FLOW highlights
Absolute. Must. Read. It’s like Snopes for your snatch.—ticket to write (blog)
With wit, sarcasm, and common sense . . . the authors use a pop culture lens to posit a modern, feminist, female perspective on menstruation.—Library Journal
Its contents, I found, are plainspoken—perhaps it will start chipping away at the taboo. . . . the style is important
and groundbreaking.—The New Yorker (yes, The New Yorker!)
In many ways, FLOW is a breakthrough.—Daily Beast
FLOW isn’t just a book; it’s a movement.—January magazine
There is probably no better book for moms who want their daughters to respect themselves in every aspect, and for female
pre-teens and teens who would never say a word about their moms reading a book about menses but surely would like several sneak peaks into its pages. —Booklist (starred review)
Flow: The Cultural Story of Menstruation by Elissa Stein and Susan Kim is a riot. . . . Get yourself or the woman-child in your life a copy.
—Viva la Feminista
Perfect for a preteen’s introduction to adulthood and for women of all ages, this is guaranteed to spark conversation about . . .
whether this universal female experience is a blessing, a curse—or just part of life.—Publisher’s Weekly
So next time you’re “Saddling Up Old Rusty,” “Wearing the Red Badge Courage,” or “Having Ketchup With Your Steak,” think twice about what’s really happening and be proud, because really, there’s nothing to be ashamed about.—Body & Soul magazine
Best book I read all year. . . . BlogHer
a little background . . .
FLOW was my dream project. It stemmed from my period stopping years ago -
I was terrified and had no one to talk to and no resources to check out (this was long before the internet). A kindly gynecologist literally patted me on the knee and handed me a prescription for the Pill, which I didn't want to take. He didn't bother trying to figure out what made my period stop in the first place.
Back then, years before I was a writer, I knew I wanted to put something out into the world that helped women feel more comfortable talking about menstruation. Shame, secrecy, and fear were, and aren't, acceptable ways to feel about our bodies.
It took fifteen years to find an agent who understood what I wanted to do. 25 editors said no. St. Martin's though not only said yes, they let FLOW become exactly what I'd envisioned - a beautiful book full of the imagery and ads that have so powerfully shaped the way we think and talk about periods.
FLOW took so much out of me I have yet to tackle another book project. But at the end of the day I am extraordinarily thrilled to have started countless conversations and enabled people around the world to talk about menstruation even a bit more easily than before. And FLOW is one stunning, fascinating, jaw-dropping book.
and should you want more
These are my first forays into filmmaking. Entertaining and educational.
Whoopi: Hey, do yourself a favor and get
everyone you know this book . . . FLOW.
Launch party at Rizzoli, NYC. Their most
successful one ever.