Imagine: I go back to school, study astrophysics, become the world's most experienced astrophysicist, invent the world's first time machine, take this book, go back in time, and shove it in front of every person with a vagina on their thirteenth birthday. I LOVE this book so much. It was absolutely thrilling, which, believe me, is not what I expected to say about a book about vaginas. The amount of information they have included this book makes me giddy and so, so, SO excited for young girls everywhere. Hell, even young adults. Proper, fully-grown adults. I've been on this planet for 25 years, and I learned so much from this book. It's incredibly reaffirming. Every page made me feel immeasurably comfortable by simply reminding me that I am NOT ALONE. We are NOT ALONE. There is an incredible group of people out there that should exist to support one another, and throughout history, we NEVER HAVE. From periods and vaginal health, to sex & contraception and wellness & self-care, this book covers everything you have ever wanted to know. Everything you ever NEEDED to know. Everything you didn't even know you wanted or needed to know. EVERYTHING!

Bonus things that particularly made me happy while reading this INCREDIBLY HELPFUL AND RESOURCEFUL BOOK:
-"we must understand that virginity is an idea formulated eons ago by people concerned with policing bodies with vaginas"
-"we must combat the bullsh*t around virginity and replace it with inclusive, healthy, and medically accurate sex education; we must do this because virginity simply does not exist"
-"if you find you're uncomfortable with some of your desires or their origins, or if there are certain practices that start to overwhelm your life, it's worth taking a look at what's driving you"
-the very concept of cultural orgasms
-the fact that not in a single instance did they reference girls or women (although I know I did, above), but instead PEOPLE WITH VAGINAS
-filmed pornography was invented almost at the same time as film, which means humans are kinky af
-"learning how to ask for, recognize, and give consent requires communication and emotional maturity"
-"the idea that sex is something men try to 'get' and women have to protect against, for example, takes away agency from both parties, and ignores queer identities altogether"
-"there are three parts of a person's gender: body, identity, and expression. All these parts operate independently"
-the fact that they included talking about sex workers and their rights!!!
-this sentence: "opt for slower, low-impact exercise [while on your period] like yoga, Pilates, or walking to the store that's kinda far from your apartment but carries the ice cream you like (it counts, OK?)"
-this sentence, also: "and hey, maybe anyone who thinks they deserve an opinion on your pubes doesn't deserve access to your vagina, just a thought"
-advice on finding a therapist to work on your mental health, which is a huge part of owning a vagina!! (and life, in general)
-of course, like any good non-fiction book, including a list of other reading resources for further information

Things that Did Not Bring Me Joy that I learned:
-reminding me that free healthcare does not exist in Some Parts of the world, and lack of access is often the most debilitating thing when it comes to taking care of yourself
-the fact that I was never once introduced to the concept of a female condom in school
-SIX different American states (Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas) all have laws that PROHIBIT the mention of homosexual relationships apart from teaching that gay sex is associated with AIDS (particularly horrifying, imho)
-There is some underlying tones when you consider that the same states that try to implement "heartbeat bills" and other similar cutthroat laws are typically the same states that formed the Confederate States in the attempt to prolong slavery

Overall, an EXCELLENT book and resource for absolutely everyone. EVERYONE. I would happily read a book titled "The Penis Book" because everyone should know about human bodies. There is just SO MUCH TO KNOW and SO LITTLE that we learned. Learn it, appreciate it. Love it.

OMG !!! I wish I read this book when I was a teen (I'm 36).
Let's say it out loud : VAGINA! All women have one, why do we feel ashamed or embarrassed when we're having any type of issue or discomfort,
I think everyone should read this... even if you don't have one, get educated!
A natural hidden body part. Yes, it can leak weird sticky liquid at times (not talking red) or smell...
It's natural, don't be ashamed!
So many questions I never dared to ask a doctor, so much shame...

Well written, interesting, full of info... not boring!

Thank you for allowing me access to this book. This is my honest review. All opinions are my own.

It's been so long since I've accepted an ARC for review, so I figured a book about vaginas written by a company selling special period underwear was as good a choice as any for diving back into book reviews. Although I wasn't originally familiar with Thinx, a quick browse of the company's website definitely opened my curiosity, although I'm not sure how likely I am to try these... unique.... products in the near future.

Anyways, I initially thought The Vagina Book might be intended for much younger readers, like the awkward books your mother pushes under the door around age 11 that awkwardly discuss arm pit hair and picking your first maxi pads .... but a quick flip to the chapter showing the best positions for period sex quickly changed my mind on the intended audience. I assume this book is more targeted to a slightly older crowd, mostly seeking validation and inclusivity more so than novel facts, as I think the personal stories that relate to the audience are probably a much bigger selling point than the facts (none of which are particularly new or earth-shattering). It was a nice touch to have authentically candid stories from well-known voices like YouTuber Ingrid Nilsen, who related her struggles balancing her emotional health during her menstrual cycle, making a familiar topic feel more relatable and a little less taboo.

The book focuses a lot on inclusivity of size, gender, and sexuality, which ventured into a little more politics than I was expecting. Again, there's probably nothing that you've never heard somewhere else here, but it's convenient and easy to have such an easily accessible collection of voices speaking on such a wide topic of women's issues.

This book is well informed and very well organized. Having grown up on "Our Bodies, ourselves" - I realize how this one speaks to our time in the same way that the former text spoke to a different generation. It comes with useful resources. The message to young women today never to feel ashamed of their bodies.

Ok, so it was an enjoyable read with some very important information. Not groundbreaking though. I guess it is important for teens to have access to this book but as a 28 yo woman I was like "yeah ok I know that".
Probably because I was very lucky? Very not American?
Who knows!

I also think that it can be a good read for guys. They deserve to know what's going on too!

Anyway, I think it deserves a read anyway even though you think you know it all!

Plus it is funny, so yeah no reason at all not to read it.

Very interesting book covering specific topics that are not common at all. Vagina-relating topics have been considering a tabu for so long but it's time society just gets comfortable with talking about another human part. I wish I read this book before puberty.. well.. I'm glad my children will have access to this type of literature.

The kind of book every young woman should read, and which I wish had been available back when I had so many questions about my body, and not many resources to answer them.

This is a category of books that I truly believe that all women, or those who identify as women need to take part in. This book is no different, like other books that I’ve read, The Vagina Book, digs even deeper than just the vagina. Dr Jennifer Conti goes beyond the classic anatomy lesson, she speaks about wellness and self care, she speaks about abortion, about pregnancy, about body hair and STI’s. There are stories from a number of women, about periods, pregnancy loss and masturbation. This is a book that should be in school libraries, women need to have all the correct knowledge when it comes to their own bodies.

A good, sex-positive resource and a fast read that covers a lot of ground but doesn't go too far in depth on any one topic. The articles were quite brief but were informative and there were many subjects I wasn't really expecting to see, like BDSM, sex positions for your period, and revenge porn. I think I would have preferred certain articles (like the orgasm one!) to be longer and more in depth but this book was a good overview. I was actually expecting Thinx to be mentioned a lot more and was impressed that this book didn't turn out to be an ad for their products.

I really enjoyed how easy this book was to read. It's also very informative, but it has a sense of humor and kept my attention. This book would have been a much better teacher than the awkward sex-ed/period class I had to take in 5th grade.

A very honest and open book about the often taboo subject on women’s health. Refreshing to read and I still learnt things, even despite my age!

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

There was some useful information in this book. I think it was open and transparent about women's heath. I like how they reviewed myths especially around pregnancy. I did find the transitions were alittle off though. The chapters didn't flow together.

Very approachable and conversational in tone. Provides information in a ver accessible way. There are sections by Dr Conti theoughtout to provide more context. There are also sections by co-authors.

What a great book for women. So informative and makes me feel like I’m not alone and not crazy!! More women should read this!!

This was really interesting. You learn a whole lot about the female reproductive system. It sure is a better guide than google and I have seen interesting reviews on Thinx. I was glad I got the opportunity to read this. It helps you get a non convoluted view on issues that you just want simple explaining on.

Useful and descriptive. Very detailed and helpful. Wish that there are more books like this to help women understand their bodies better.

Oh, how I wish someone had written and given this book to a younger me!
Separated in 4 sections (periods, vaginal health, sex & contraception, wellness & self-care), it is, indeed, what it claims to be-- an honest, compassionate, and inclusive resource. and manual for all who have a vagina or would like to learn about vaginas.
Highly educational and entertaining, I would gift this book to many of my teenaged students.

4⭐️
I really never talked to anyone about my periods. Looking back in horror now I remember lots of embarrassing experiences.
I remembered locking myself in my family bathroom with my twin sister while we struggled to use tampons for the first time before a run with our critical father. We were laughing, then crying because we didn’t know what we were doing.
I didn’t love everything about this but it had some good things. Its a must read for all females who have questions. Vaginal care, periods, sex(birth control), and menopause. Why aren’t we talking about this more??
I am so grateful for the Netgalley ARC from the publisher and all opinions are my own. I have given an honest review.

I have been looking for the perfect book for my teenage daughter. This is the one! I’ve found the ideal companion book.
This covers every topic you could want. From mensuration to hormones. Sexual heath. Even down to shaving.
The topics covered are done in a clear and sensitive way. Done in such a way as to educate and not make judgement over right and wrong.
All teenagers and their moms should have access to this book. Thank you for the ARC. I will definitely be purchasing a copy when released as a reference book.
#thevaginabook #netgalley #jenniferconti

Just wow. This book blew me away. There were some things I knew and so many things I did not know. I loved how this book was laid out with the ability to explore knowledge and testimonials. It also had a lot of professional opinions to help make the learning more believable and relatable. The fact that so many OBGYN contributed to the making of this book just made it so special. Would highly recommend to anyone. Of all ages. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.