Period. End of Sentence.

Title: Period. End of Sentence.
Series:
Published by: Scribner
Release Date: May 25, 2021
ISBN13: 978-1982144289
Buy the Book: Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, IndieBound

 
When the documentary film, Period. End of Sentence. won an Oscar in 2019, Melissa Berton — producer and founder of the The Pad Project — accepted the award by saying, “A period should end a sentence, not a girl’s education.” Inspired by the movie, Anita Diamant has written a collection of essays about periods that explore the cultural roots of menstrual injustice, which erodes self-esteem, limits opportunities, and even threatens lives. The book also celebrates a new generation of activists and innovators who are working to end period poverty and stigma, and describes the brave new world of period products, advertising, art, and comedy.

Video: Anita Diamant on Period. End of Sentence. 

Reviews

Marie-Claire: 

“Filled with rich personal testimonies, details on political organizing strategy, and Diamant’s own wisdom on issues ranging from religious rituals surrounding menstruation to pop culture celebrations of periods to menstrual product marketing critiques … Diamant knowingly and lovingly represents it all—with the keen eye of a reporter, the soul of a storyteller, and the voice of a trusted narrator. Her commitment to social justice and dignity for all shines through.” Jennifer Weiss-Wolf

Booklist:
Diamant, author of the bestselling novels The Red Tent (2007) and The Boston Girl (2014), sustains the impact of the Oscar-winning documentary Period. End of Sentence in this scorching and utterly unforgettable read. ... Brandishing a stunning array of statistics and sharing stories from around the world of girls and women in every social circumstance, Diamant delivers a withering account of how menstruation has led to humiliation, threats, and on more than one grim occasion, even death. Here, too, are rousing stories of success, including the middle-school girls in America who rose up against a male school principal who claimed students would “abuse the privilege” if free tampons were made available in restrooms ...This is a barn burner of cultural analysis that never strays from the preventable suffering at its core. A life-improving title that should be made as widely available as possible. Colleen Mondor

Publisher's Weekly:
Novelist Diamant (The Red Tent) examines all things menstrual in this expansive collection of anecdote, history, and pop culture criticism...the effect is powerful...and lands as a repository of information rarely in the spotlights. For young women, especially, this will provide a fascinating look back and powerful impetus to work for a shame-free future."