gossiped about her too, but Frankie never addresses this.
Overall, this was an okay read. It is more on the younger side of YA, so the plot resulted a bit unrealistic to me, and the characters and their behavior were way too cheesy for my tastes.
I still recommend this book though, because it delves into the difficult topic of period shaming in a very good way.
I received an advanced reader copy through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I loved that this book was told in verse and with a particular use of typography. These aspects gave the narrative an impact that was not only textual but also visual.
However, this book wasn't exactly for me. I love the concept but the execution had its highs and lows.
The beginning was slow and it bored me; the synopsis promised me the period shaming plot but instead I got a student-teacher drama, which I 100% could have done without.
The second third I absolutely loved. When people at school start gossiping about Frankie and Benjamin's experience, the writing suddenly turns very gritty and it's impossible to put the book down. It was like watching a trainwreck, where you know it's going to get only worse but you can't not watch. That part realistically shows why women have the urge to hide that they are on their period in a "boys will be boys" society.
The last part I didn't like again. It was a sweet resolution, but it felt unrealistic and quick. After everything that Harriet said and did to Frankie, I don't understand how Frankie had to be the one to go to her and apologize first. Harriet is no good friend, she's borderline abusive for me.
I'm also not a fan of Benjamin's part in the plot.
The ending was disappointing. I couldn't stop thinking about how the other students in school weren't there for Frankie when she needed their help the most. At the assembly they all defend her and it's like they never gossiped about her too, but Frankie never addresses this.
Overall, this was an okay read. It is more on the younger side of YA, so the plot resulted a bit unrealistic to me, and the characters and their behavior were way too cheesy for my tastes.
I still recommend this book though, because it delves into the difficult topic of period shaming in a very good way.
I received an advanced reader copy through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
July 2, 2020
The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Full review HERE
I really loved the empowering message of this book and I also appreciated how it didn't shy away from depicting the brutality and effects of being publicly shamed. Unfortunately it's something that too often happens in our everyday society and I believe the author did a good job of showing it.
I think that this book can definitely be the starting point for a much needed conversation about periods and the absurd fact that this topic is still considered as a taboo. It's nothing to be ashamed of, it's something natural and we should be able to freely talk about it.
This novel also deals with online bullying and threats, messy friendships and so much more.
I think this is a must read for everyone!
Full review HERE
I really loved the empowering message of this book and I also appreciated how it didn't shy away from depicting the brutality and effects of being publicly shamed. Unfortunately it's something that too often happens in our everyday society and I believe the author did a good job of showing it.
I think that this book can definitely be the starting point for a much needed conversation about periods and the absurd fact that this topic is still considered as a taboo. It's nothing to be ashamed of, it's something natural and we should be able to freely talk about it.
This novel also deals with online bullying and threats, messy friendships and so much more.
I think this is a must read for everyone!
Read
April 17, 2020With every verse of her debut, Lucy Cuthew shouts down shame, chips away at the period taboo, and firmly establishes herself as a bold and vital new voice in feminist literature.
September 13, 2020
4,5/5 ⭐️ »if you do like someone, just be yourself. Yourself is lovely.«
In diesem Buch gab es viele Zitate, die ich für die Überschrift hätte rauspicken hätte können. Und das ist auch schon direkt ein ganz starker Punkt, wieso alle dieses Buch lesen sollten. Es ist echt schön geschrieben, & das in Versen, die auch noch passend zur Situation in ihrer Formation angepasst wurden.
Aber erstmal die Basics, worum gehts? Frankie hat ihre erste sexuelle Erfahrung, bei ihrem Höhepunkt bekommt sie dann ihre Periode. An sich kein Problem, doch ihre Mitschüler finden es heraus & sie wird im Internet dafür zerrissen.
That’s it, mehr sage ich nicht. Warum ihr das Buch lesen solltet? Neben dem wirklich schönen Schreibstil & der coolen Versart ist dieses Buch absolut notwendig. Periode wird in Jugendbüchern viel zu selten behandelt, & Sex & alles was mit weiblicher Lust zutun hat wird mit irgendwelchen verschnörkelten Ausdrücken umschrieben. Das ist hier anders. Hier darf eine Frau auch einfach mal Lust auf das männliche Geschlecht haben, ohne dabei den Feminismus zweihundert Jahre zurückzuwerfen, denn, und Achtung Überraschung: Es ist absolut normal. Sowohl die Periode, als auch „unangenehme“ Situationen mit ihr werden hier beschrieben. Für mich als Mann ehrlich gesagt Neuland, aber ich glaube als Frau ist es auch mal schön, etwas unverblümt über diese Themen zu lesen.
Hinzukommt der gesamte Mobbing Part. In seiner Härte echt extrem, zum Ende hin musste ich wirklich schlucken. Aber es ist verdammt gut dargestellt. Trotz der Kürze auf den doch sehr schnell zu lesenden Seiten ist es verdammt nah & authentisch. Hut ab, super Leistung! Auch die Charaktere wirken dreidimensional, aber mir hat teilweise die Tiefe zwischen den Beziehungen gefehlt. Trotzdem passte es irgendwie. Es war einfach auf den Punkt, auf die Hauptthemen fixiert & ohne vieles unnötige Nebengeschehen.
Warum dann keine fünf Sterne? Da will ich nicht zu viel Spoilern, aber so realistisch die Geschichte auch war, das Ende war es für mich nicht mehr. Es war nicht an den Haaren herbeigezogen aber so ganz läuft es in meinen Augen im tatsächlichen Leben nicht ab.
—————————
Alles in allem eine wirklich große Empfehlung. Perfekt für Zwischendurch, macht dieses besonders aufgezogene Buch verdammt Spaß zu lesen, verleiht Mut sowie das Gefühl von female Empowerment & behandelt Themen wie Periode, Sex und Online-Shaming mit ausgesprochener Eleganz. Ein Lesemuss!
In diesem Buch gab es viele Zitate, die ich für die Überschrift hätte rauspicken hätte können. Und das ist auch schon direkt ein ganz starker Punkt, wieso alle dieses Buch lesen sollten. Es ist echt schön geschrieben, & das in Versen, die auch noch passend zur Situation in ihrer Formation angepasst wurden.
Aber erstmal die Basics, worum gehts? Frankie hat ihre erste sexuelle Erfahrung, bei ihrem Höhepunkt bekommt sie dann ihre Periode. An sich kein Problem, doch ihre Mitschüler finden es heraus & sie wird im Internet dafür zerrissen.
That’s it, mehr sage ich nicht. Warum ihr das Buch lesen solltet? Neben dem wirklich schönen Schreibstil & der coolen Versart ist dieses Buch absolut notwendig. Periode wird in Jugendbüchern viel zu selten behandelt, & Sex & alles was mit weiblicher Lust zutun hat wird mit irgendwelchen verschnörkelten Ausdrücken umschrieben. Das ist hier anders. Hier darf eine Frau auch einfach mal Lust auf das männliche Geschlecht haben, ohne dabei den Feminismus zweihundert Jahre zurückzuwerfen, denn, und Achtung Überraschung: Es ist absolut normal. Sowohl die Periode, als auch „unangenehme“ Situationen mit ihr werden hier beschrieben. Für mich als Mann ehrlich gesagt Neuland, aber ich glaube als Frau ist es auch mal schön, etwas unverblümt über diese Themen zu lesen.
Hinzukommt der gesamte Mobbing Part. In seiner Härte echt extrem, zum Ende hin musste ich wirklich schlucken. Aber es ist verdammt gut dargestellt. Trotz der Kürze auf den doch sehr schnell zu lesenden Seiten ist es verdammt nah & authentisch. Hut ab, super Leistung! Auch die Charaktere wirken dreidimensional, aber mir hat teilweise die Tiefe zwischen den Beziehungen gefehlt. Trotzdem passte es irgendwie. Es war einfach auf den Punkt, auf die Hauptthemen fixiert & ohne vieles unnötige Nebengeschehen.
Warum dann keine fünf Sterne? Da will ich nicht zu viel Spoilern, aber so realistisch die Geschichte auch war, das Ende war es für mich nicht mehr. Es war nicht an den Haaren herbeigezogen aber so ganz läuft es in meinen Augen im tatsächlichen Leben nicht ab.
—————————
Alles in allem eine wirklich große Empfehlung. Perfekt für Zwischendurch, macht dieses besonders aufgezogene Buch verdammt Spaß zu lesen, verleiht Mut sowie das Gefühl von female Empowerment & behandelt Themen wie Periode, Sex und Online-Shaming mit ausgesprochener Eleganz. Ein Lesemuss!
July 27, 2020
tw// slut-shaming, bullying
November 24, 2020
I LOVE that cover! The art on the back is the backside of this front. ;)
The story, though...I did not love it. I did appreciate the main message: Periods are a thing that happen to a lot of people and there's no reason to get all wigged out about them. Yeah, sure, they can be gross and awful. Mine were. But only the person having a period gets to call their own period gross and awful. There's no reason to be making anyone else's period into a thing. Get over it already. Sheesh.
However, because period-shaming was addressed so heavily, the slut-shaming that went with it was barely addressed at all and I felt that was just as important to discuss. It was as if the story was showing that there's nothing wrong with sex acts during menstruation and engaging in such doesn't make a person a slut. (True) However, apparently, all the other reasons to disparage people, specifically young women, in regard to having sex are completely legitimate? #itsonlyblood was the rallying cry without the accompanying #PeopleConsensuallyHaveSexAndEnjoyItWhichIsNormalSoStopYourRidiculousNonsenseAndLetPeopleDoTheirThing
Also, I didn't like Frankie at all. I cannot fathom how she and Harry have stayed friends over the years. Harry's no peach, either, but we're not in her head for this story so it's much easier to dislike her from afar. Theirs is a complicated, long-standing friendship in which Harry is often mean but clearly loves Frankie and Frankie needs Harry but wants Harry to be a different person.
Aaaaand, this is a novel in verse and I just don't like that style of writing...says the whiny woman who recently five-starred other novels in verse.
Obviously, I am not the target audience - I am way too old to have experienced cyber-bullying, I was the quintessential Good Girl up through college, I did not have petty mean-girl fights with my friends, etc. - but I can typically think of people who would enjoy the books I read. I can't think of anyone, in this case. That's not going to stop me from recommending it to youths who don't like reading long books, who want to read about how bullying goes viral and gets out of control, and young women who want more period-positivity in their literature? I'm sure this will hit the mark with the people for whom it's written.
Stories I feel are similar in tone if not in topic: Chaotic Good (cyberbullying), The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend (teen sexuality and mean girl friendship), The Henna Wars (being a shitty friend)...and there are a few others but now I have forgotten them.
The story, though...I did not love it. I did appreciate the main message: Periods are a thing that happen to a lot of people and there's no reason to get all wigged out about them. Yeah, sure, they can be gross and awful. Mine were. But only the person having a period gets to call their own period gross and awful. There's no reason to be making anyone else's period into a thing. Get over it already. Sheesh.
However, because period-shaming was addressed so heavily, the slut-shaming that went with it was barely addressed at all and I felt that was just as important to discuss. It was as if the story was showing that there's nothing wrong with sex acts during menstruation and engaging in such doesn't make a person a slut. (True) However, apparently, all the other reasons to disparage people, specifically young women, in regard to having sex are completely legitimate? #itsonlyblood was the rallying cry without the accompanying #PeopleConsensuallyHaveSexAndEnjoyItWhichIsNormalSoStopYourRidiculousNonsenseAndLetPeopleDoTheirThing
Also, I didn't like Frankie at all. I cannot fathom how she and Harry have stayed friends over the years. Harry's no peach, either, but we're not in her head for this story so it's much easier to dislike her from afar. Theirs is a complicated, long-standing friendship in which Harry is often mean but clearly loves Frankie and Frankie needs Harry but wants Harry to be a different person.
Aaaaand, this is a novel in verse and I just don't like that style of writing...says the whiny woman who recently five-starred other novels in verse.
Obviously, I am not the target audience - I am way too old to have experienced cyber-bullying, I was the quintessential Good Girl up through college, I did not have petty mean-girl fights with my friends, etc. - but I can typically think of people who would enjoy the books I read. I can't think of anyone, in this case. That's not going to stop me from recommending it to youths who don't like reading long books, who want to read about how bullying goes viral and gets out of control, and young women who want more period-positivity in their literature? I'm sure this will hit the mark with the people for whom it's written.
Stories I feel are similar in tone if not in topic: Chaotic Good (cyberbullying), The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend (teen sexuality and mean girl friendship), The Henna Wars (being a shitty friend)...and there are a few others but now I have forgotten them.
June 15, 2020
Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Alexandra Nae
There are times when I read a book without knowing much about it and having little to no expectations, then I get caught by surprise. I’m so glad to say Blood Moon is one of those times! I was intrigued by this book, but I didn’t know exactly what to expect from it, especially because it’s a debut novel. However, this YA feminist novel in verse was able to knock me off my feet and wow me with its simplicity and its powerful take on the sexualisation of women and going viral.
Blood Moon’s plot follows Frankie as her relationship with Benjamin sparks. Though we see her enjoy the beauty and excitement of her first relationship, her first time with Benjamin ends up bloody. She gets her period while they are being intimate and what follows then is a flurry of events that leaves Frankie harassed and ridiculed, her friendships hanging by a thread, and her feeling like nothing in the world will ever go right.
Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily
There are times when I read a book without knowing much about it and having little to no expectations, then I get caught by surprise. I’m so glad to say Blood Moon is one of those times! I was intrigued by this book, but I didn’t know exactly what to expect from it, especially because it’s a debut novel. However, this YA feminist novel in verse was able to knock me off my feet and wow me with its simplicity and its powerful take on the sexualisation of women and going viral.
Blood Moon’s plot follows Frankie as her relationship with Benjamin sparks. Though we see her enjoy the beauty and excitement of her first relationship, her first time with Benjamin ends up bloody. She gets her period while they are being intimate and what follows then is a flurry of events that leaves Frankie harassed and ridiculed, her friendships hanging by a thread, and her feeling like nothing in the world will ever go right.
Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily
June 2, 2020
I didn't think I would like this. I thought it was a weird poetry book about periods and while it is sort of that, it is so much more. This story made me laugh and cry and it brought back memories and feelings I struggled with in high school. It was an inspiring story and I'm glad someone got their happy ending. I think teens, especially menstruating teens, will not only relate to this book, but reinforce that 1) high school can suck and 2) some things are normal and healthy and should be treated as such, not shamed. I wish I had read this book in high school.
May 8, 2020
It’s been a couple of weeks since I finished this book, but I still have no idea how to sum up my thoughts on it. Basically, I liked this book, and I thought the idea behind it was great... but I didn’t love the way it was executed. Blood Moon is told entirely in verse, which I like as a concept, and I have enjoyed books written this way before, but I don’t think it worked for Blood Moon. I just felt like the book was missing something, I wanted more from the story 🤷🏻♀️
December 4, 2019
*DISCLAIMER: I work for the publisher*
A spectacular book and bound to be one of 2020’s hits. It’s funny, poignant and a must read for anyone and everyone. #It’sJustBlood
A spectacular book and bound to be one of 2020’s hits. It’s funny, poignant and a must read for anyone and everyone. #It’sJustBlood
Read
August 19, 2020IT'S JUST BLOOD.
#NoShame
#NoShame
Read
May 26, 2021In Blood Moon, Lucy Cuthew’s debut novel-in-verse, a blossoming romance becomes complicated when menstrual blood affects an intimate moment between Frankie and her crush Benjamin. At first, both teens handle it with awkward maturity. As Frankie says, “I know it is only blood / but no one else / usually sees your period,” especially a new boyfriend. Then the situation turns into a nightmare of in-person and online bullying when someone makes a vicious meme about Frankie that goes viral.
Although Blood Moon contains several sexual situations, the real focus is on how online harassment can quickly move beyond a small circle of acquaintances into a much bigger sphere as Frankie is undeservedly trapped by shame and fear. What will happen if her parents find out? How can she face them? How will her notoriety influence her post-high school plans? Frankie is smart enough to realize that how she is portrayed online is not her true self, but she also knows that she is being psychologically harmed: “It’s passed from digital me / into reality, infecting / and poisoning / living me.”
The poetry of Blood Moon leaves space for ideas and events to settle with readers, either comfortably or uncomfortably, depending on what is happening in the plot. Cuthew also employs effective typography variations to emphasize various emotions.
Although this book may be too intense for some young readers, it will also appeal to those who like realistic, emotional stories. Blood Moon and Sarah Darer Littman’s Backlash can be paired for those who want to explore the nature and effects of online harassment. Cuthew’s acknowledgements include a nod to Jon Ronson’s So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed, and I’ve seen young readers absorb this title that offers a nonfiction complement to the poetry and prose of the Lucy Cuthew and Sarah Darer Littman books. For those interested in how menstruation is used against young women, Elena K. Arnold’s Red Hood provides a more fantastical treatment.
Although Blood Moon contains several sexual situations, the real focus is on how online harassment can quickly move beyond a small circle of acquaintances into a much bigger sphere as Frankie is undeservedly trapped by shame and fear. What will happen if her parents find out? How can she face them? How will her notoriety influence her post-high school plans? Frankie is smart enough to realize that how she is portrayed online is not her true self, but she also knows that she is being psychologically harmed: “It’s passed from digital me / into reality, infecting / and poisoning / living me.”
The poetry of Blood Moon leaves space for ideas and events to settle with readers, either comfortably or uncomfortably, depending on what is happening in the plot. Cuthew also employs effective typography variations to emphasize various emotions.
Although this book may be too intense for some young readers, it will also appeal to those who like realistic, emotional stories. Blood Moon and Sarah Darer Littman’s Backlash can be paired for those who want to explore the nature and effects of online harassment. Cuthew’s acknowledgements include a nod to Jon Ronson’s So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed, and I’ve seen young readers absorb this title that offers a nonfiction complement to the poetry and prose of the Lucy Cuthew and Sarah Darer Littman books. For those interested in how menstruation is used against young women, Elena K. Arnold’s Red Hood provides a more fantastical treatment.
April 10, 2022
C/W:
I devoured Blood Moon in one sitting. Cuthew's writing grabbed me from the very beginning and put me right inside Frankie's point of view. The story does an excellent job balancing multiple key themes -- friendship, shame, romance, and bullying. The conflict between Frankie and her best friend Harriet was tumultuous yet tender in ways that reminded me of my own high school friendships. Seeing those two friends navigate disagreements and societal pressures was one of my favorite parts of Blood Moon.
I devoured Blood Moon in one sitting. Cuthew's writing grabbed me from the very beginning and put me right inside Frankie's point of view. The story does an excellent job balancing multiple key themes -- friendship, shame, romance, and bullying. The conflict between Frankie and her best friend Harriet was tumultuous yet tender in ways that reminded me of my own high school friendships. Seeing those two friends navigate disagreements and societal pressures was one of my favorite parts of Blood Moon.
April 22, 2020
5 Word Review: Friendship, first-love, shame, hope, periods.
Book Review: Blood Moon by Lucy Cuthew
Book Review: Blood Moon by Lucy Cuthew
December 14, 2021
Read this in one sitting! Format wise it was a bit odd but the message was spot on! 👍
November 11, 2020
3.5
I found the story of this really impactful but I don't think the form (being written in verse) added anything in particular to the story. It felt a little like the author just randomly punched the space bar every now and then. However, the topic of this book is incredibly important and the characters felt real and flawed. I would definitely recommend if you are looking for a feminist contemporary book.
I found the story of this really impactful but I don't think the form (being written in verse) added anything in particular to the story. It felt a little like the author just randomly punched the space bar every now and then. However, the topic of this book is incredibly important and the characters felt real and flawed. I would definitely recommend if you are looking for a feminist contemporary book.
May 2, 2020
Gosh, this is good.
August 8, 2022
these are thoughts i have as i read the book
and tw: mention of sa ⚠️
you really need to have an imaginative mind to see what this book is like (isn’t that the same with every book 😭)
“gesticulating grotesquely with his over mobile groin” very interesting phrase
it’s a novel but the author was too lazy to write in prose and include transitions so it’s in this poem format
“major cooch quivers”
she’s selfish and like always thinks she’s morally just, you just don’t call people sluts and think you’re the victim when they support the other girl (well i don’t think you should)
update: idk i guess we all have character development to go through
i think this book is cringe but it’s good to think about how moments have different feelings, reactions, etc. based on the people and how there’s such a stigma depending on who something is about. for example this guy fingered a girl, and the school is making it funny when talking about him, but it’s disgusting when talking about her.
the more i read, i’m getting kinda disgusted
but the author has a way with her words (very creative and unique and fitting), kinda clever but still the plot (primarily the website with comments like “you should be r*ped”) makes me feel yuck (as it should, makes people think)
the dangers of social media 🥺
i think the author wanted to destigmatize periods but i think the cringy teenager slang and plot is hindering that purpose
but now that i’m done reading the book, i think it’s good not amazing but not bad. the title 100% fits everything and i love endings like this one even if it seems cringe to others, but yeah, destigmatize periods‼️
also i at first didnt understand what was going on in the book cover but after reading through it more it makes more sense and each part of it makes sense
and tw: mention of sa ⚠️
you really need to have an imaginative mind to see what this book is like (isn’t that the same with every book 😭)
“gesticulating grotesquely with his over mobile groin” very interesting phrase
it’s a novel but the author was too lazy to write in prose and include transitions so it’s in this poem format
“major cooch quivers”
she’s selfish and like always thinks she’s morally just, you just don’t call people sluts and think you’re the victim when they support the other girl (well i don’t think you should)
update: idk i guess we all have character development to go through
i think this book is cringe but it’s good to think about how moments have different feelings, reactions, etc. based on the people and how there’s such a stigma depending on who something is about. for example this guy fingered a girl, and the school is making it funny when talking about him, but it’s disgusting when talking about her.
the more i read, i’m getting kinda disgusted
but the author has a way with her words (very creative and unique and fitting), kinda clever but still the plot (primarily the website with comments like “you should be r*ped”) makes me feel yuck (as it should, makes people think)
the dangers of social media 🥺
i think the author wanted to destigmatize periods but i think the cringy teenager slang and plot is hindering that purpose
but now that i’m done reading the book, i think it’s good not amazing but not bad. the title 100% fits everything and i love endings like this one even if it seems cringe to others, but yeah, destigmatize periods‼️
also i at first didnt understand what was going on in the book cover but after reading through it more it makes more sense and each part of it makes sense
January 31, 2021
Expected to love this one but no. The message that it wants to bring across is really important, however the execution of the story was not great.
I REALLY disliked Harriet. Their friendship didn’t read like a friendship at all. If you told me they were enemies at the beginning of the novel, I would’ve 100% believed you. These two need to have healthier friendships.
I REALLY disliked Harriet. Their friendship didn’t read like a friendship at all. If you told me they were enemies at the beginning of the novel, I would’ve 100% believed you. These two need to have healthier friendships.
November 2, 2023
Didn’t finish this book club book. Made me too angsty. Don’t think I was the right demographic :/
May 14, 2020
I loved Blood Moon. I loved it for its frankness, and how powerfully it speaks up about periods and period shaming, and first sexual experiences, and friendship. All teenage girls should read this, and all boys too. It's also a work of absolute beauty - every word is placed so carefully but so simply, you just breathe it in. This is verse writing at its best. I can't wait to see what Lucy Cuthew does next. Also, amazing characterisation, and lovely descriptions of stars and star gazing! I passed straight onto my 13 year old daughter after I read and she gobbled it up and wanted to pass on to a friend.
July 3, 2020
Imbarazzante.
Aveva il potenziale di trattare e sdoganare temi estremamente attuali come lo slut shaming e il ciclo mestruale, soprattutto visto che si rivolge ad un pubblico giovane, ma è tutto così superficiale e volgare da farmi venire il mal di stomaco. Non c'è un minimo approfondimento, è infantile, stupido e troppo esagerato. E poi c'è quella scrittura in versi come se fosse poesia? E gli hashtag? Mi sembra di aver letto uno di quei "libri" pubblicati dagli influencer.
Perchè trattare certi temi, se non si sanno poi gestire?
Aveva il potenziale di trattare e sdoganare temi estremamente attuali come lo slut shaming e il ciclo mestruale, soprattutto visto che si rivolge ad un pubblico giovane, ma è tutto così superficiale e volgare da farmi venire il mal di stomaco. Non c'è un minimo approfondimento, è infantile, stupido e troppo esagerato. E poi c'è quella scrittura in versi come se fosse poesia? E gli hashtag? Mi sembra di aver letto uno di quei "libri" pubblicati dagli influencer.
Perchè trattare certi temi, se non si sanno poi gestire?
October 23, 2020
Please my friends, go read this BOOK!! It’s really interesting and just a beautiful book about an important topic!
May 13, 2020
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Thank you Walker Books for this book in exchange for an honest review
To be honest I thought this verse written book would mostly focus on periods but it had more depth to it. You dive into the reality on cyber bullying, friendships coming to a bitter end and a huge nod to female empowerment.
This book is what every young woman should be reading to not only embrace themselves for life but also to feel empowered as well.
The friendship between Frankie and Harriet becomes staggered as they grow up and their personalities begin to differ. Though I wasn’t a fan of either of the characters their story is something that I am too familiar with, and I am sure other females are as well. And well in this day and age, who hasn’t been bullied on social media?
As females, we should be more open and talk more about sex, we shouldn’t be ashamed about periods and we shouldn’t be shying away from discussing these topics in front of men!! Remember the more we talk about it, the more we make these topics NORMAL and will hopefully remove the stigma of bullying and distress over a natural occurrence for females!!
Bookstagram
Website
Thank you Walker Books for this book in exchange for an honest review
To be honest I thought this verse written book would mostly focus on periods but it had more depth to it. You dive into the reality on cyber bullying, friendships coming to a bitter end and a huge nod to female empowerment.
This book is what every young woman should be reading to not only embrace themselves for life but also to feel empowered as well.
The friendship between Frankie and Harriet becomes staggered as they grow up and their personalities begin to differ. Though I wasn’t a fan of either of the characters their story is something that I am too familiar with, and I am sure other females are as well. And well in this day and age, who hasn’t been bullied on social media?
As females, we should be more open and talk more about sex, we shouldn’t be ashamed about periods and we shouldn’t be shying away from discussing these topics in front of men!! Remember the more we talk about it, the more we make these topics NORMAL and will hopefully remove the stigma of bullying and distress over a natural occurrence for females!!
March 7, 2021
Frankie and Harriet have been best friends since they were little. They have always been there for each, until... Harriet sends what Frankie thinks is an inappropriate Photo to their teacher and it 'leaks" out via social media and Frankie has little sympathy for Harriet's plight as she feels it was "sluttish" behaviour. When Frankie has her first sexual experience and gets her period during it and somehow the whole incident "leaks" onto the internet and goes viral, Harriet not only seems unconcerned but complicit. Life is hell for Frankie as she tries to navigate her way through the hot mess without the support of her bestie.
The book deals with many issues including the double standards that exist for our boys compared to girls in terms of sexual behaviour. It also demonstrates the power of the internet/social media to destroy reputations and ruin lives.
Although a lot of the story is bleak it does finish with the girls taking back some power and making the best of a horrible situation. Most of the characters are flawed (which is reality) but the jury is still out for me as to whether Harriet rang completely true.
The book is pretty confronting and will not be for everyone (some of the content means we have age restricted it in our secondary school library) - it made me cringe in places (teenagers' comfort with what I consider expressions of crudity still shocks me at times)... so that probably means teens will really like it!!
The book deals with many issues including the double standards that exist for our boys compared to girls in terms of sexual behaviour. It also demonstrates the power of the internet/social media to destroy reputations and ruin lives.
Although a lot of the story is bleak it does finish with the girls taking back some power and making the best of a horrible situation. Most of the characters are flawed (which is reality) but the jury is still out for me as to whether Harriet rang completely true.
The book is pretty confronting and will not be for everyone (some of the content means we have age restricted it in our secondary school library) - it made me cringe in places (teenagers' comfort with what I consider expressions of crudity still shocks me at times)... so that probably means teens will really like it!!
April 22, 2020
Frankie likes Benjamin, Harriet likes Jackson, only after as situation involving a photo between Harriet and Jackson spreads around the school, the two friends become enemies.
As Frankie falls for Benjamin, she gets her period when they're alone but soon the school is talking about it after a photo get leaked about the situation and soon the exfriends situation is escalated
As the meme about their night is made viral, things for Frankie get so bad she can't bear to even go in to school, can the girls ever be friends again like before it will things just get worse?
All about feminism, sex and womanhood while growing up this book depicts how cruel people can be about natural women's bodies and the functions accompanying it too. It shows how billing can have a severe impact and it's unacceptable but also how much fighting back against it can cause a positive change for the future, a bold and vibrant read.
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
As Frankie falls for Benjamin, she gets her period when they're alone but soon the school is talking about it after a photo get leaked about the situation and soon the exfriends situation is escalated
As the meme about their night is made viral, things for Frankie get so bad she can't bear to even go in to school, can the girls ever be friends again like before it will things just get worse?
All about feminism, sex and womanhood while growing up this book depicts how cruel people can be about natural women's bodies and the functions accompanying it too. It shows how billing can have a severe impact and it's unacceptable but also how much fighting back against it can cause a positive change for the future, a bold and vibrant read.
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
November 5, 2020
Wavering between a 3 and a 4 for this! The fact that this is written in verse means that not only is it a super quick read, but it really builds up momentum as things escalate. I thought this managed to capture the particular way teenage girls interact, in both cruelty and kindness, and the double standards inherent in both our culture and specifically in secondary school. There was so much positivity at the heart of this which I really appreciated! I wobble between star ratings because there were a few plot details that I felt were skimmed over slightly - namely something that Harriet does to Frankie which is never properly addressed as seriously as I think it should be, but a couple of other bits as well. On the whole though, I got properly sucked into this and felt a whirlwind of emotion!
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