Period. End of Sentence.: A New Chapter in the Fight for Menstrual Justice

by Anita Diamant, Melissa Berton (Contributor)

From beloved New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist Anita Diamant comes a timely collection of essays to help inspire period positive activism around the globe.

When Period. End of Sentence. won an Oscar in 2019, the film’s co-producer and Executive Director of The Pad Project, Melissa Berton, told the “A period should end a sentence, not a girl’s education.” Continuing in that revolutionary spirit and building on the momentum of the acclaimed documentary, this book outlines the challenges facing those who menstruate worldwide and the solutions championed by a new generation of body positive activists, innovators and public figures.

Including interviews from people on the frontlines—parents, teachers, medical professionals, and social-justice warriors— Period. End of Sentence. illuminates the many ways that menstrual injustice can limit opportunities, erode self-esteem, and even threaten lives. This powerful examination of the far-ranging and quickly evolving movement for menstrual justice introduces today’s leaders and shows us how we can be part of the change.

Fearless, revolutionary, and fascinating, Period. End of Sentence. is an essential read for anyone interested in empowering women, girls, and others around the world.

To learn more about The Pad Project, go to ThePadProject.org.

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, Womens, Health, Science, Activism, Audiobook

192 pages, Hardcover

First published May 25, 2021

About the author

Anita Diamant is the author of thirteen books -- including THE RED TENT. Based on the biblical story of Dinah, THE RED TENT became a word-of-mouth bestseller in the US and around the world, where it has been published in more than 25 countries.

Her new book, a work of nonfiction. PERIOD. END OF SENTENCE. A NEW CHAPTER IN THE FIGHT FOR MENSTRUAL JUSTICE will be published in May 2021., As different as they are, this book returns to some of the themes of THE RED TENT -- including the meaning and experience of menstruation.

Anita has written four other novels: GOOD HARBOR, THE LAST DAYS OF DOGTOWN, DAY AFTER NIGHT, and THE BOSTON GIRL. She is also the author of six non-fiction guides to contemporary Jewish life, which have become classic reference books: THE JEWISH WEDDING NOW, THE JEWISH BABY BOOK, LIVING A JEWISH LIFE, CHOOSING A JEWISH LIFE, HOW TO RAISE A JEWISH CHILD, and SAYING KADDISH..

An award-winning journalist, Diamant's articles have appeared in the Boston Globe, Real Simple, Parenting Magazine, Hadassah, Boston Magazine and Yankee Magazine. PITCHING MY TENT, a collection personal essays, is drawn from twenty years worth of newspaper and magazine columns.

Reviews

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

‣ i still haven't read the red tent, but anita diamant is pretty damn cool for moving from the world of (menstruation-themed) fiction to this nonfiction piece.

‣ menstruation is not "the curse" - the only curse we carry is shame.

‣ i love the chapter on indigenous perspectives and rituals regarding menstruation. many of these have been systematically erased, but some are being revived.

‣ the question of menstrual leave is extremely controversial. diamant never acknowledges that it points to the larger issue of difficulty of rest, sick time, and days off under capitalist employment.

‣ period poverty, systemic disenfranchisement of women of color, disability and choice, humiliation and dehumanization of incarcerated menstruators - i'm impressed that this text is so radical and real. it had the potential to be a surface-level liberal white feminist call to period destigmatization, but it truly touches on the multitude of ways all different menstruators suffer.

‣ considering my previous point, i expected diamant to have a section about trans men and nonbinary people who menstruate. she uses the word "menstruators" throughout the text, which indicates an inclusive perspective, but she never touches the issue of our enormously gendered perceptions of periods.

‣ mention of "femtech" apps such as flo and clue as a growing technology - jarring considering recent safety concerns regarding data privacy in the US, post roe v wade overturn.

‣ overall, this piece is remarkably hopeful.

[Maggie Anton · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's about time someone wrote a book about menstruation: its good, bad and ugly sides.
Good [not discussed much] - normal transition from girl to woman, celebrated in a few cultures, can/should be cause for solidarity among females.
Bad [common] - source of shame, something secret, subject causes embarrassment, never spoken about in public. Some religions don't allow menstruants in temples or to participate in religious rites. Period products cost a lot and aren't available for free in public bathrooms like toilet paper and paper towels are.
Ugly - unavailable/expensive period products keep girls/women away from school/work. Stigma can result in severe misogyny and in women not getting medical treatment for gynecological problems. People consider menstruants dirty, cursed, gross, untouchable.
I haven't menstruated in 30 years so I've unaware of the slowly changing improved attitude toward menstruation and period products, at least in Western cultures. Good to see that the silence is gone.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW: Period. End of Sentence: A New Chapter in The Fight for Menstrual Justice by Anita Diamant

Thank you so much to @scribner , Anita Diamant, and @netgalley for providing me with a free eARC of PERIOD. END OF SENTENCE: A NEW CHAPTER IN THE FIGHT FOR MENSTRUAL JUSTICE in exchange for an honest review.

PERIOD: END OF SENTENCE covers research and social commentary on the shame, celebration, and history of periods spanning through many cultures around the world.

I truly truly loved this book and highly recommend picking it up. Diamant’s writing is unapologetic, informative, and so great to read (the writing was so narrative that it felt more like listening to a podcast than reading a book, which I love in a nonfiction). Some of the content of this book was already familiar to me, but there was still a lot that I didn’t know and was surprised to hear about.

This is a book that I wish was given to me when I was a teenager, I feel like if I had read it then I wouldn’t have experienced nearly as much “period shame” that Diamant discusses in the book. While I recommend this book for all ages and genders, I think it would be particularly impactful for younger menstruating people.

TW: Suicide, domestic abuse, sexual assault

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, a nonfiction book that discusses the ways in which periods affect those who menstruate, including injustice, period poverty, chronic illness, mental and physical health, and more. This was a detailed look at all of these issues and presented hopeful and possible solutions.

I received an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Isabella Viducich · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Turns out, centuries' of old stigma doesn't shed as readily as uterine lining"

WOW. I knew about two whole pages into the forward of this book that it would be a TOUR DE FORCE.

Did you know? "More than half of thirteen- to seventeen-year-old girls interviewed said they would rather fail a school test than have their classmates know they're on their period." (WHAT??)

Do you know when "period" was first uttered in on TV? 1985!!!! (by Courtney Cox, btw). When my mother was almost my age???

I implore all my friends who are reading this review, to stop hiding your period (if you aren't already!). There's no reason we have to hide our pads/tampons when we take them to the bathroom; no reason we have to feel uncomfortable when we're buying them at the grocery store.

Also, buy the book. It's great and supports a great cause!

I loved this book. Not only did I learn a lot (e.g., about the plight of imprisoned menstruators), but it also got me really fired up. As the book says, "menstruation is so ubiquitous that, because you're reading this, you'll notice it everywhere, like the day you adopt a bulldog and suddenly you see bulldogs on every street corner." I laughed when I saw this because it's true- in the few days I've been reading this, more than one reddit thread has made me feel... some type of way.

I also really appreciated the author's efforts to use non-gendered language. We can't forget that not all menstruators identify as women and not all women menstruate!

I hope the author continues this line of research. I feel like some of these chapters could have be expanded into entire books.

Thank you so so so much Scribner Publishing and The Pad Project for my advanced copy. I loooooved it!

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Red Tent was a book that discussed pride in menstration when menstruation injustice still exists. The author has written another book called "Period" that outlines worldwide challenges that women who menstruate face and offers some solutions that are championed by a new generation of people, including interviews from people on the frontlines—parents, teachers, doctors, and social workers.

Did you know that menstruation is still called a "curse" in some countries, especially in poverty-ridden places? I had no idea how menstrual injustice can limit opportunities, kill self-esteem, and threaten lives. There are lots of things we can do as individuals, as citizens. We can support programs like the Pad Project, which is working to provide products and education, and legislative change worldwide, including in the United States.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/ani...

[Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um, WOW. I’m going to buy 1,000 copies of this book and hand it out to every person I talk to for the next year. Ok probably not. But THAT is how amazing and important it is.

Diamant exposes everything from societal period shame to period product inequities, period ritual histories, period power, and period policy. I was wowed, taught, humbled, validated, and motivated after reading this book.

Essential reading for anyone who knows, loves, is, was, or will be a menstruator (one who menstruates). So, like, everyone.

[Lizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

*This was an ARC Goodreads Giveaway*
Who better to write about mensuration justice than the other of "The Red Tent"!? Easy to read and chock full of information about the history of menstruation products, the stigma of period shaming, the importance of dignity, and the crisis of Period Poverty. It felt like the book version of the Period Monologue in the "Vagina Monologues". And on a positive note, it is full of inspiring stories of the future of Menstrual Justice!

[Gytha Chapman-Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely necessary read for anyone who menstruates and for all those curious about the period. ties very nicely with the documentary by the same name. time to end period stigma!!! ✊

[Maggie Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is still so much work to do.

[Aubree Meeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every 👏 woman 👏 should 👏 read 👏 this 👏 book.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5

A great source of overall information on period poverty, stigma, myths, and progression in equity for those who menstruate. Really fascinating anecdotes from around the world, but it was a bit brief for my liking.

[Lydia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book includes some empowering and thoughtful passages, but overall I found it repetitive, shallow, and unnecessarily strident.

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars because people should read this.
A few favorite quotes or ideas:
"The unwritten rules about putting up with menstrual stigma and shame are ancient, explicitly embedded in religion, culture and language...Radical change is the order of the day: radical in the sense of uprutting beliefs and habits that treat menstruation as pollution, incapacity, inferiority, and a pre-ordained shame. Radical, too, in the effort to replace those lies (let's be honest) with the understanding that menstruation is a vital sign, an essential part of human design, which is--depending on your belief system--a wonder of nature or a sacred vessel or both." (p5)

"Periods can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, embarrassing, and all kinds of painful, from mild cramps to ones that keep you in bed for days. Periods are expensive, messy, and unpredictable... Menstruation is also a mark of maturity and a measure of health. Metaphorically and spiritually, it signals the continuity of human life.
Stigma and powerlessness can make it feel like punishment. But menstruation is not the curse.
The curse is shame." (p12)

"Menstrual shame is a brew of silence, lack of knowledge, and stigma." (p17)

In indigenous cultures "anthropologists (mostly men), who rarely spoke to the women in the communities they studied, described menstrual practices (if they noticed them at all) as primitive and oppressive." Now women are reclaiming their birthright of celebrations and rites-- "(re)writing, (re)righting, and (re)riting the historical record." (p41-42)

"Girls reaching menarche are welcomed as 'blessed by the moon'." (p47)

Women and teens perpetuate the problems when we spend our live upholding "the universal expectation that [we] hide it, deny it, pretend it isn't happening." (p84)

"Reframing menstrual dignity as a human right" = access to clean water, gender-sensitive facilities, menstrual products and disposal options, and menstrual health education, including addressing stigma and shame. (p84)
The book mentions many activist groups working globally and in their own communities.

Teens and mothers worldwide are working to make periods mentionable and products available--free, like toilet paper.
And though men get a bad rap--"It has been possible--easy, actually--for boys to grow into manhood virtually with no knowledge of menstruation. And it's not their fault. Women, schooled in fifty shades of shame, have kept the bleeding out of sight. If there was a slip--a tampon box left out on a bathroom counter, an overheard comment about a heavy flow, or God forbid, a bloodstain--it was understood that a woman had failed to maintain the unspoken understanding that This. Was. Not. Happening." (pg89) "Of course, not all men are freaked out by periods. Many are thoughtful, supportive, and wise. But as long as menstruation was unmentionable, there was no way of knowing who they were, or how they treated the menstruators in their lives." (p94) So good to hear of dad and teen boys who are aware, helpful, and even keep period products handy for their girls.

In 2020 "Pantone, the global arbiter of color, announced a new shade of called Period, which apparently has magic powers: 'An active and adventurous red hue, courageous Period emboldens people who menstruate to feel proud of who they are. To own their period with self-assurance; to stand up and passionately celebrate the exciting and powerful life force they are born with; to urge everyone regardless of gender to feel comfortable to talk spontaneously and openly about this pure and natural bodily function'." (p116)

[Diana Ishaqat · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many lived experiences and realities are summarized here and it’s a good read, and effort was made into researching some religious aspects and I’m well-aware of the problematic patriarchal interpretation of many mainstream Islamic views, but no, Muhammad PBUH did NOT say that period blood comes from the devil. By doing this, authors just further confirm the patriarchal trend of periodsplaining.

Listing this in the beginning of the book as “evidence” and giving the chance to show how other religions and traditional cultures are inventing new ways to see things but barring a factual/alternative Muslim view from the debate (but still mentioning this “fact” in the opening) is disturbing. Otherwise, a good summary of key and extended debates on our health and rights.

[Beatriz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I acquired Period. End of Sentence. through a Goodreads Giveaway. This book is so important in continuing the conversation about menstrual justice; it’s informative, and, at times, frustrating. While this is not even nearly the most horrifying of what’s mentioned, to think that more students would rather fail a test than say they’re on their period? That’s heartbreaking.

This is the first book of Anita Diamant’s that I’ve read, and I look forward to reading more in the future.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend of mine shared an ARC of this book with me, and I'm so glad she did! Diamant has put together a concise, inclusive, and compelling summary of the fight for menstrual justice in the world, and makes a point to include resources and steps to take action for those of us who want to join the fight. The stories within are heartbreaking and enraging, but the book left me feeling both empowered and hopeful. I think anyone who reads this book will be glad they did.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought-provoking. Being post-menopausal, I haven't had to deal with or think about periods for a while, and I'd forgotten how it can rule a person's life. I hadn't considered how expensive it makes it to be female, or what happens to people when they are menstruating while homeless, or a refugee, or any number of situations. Menstruating needs to come out of societal hiding.

[Jehnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A worthwhile book for anyone who mensturates. It isn't long and academic. In fact it's a short 200 page book that covers a lot of basis. I will definitely use information in the text for my Women and Gender Studies students.

[Epifania Rita Gallina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book. Period!

[Margaret Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sh!....This is the topic that no one talks about. At least in my generation. And that's changing. A period. A natural part of women's lives. It is what makes it possible to have children. But it is messy, expensive, painful and it happens every month. Sh!....don't tell anyone you have it. Sh!...don't complain about it.
Thank you, Anita, for writing a non-fiction book about a topic adjacent to your novel, The Red Tent. I didn't think I'd like this book. I picked up this book, already ashamed, and learned things. About periods. About shame. About big business. It made me laugh and cry. It made me confront my own memories--the arrival of my first period, the sense of shame picking up "feminine supplies" even on a business trip to Germany. The arguments about whether women could even hold a Torah--they might be menstruating. The fear of leaking. The time I leaked on someone's white chairs in a very fancy dining room when I was there as a professional and a rabbi. Really who has white chairs in a dining room. I was mortified! This book is well worth the read.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why is there still period shame in 2022? Half of the world’s population will menstruate in their lifetime. I work in a gender violence nonprofit on a team of people who all identify as women, yet despite all of that, I struggled through monthly migraines all last year because I was too embarrassed to admit I needed a sick day for my period. Why?

[shaddai m · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learned so much from this one! More motivation to make healthcare accessible to women!!

[Nuzhat · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good review of the problems (taxation of period products, stigma& shame, etc.) and honors (cultures that celebrate menarche- much smaller section of text) and the current state of advocacy. May be eye-opening and shocking for some in the high-income countries who take for granted private space with running water as well as $ to purchase products that should be viewed more of a necessity for 1/2 the population.

[Danielle Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Period. End of Sentence is an eye opening book that has an incredible amount of educational information jam packed into it. It covers a wide variety of topics such as the differences between countries and religions in how they view menstruation, period poverty, what different organizations are doing to help get period products to those in need, and fighting the stigma associated with dealing with a period.

The first thing I want to applaud the author on is the conscious effort they put in to be inclusive in her language. Rather than sticking to using women and girls, she often uses the terms "people who menstruate" or "menstruator". This seemingly small gesture is a show of empathy and respect to those who are transgender or for those who identify as nonbinary.

I first got my period about two decades ago, so I thought I was well educated on the concept. I figured this would be a quick read that summarized what I already knew... But after reading the book, I realized there was a LOT of information that I didn't know... but should have. The book does a fantastic job at bringing to light the concept of period poverty that I, as a privileged white middle class cisgender female, didn't think about prior to reading.

The author includes a high number of resources for those who want to assist with organizations that are working to provide free period products, as well as abolish the period tax.

This book is very highly recommended for those who care about women's rights and equality.


Thank you to Netgalley for the free, advanced digital copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

[Ali O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend to everyone! Watch the short documentary on Netflix as well: “shines the spotlight on menstrual injustice and how it limits opportunities, damages self-esteem, and even threatens the lives of girls and women all over the world”

[bluerose · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, this is something I almost never say: maybe skip this book and just watch the documentary. Really 2.5 stars.

It is a real shame that we cannot find a balance anymore. Of COURSE menstruation isn't anything to be ashamed of, and of COURSE every woman and girl should have access to the necessary education and supplies. But as a woman I can also say from experience that it's a pain in the you-know-what and an inconvenience. So (with all due respect to different cultural norms) if anyone had thrown me a party when I got my first period I would have thought they were insane. (Though I kind of love the T-shirt that said "I can do anything you can--while bleeding.")

RMCWR:

To quote the acceptance speech made when the documentary won an Oscar (which I watched live): "A period should end a sentence, not a girl's education."

This is an important subject, but I really don't need poems in praise of it.

Nope. Not menstruator. Not person who menstruates. Women and girls. If ever there was a female issue, this is it.

...in Finland it's called mad cow disease?! Wouldn't that just be confusing?

Did not know that period parties were a thing (see my comments above).

Love the section on the most stupid things men have said about periods (though again, to be fair, if they haven't been educated how would they know?), my particular favorite being the guy who asked his girlfriend if she could reschedule it for him.

Love also the examples of supportive dads, as well as the driver who kept supplies available for girls who might not have access at home or school.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye-opening and powerful short read. Packed with an expansive wealth of information on shame, period poverty, and menstrual injustice. You’ll learn about many different cultural customs - ranging from uplifting and positive to extremely harmful and dangerous, personal stories, and a lot of history. The book might allow you to reflect on messaging you received growing up re: periods/menstruators. It will piss you off, give you hope for the future, and might give you ideas if you want to take action on a large or small scale. I’d recommend to all.

[Brenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was some good information here, but an entire book about periods is just too much for me. I'm not huge into nonfiction in the first place, and I just don't feel like there's enough information to fill a whole book. It was a little bit all over the place, and seemed to touch briefly on every single social justice issue there is.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important look at women’s rights from the author of my all time favorite book. This is one where you laugh, cry, are ritious and disturbed all at the same time. Thank you Anita Diamont for your important work and thank you NetGalley for the ARC