Red Flower: Rethinking Menstruation

By Dena Taylor

An integral part of every woman's life, menstruation has typically been characterized as a curse. Red Flower debunks the myths and prejudices surrounding this natural process through carefully documented research, cross-cultural perspectives, and much more. "At last there is this book I didn't have it. I didn't have it for my daughters. But now there is a book I can give to my granddaughters. Rich with insight, information, affirmation, poetry--what a help, what a freeing, what a delight this book is " Tillie Olsen "Red Flower comes out of woman's experience...Taylor translates pre-Second Wave research into feminist sense." Feminist Collections "The author's intent is to dispel the notion that menstruation should be kept hidden and is somehow shameful. She exhorts the reader to be aware of its powerful effect on all women." Journal of Nurse-Midwifery ".. A useful gift for young girls as well as a thoughtful work full of information for older women." Jeannine Parvati "This book will become a classic." The Doula ".. Informed commentary on the mythic, superstitious and scientific aspects of women's menstrual life. Who, then, should read Red Flower? Any female ranging from pre-menarche to post-menopausal ages. And any father, husband, brother or son. It should be required reading for both females and males in the public schools." Chiron Review

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1930665644
• ISBN13: 9781930665644
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Blackburn Press
• Length: 152 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Refreshingly positive perspective on menstruation

"Red Flower" provides a refreshingly positive perspective on menstruation. Countering the barrage of negativity women recieve about PMS, this book emphasizes the positive aspects of periods. Menstruation symbolizes fertility, femininity, and power. PMS is neither universal nor always negative. It is possible - and ideal - for women to celebrate their bodies at this time rather than hide from the reality of monthly cycles.The main flaw with this book is that some of the science is outdated due to the date of publication. Also, I wish there was more detail on some of the cultural history related to menstruation. However, "Red Flower" was not written to be a comprehensive guide to female cycles. It is a celebration of womens bodies as we were meant to experience it. For that, the book is invaluable.