Our Red Book: Intimate Histories of Periods, Growing & Changing

by Rachel Kauder Nalebuff (Editor)

A collection of essays, oral histories, and artworks about periods across all stages of life, gathered by the editor of the New York Times bestselling anthology My Little Red Book .

After hearing a harrowing coming-of-age story from her great aunt, Rachel Kauder Nalebuff started gathering stories about menstruation in her family that had never been told. What began as an oral history project quickly Rachel heard from family and friends, and then from strangers—writers, experts, community leaders, activists, young people, and other visionaries—about the most intimate physical transformations in their lives.

Our Red Book takes us through stories of first periods, last periods, missing periods, and everything about bleeding that people wish they had been told. Weaving together powerful voices—from teenagers, midwives, Indigenous scholars, Olympic athletes, incarcerated writers, disoriented fathers, elected leaders who fought to make period products free, friends transitioning genders, grandmothers, and lovers—the book invites us on a collective journey of growth and change, with Rachel’s own voice as a guide.

The result is a people’s history of menstruation, told through an array of perspectives and identities that span the globe. Gathered over twenty years, the collection takes stock of our shifting relationships to family, cultural inheritance, gender, aging, and liberation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays, Feminism, Womens, Gender

384 pages, Hardcover

First published August 16, 2022

About the author

Rachel Kauder Nalebuff is a writer working at the intersections of oral history, performance, and public health. She is the editor of the forthcoming Our Red Book (Simon & Schuster, 2022) and of The New York Times best-selling My Little Red Book (Hachette, 2009). She co-edited The Feminist Utopia Project (Feminist Press, 2015) with Alexandra Brodsky. Her book Stages (Thick Press, 2020) is a hybrid collection of writing and interviews with end-of-life care workers that “feels truly revolutionary, in both form and in content” (Elif Batuman).

Rachel teaches nonfiction writing at Yale University and co-directs a memoir program for seniors with Caitlin Ryan O’Connell and many friends through the Bushwick Starr theater. She is online at www.itsrachelkuadernalebuff.com and, occasionally, https://rachelkaudernalebuff.substack....

Reviews

[Nella ☾ of Bookland · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a unique and interesting idea for a book! These stories were touching, I enjoyed the diverse perspectives and experiences. I live for the day when women aren't made to feel shameful about our periods.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I struggle with my gender identity, but this book really reinforced the idea that I am just a person who menstruates and that is a very powerful and sacred thing. I never realized how connected I am to so many people. This book made me remember my very first period;
I was in 7th grade, sitting in the 3rd row of my health class and we had just been learning about periods. It was awkward and no one wanted to be there and then the bell rang and I was on my way to band when I got this pain in my back and I ran to the bathroom. My new galaxy leggings were in fact ruined. Yes, this was the time that galaxy print was BIG and POPULAR so please do not judge me. I had no period products and I didn't have the change to buy a pad and I didn't know how to use a tampon (obviously that health lesson was very impactful) so I just folded up some toilet paper. And then I went on the rest of the day feeling so happy yet in so much pain because well it was my first period. Despite a struggle with my gender I have never felt like my period has been a burden because it connects me to nature in a unique way that I will never be able to explain.
STORY OVER :)
Overall, this book was life changing and I really think that everyone should read it. It was so nice to see other peoples perspectives and experiences with the same thing that I go through. It was nice to be able to go down my own memory lane like remembering how I lied about getting my period because all of my friends had it and I just wanted to be cool. Or how in 5th grade we all passed around that one American Girl Doll book about the female body and the changes that we would all eventually go through.
Ugh! Everyone should just pick this up and read it.

[Ann Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I straight up feel like an Earth Mother Goddess after reading this. No, I don't know what that is exactly, but I feel powerful, like I've gained essential knowledge.

Our editor, Rachel Kauder Nalebuff has brought together an incredibly diverse group of stories about periods. They're the kind of stories we tell with our friends, laughing or crying or picking our jaws up off the floor. The stories are "taboo" but they always felt so freeing to talk about them out loud with our inner circles. Reading an entire book about it feels like tapping into this gorgeous, important set of collective knowledge.

This book has got to be one of the most comprehensive period books ever written. We've got menstruation experiences from Holocaust survivors, grandmothers talking wtih their granddaughters, teenage activists fighting to make period products more accessible, transgender and non binary folks, JUDY BLUME for crying out loud, women who were enslaved, indigenous people, scientists, poets, writers, the runner who famously free-bled while running the marathon, and 11 year olds all the way to 91 year olds. Just WOW.

I felt seen in so many ways while reading this and found myself highlighting lines that really resonated with me. I especially enjoyed the multi-generational interviews.

SUCH a fantastic book!

[Regan conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love loved reading the experiences so many people have with periods. Definitely opened my eyes to topics that I hadn’t ever considered. I wish more people were comfortable talking openly/freely about all things period related

[Salam Kabbani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very interesting. It is not for the squeamish or faint of heart as the title is aptly named and it is all about periods.

It was very eye opening to learn about womens' experiences all around the world and how the mere act of talking about periods is taboo in so many families.

I also didn't learn how big a role politics play in menses and how much this impacts trans people.

While I did cringe at one particular story (a lady stating she drank her urine), which as an infectious diseases pharmacist I will always recommend against that, the book was overall very informative and I highly recommend it.

[emma taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful book! i finished this book when my period started, which is ironic. i appreciated reading all of the wonderful, emotional, and often humorous stories about people with periods from different walks of life. i have developed a deeper appreciation for my cycle, but i also recognize that it is a painful process and can be traumatizing for some. thank you rachel for such a lovely collection of stories!

[Vanessa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not What was Expected.

When I chose to read this book I was excited to read about shared experiences with other WOMEN. Instead this book feels like the author is pushing a hidden agenda. Asking men for their period stories, men wishing they had periods *eye roll*, Trans etc. Instead I was unable to finish the book though I pushed through 89%. I should have read the synopsis first. If you are looking for something cherishing or reveling in women's shared experiences I would suggest looking elsewhere. I would not shared this with my teenage daughters.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel Nalebuff has taken on the task of compiling stories about periods, menstruation, and menopause across various communities, generations, and demographics. Told through short essays, interviews, and comics, this book allows for a variety of stories to be told and shared. She believes that sharing these stories with each other is hugely important--even if our experience with getting our period is "welp, I got it one day and I've been bleeding once a month ever since." The purpose is to destigmatize what happens at some point to nearly half of the world's population.

For some, it was a joyous or neutral occasion. For others, it was terrifying and heart-wrenching. For others, it was stressful and difficult and menopause brought about a freedom they'd never felt before.

Certainly with a project of this scope, I didn't find every essay compelling nor did I totally agree with everyone's feelings regarding their periods--but that's okay! The point of this is to open our minds and understand where others might be coming from, from personal families to organizations looking to destigmatize such a common event in our lives.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad I read this "red" book. This book took that which is often taboo to speak about (periods), and turned it into a beautiful collection of stories about first periods and the loss of periods across a range of ages and continents. Some were funny, some were sad, and some were downright horrifying in how women were treated. There are even stories of how transgender people feel about their periods and the struggles they face physically and mentally. It is a beautiful book, well written, and much appreciated.

[Ghilimei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars just for existing - the world needs this book and I'm glad I came across it. I would honestly lobby to include this book on the reading list of schools and high schools. I'm 38 now and wish I had read this when I was a teenager or even a young adult. Sure, kids now are so much smarter and better informed that I ever was at their age, but I think that feeling alone in a crowd, out of place, isolated in your experiences, and disconnected from yourself and others is still very much a thing and this book can really help with some of that.

I recommend this to all people, of all ages and genders.

[Amelia Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real. Real Problems. Real Experiences. Real People. Do not sleep on this book!

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so well done. It was so intimate, humorous, gut wrenching, and relatable. I didn’t realize how emotional it could be talking about something like periods.

[Krysta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be required reading for anyone who menstruates or who knows someone who does... aka all of us.

[Katie Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting and thought provoking collection of experiences of bleeding (and not bleeding)

[rieke.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

CAWPILE: 9.39/10.00

[Nancy Graben · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book should be a gift to all girls when they start their periods or get close to starting. It is poignant and real

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of short stories comprised of multiple diverse narratives retelling their first encounters surrounding periods. I enjoyed learning more about how menstrual cycles are processed and viewed across different gender identities - not just heterosexual ones. It’s interesting how menstrual products have evolved over the years and how fortunate we are in the present day to have so many options to choose from, especially in a first-world consumerist country. Stories ranged across various age ranges and I was glad the author strived to capture young people’s voices; I had never really thought about existing intersections amongst menstrual equity and environmental justice so shout out to all the high school clubs aimed at educating and initiating these types of dialogues. Sharing all the related emotions and experiences that begin, transition, and end with menstruation demonstrates how periods waterfall into almost every single aspect of our life. Everyone truly has their own unique period story, including men.

[Jean Kojali · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. I am so impressed with this book - this is true feat of creative nonfiction. Having read widely in gender and women's studies, and purely being a woman, I expected to enjoy this collection, but I did not expect to feel so emotional and gratified at the end of it. Nalebuff has a serious talent for weaving such diverse stories together. This reading experience was so fluid, so lively, so engrossing. I will certainly binge the rest of her work!

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUCH an important read for every single human being. Was constantly in awe, spellbound by some of the strength and sheer honesty in the stories, stunned to learn that it’s something CELEBRATED amongst some cultures and families… I honestly learnt more from this one book then I have ever have from actually having a period myself. A true gift to the world. An essential read for all

[Rachel Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I wondered how many stories one could tell about periods. But this is a wonderful collection with a diverse and inclusive set of voices telling the story of this universal experience each in their own unique way.

[Lexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love love love this book

[Vamp 🧛🏻‍♀️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book by Rachel Kauder Nalebuff does a deep dive into the world of menstruation. Nalebuff reaches out to many people, some alike, most different. Throughout this book we are able to learn more about this unique and wonderful people, and hear there own stories with menstruation, whether it be their first period, menopause, or anything else to do with menstruation. Not only are women involved in this book, but we are able to understand the queer communities connection with menstruation. People from all different backgrounds are represented. Along with hearing these stories, Nalebuff is sure to include a short biography of each person contributing a story so we are able to see them for some of their accomplishments in life.
This book would be a wonderful read for those beginning their periods, looking to learn more, or those simply in awe of what those who do, or have once, aligned as females experience. This is a beautiful book with a collection of people represented, all sharing their own personal stories. The best thing about this book is that no matter what, you will not feel alone when you experience menstruation, and that no matter what, others have once been in your spot, and some are even in it at the very moment.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Similar to its predecessor, My Little Red Book, this anthology features period stories and experiences from menstruators of various backgrounds. Several stories were written from incarcerated individuals, menstruators experiencing period poverty, students working to promote the availability of period products on their campuses, and menstruators experiencing menopause. Other stories offer cultural perspectives on menstruation. All of these stories give you plenty to think about in terms of how we view menstruation. There is no "one size fits all" experience but rather a unique variety of experiences that readers can learn from.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before reading our red book I had never heard any womans first period story before. Its not something I would have ever thought of asking a woman about.

One of my favorite interviews from Or red book was Salty XI Jie talks with her grandmothers. The day after the interview Salty's paternal grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer. And salty's maternal grandmother likes to talk a lot.

It was defiantly interesting to her the womans period stories. One thing that surprised me is that some women dreaded and wanted to put off getting their first period.

[Christina Marta · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish there were more positive period stories. I'm quite sick of writers who complain about their periods, are offended by them, not realizing that it's kind of like being given a car you are responsible for: a visible reminder that you are growing up into an adult who matters!

And at risk of being labelled a TERF, people born male don't get to co-opt talk of having periods, any more than I get to talk about experiencing Random Boners or wet dreams.

I wish for more Judy Blume!

[Autumn Kovach · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the premise of well known women's period stories. It was nice to hear people's shared experiences since we all experience it but rarely talk about it. I read up through Fatima and would revisit in the future.

[Lin SINGH-BARRINGTON · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book about an important though at times, still taboo topic. These voices need to be heard and women's health is too precious to be locked away in some secret place where it isn't known or spoken about.

[A'Llyn Ettien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting stories about experiences with periods.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very intriguing premise with some interesting memories. Definitely a topic worthy of exploration.

[tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

trans periods and grandmas and granddaughters and period shame and period pride and gender and blood 🩸