Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC.

The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding on a Tuesday follows high school senior Delia Bridges as the arrival of her monthly period -- one that is always aggressive enough to knock her entirely out of commission -- derails the careful plan she set in place for her future.

As a person who menstruates, though I don't experience even one ounce of what Delia experiences on a monthly basis, there was something so refreshingly cathartic about reading Delia's journey. From her constant physical and emotional struggles, and all the loss and change it causes in her life, to the ultimate triumph of a diagnosis that finally sets her on the path to reclaiming her future, I felt like I and every woman I know was in there right next to Delia, suffering and fighting all the way. Because, as her friend ultimately learns, I don't need to have endometriosis to understand what Delia is going through. Having to defend your pain to others, experience dismissiveness and gaslighting not only from peers who don't understand but also from medical professionals who you thought were supposed to understand, is something I think most women have encountered in one way or another. It's also just beyond refreshing to have a book for teens that's about periods, and about them in a way that ultimately bends towards overcoming shame and demonstrates for both boys and girls alike what empathy and support for a friend looks like. I would have loved to have this book in high school for a number of reasons, and I hope it graces the shelves of school libraries for the foreseeable future.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing an advanced copy for an honest review.

The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding on a Tuesday is such a real and relatable story. It’s about Delia, a high schooler dealing with crazy bad period pain but who also wants to be a doctor. When she tries to manage everything on her own, things go sideways and she gets kicked out of school—putting all her dreams at risk.

What I loved is how honest and funny Delia’s voice is. The book talks about some pretty tough stuff, like how people don’t always take women’s health seriously, but it’s never preachy. Delia’s super smart and stubborn, and watching her fight for herself felt really inspiring.

It’s not just about period pain either—it’s about standing up when no one’s listening and making sure you get the help you need. Plus, the friendships and family stuff make the story feel even more real.

Final Thoughts: If you want a book that’s funny, real, and deals with important issues without being heavy-handed, definitely check this one out. Delia’s story stuck with me, and I think lots of people will relate to her struggle and strength.

The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding on a Tuesday is a period-positive triumph that offers readers a powerful and much-needed perspective on chronic pain, medical gaslighting, and the resilience of women navigating a broken system. Delia Bridges is a high-achieving senior whose dreams of becoming a compassionate doctor are jeopardized by the one thing she’s never been able to escape: debilitating period pain. Her story is as heartbreaking as it is hopeful, grounded in truth and elevated by Kelsey B. Toney’s smart, sharp, and empathetic writing.

As someone who has battled IBS and undiagnosed period pain for most of my life—and has often been met with dismissal—I saw myself in Delia’s story in a way I rarely do. Every moment of frustration, every invalidation, every plea to simply be heard hit incredibly close to home. This book made me feel seen and empowered, and I know it will do the same for so many others.

This isn’t just a YA novel—it’s a rallying cry. A bold reminder of how vital it is to center compassion and advocacy in both medicine and storytelling. I sincerely hope this finds its way into the hands of every teen, teacher, healthcare provider, and bookshelf.

This novel offers readers a powerful glimpse into Delia’s life, marked by a desperate decision that leads to a series of challenging events. The story is rich in emotional depth and honesty, making readers feel Delia’s relentless pain, both physical and emotional. Although the pacing slows in the middle, Toney’s vivid prose keeps the narrative engaging. The novel challenges readers to confront their biases and truly listen to Delia’s voice, highlighting her strength in enduring a world that doubts her pain. Toney’s writing is cinematic, making the story feel like a raw and emotional film.

As someone who recently went through a fibroid removal surgery, I absolutely loved this booked. There is so much about being a woman that is so hard and often deemed taboo to talk about. This book explored the challenges of balancing chronically painful periods with friendships/life in a deeply touching and relatable way.

Thank you NetGalley & Random House Children's for sending me an ARC of this amazing book in exchange for an honest review. 💕

As a female who has periods and "hot girl tummy issues" this book really helps put things into perspective. This book really dive into the pains and struggles of having endometriosis and IBS. Based on experiences the author herself went through, I laughed and cried with her in this novel. While there was several times in this novel the author could of took the "happy ending" way out she took the "realistic" life lesson approach and I really enjoyed this. I will getting a copy of this for al my girlies with either struggle as more representation is needed. I will be watching this author for more!

“an honest, empowering, and relatable story about self-advocacy and perseverance in the face of discrimination” (Kirkus Reviews).

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted galley for my honest review.

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
People who have experienced menstruation mishaps know the embarrassment and pain of having the dreaded cycle. As a mother of three girls I’ve had a few experiences with each to learn from and share my own. And yes, we all at some point have had ‘cycling pains’ at the same time. At one point my endometriosis was so crippling in college it landed me in the hospital with doctors predicting it would be difficult for me to conceive children. Surprisingly three years later I arrived home from our two week honeymoon pregnant!

Delia our FMC is feeling misunderstood and in need of help. She uses marijuana to manage her endometriosis symptoms. This is the liberating story of how Delia overcomes an expulsion from school to use marijuana tincture as a medical drug; not abuse it. It is a humorous and inspiring story of Delia (with her girlfriends and Elvira) demystifying period pain, suffering, the shame of ‘bloodbath’ incidents, and calling out dismissive doctors. It is not one to be missed this summer.

I’d like to thank Random House Children’s Books for bringing this YA book to publication. The world needs more books that carry a storyline for girls and people who menstruate. I know this book will be a welcomed edition to school libraries, health science classrooms, and medical shelves. I’ll be recommending to my Peditrician and OBGyn doctors to read to garner more attention and support when showing compassion to their patients.

Thanks NetGalley for giving me access to this ARC. This book is unlike anything I’ve ever read, which makes me sad because it’s about such an IMPORTANT subject — medical gaslighting, especially for people with periods. I hope it will educate readers and make those experiencing similar problems feel seen. My heart ached for Delia; her pain and frustration and hopelessness were palpable. Kudos to Toney for mining her own traumatic experiences to bring Delia’s to life and for maintaining a mostly light, hopeful tone while exploring such a heavy topic.

The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding on a Tuesday was one of the best books I have ever read. While this book was barely over 200 pages, it was the best 200 pages I have ever read. As someone who has struggled with things alike to Delia, this book spoke to me in a way no other book has. If you are a female, I think this is a book that must go on the top of your TBR, right now.

Delia is a student in high school and struggles with debilitating period pain. Delia has never been listened to by any OBGYN's. You experience her frustration in the book, as if it is your own.

I can't wait to buy this book for my high school library! My students are going to absolutely love it!

The Unexpected Consequences of Bleeding on a Tuesday Review

Highlights:
🩸 Endometriosis & IBS rep
🥼 Sisterhood & caretaking
🩸 High school senior
🥼 Medical gaslighting
🩸 Invisible illness
🥼 Academic/social spiral
🩸 Coming of age
🥼 Chronic pain
🩸 Undiagnosed
🥼 Young adult contemporary novel

Thanks to @randomhouse and @netgalley for the eARC!

I just finished this e-ARC recently and utterly devoured it. This book had me texting a friend from the second I read the first page and is a standout blend of hilarity and heartbreak, seamlessly weaving laugh-out-loud moments with the raw, aching reality of delayed diagnoses and medical gaslighting and the dismissal of women’s pain.

Delia, a high school senior navigating life with endometriosis, is witty, funny, and painfully relatable. Her story pays powerful homage to the often-invisible experience of undiagnosed chronic pain, especially when compounded with the dismissal of women’s pain. There’s also meaningful IBS rep through a side character that is handled with care and tasteful self-depicating humor.

One of the most touching elements was Delia’s relationship with her younger sister. Their bond is beautifully written, with her sister stepping into the role of caretaker in a way that feels both tender and quietly devastating.

Without giving too much away, Delia makes a choice in an attempt to manage her pain as she cannot afford to miss another day of school and that choice sends her academic and social life into chaos. It’s a bold, brilliant depiction of how invisible illness, medical gaslighting, and rigid attendance policies can derail even the most carefully laid plans.

If you’re looking for a book that centers friendship, invisible illness, and the maddening complexity of being believed — this one’s for you.

CW: chronic pain, medical gaslighting, underage marijuana use, bullying, dismissive adults, sexism, and ableism

Publication Date: June 17, 2025

🏷️:#TheUnexpectedConsequencesOfBleedingOnATuesday #NetGalley #ChronicPain #InvisibleIllness #YAFiction #ComingOfAge #EndometriosisAwareness #BookReview

There aren't many books around that discuss periods at all. But they way this book is funny and positive makes it an authentic and compelling read especially when I notice and relate to how Delia is feeling.

This is SUCH an important book and I wish it had been around when I was a teenager. The chronic illness descriptions, particularly endometriosis and IBS, and how doctors can be so dismissive of patients’ pain and experience was so well here and really shined a light on how frustrating not only getting a diagnosis can be, but how it can truly disrupt your entire life. I felt seen so many times while reading this book. I also really loved the look at how isolating chronic illness can make you feel, even with a great support system. Also, the cute little romance between Delia and Caleb made me so happy. I highly recommend this one for other chronic illness sufferers or anyone who’s wanted to understand how debilitating they can be.
CW: medical content, chronic illness,

Thank you to Random House Books for Young Readers for the digital reader’s copy!

HIGH SCHOOL IS HARD. PERIOD. The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding On A Tuesday written by Kelsey B. Toney was raw, gritty, beautiful, heart breaking, real, powerful, and truthful. I have never read such a relatable book before, my jaw was literally on the floor after reading this heart wrenching story. As women, we all know periods suck, they are the absolute worst whether they are painful or not, they can ruin your day within a blink of an eye. Kelsey Toney broke my heart with this book, I can't believe there are doctors out there who tell women and young girls to get over it, every female has their period, when they are literally bawling their eyes out because it's so painful sometimes. I can't recommend this book enough, The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding On A Tuesday is for all of my girlies who have or had endometriosis. I hear you. I see you. I feel you, but just know your period doesn't define you as a woman. Even if you have never had endometriosis, I truly believe this book is so important to read because it honestly taught me so much even though I've had my period since I was eleven years old. If any of you decide to read this book, please don't skip over the author's note, I think it's so important to read because it truly speaks for every female out there. If you are interested in reading this book, which I highly recommend everyone should, please mark your calendars of June 17th, 2025 because The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding On A Tuesday is such an eye opening book you don't want to miss out on. Ugh, I'm getting so emotional writing my review because of how powerful, inspiring, and heart breaking this story was. I absolutely love love love women empowerment so much, it's truly a beautiful thing to witness.

THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND RANDOM HOUSE CHILDREN'S FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!!

For anyone who's ever had a really great day ruined by a really bad period, this one's for you.

"You know you can be brave and still cry".

"Ibuprofen can suck it, it does nothing".

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end".

"Best friends get to say the hard stuff, that's the deal".

"I have learned that sometimes beauty hides in ruins".

Delia Bridges is a certified card carrying overly emotional lifelong drama queen. Elvira, Delia's period- is the single literal worst part of her life. Delia has periods that are so painful they make her scream, pass out, and throw up, she has been to seven doctors in six years and she still doesn't know anything more than she did when she was twelve years old, the doctors tell her every female has a period and just gives her birth control pills and over the counter Tylenol for pain. Nobody believes her when she says the pain doesn't feel normal, it's truly heart breaking that doctors prescribed this poor girl pills when she told them they didn't work. Delia got her first period when she was twelve years old in sixth grade on Valentine's Day. Sometimes the pain is bearable, but other times it hits at the most unexpected times and completely ruins her day. My heart just breaks for this poor girl, I wanted to just reach into my kindle and give her the biggest hug ever, she's so brave, it just broke my heart when she described her pain to her doctors and they just gave her birth control pills when she literally told them numerous times that they don't do anything for her. Delia, girl, you are one brave soul and your story was deeply inspiring and powerful. I can't even tell you how many tears my kindle absorbed while I was reading this heart breaking story. Since first starting her period, Delia's life has been flooded with apologies for being a burden, for needing help, for missing out, and for messing up plans. I'm sorry, but no female should ever have to apologize for having their period, it's just a part of life, some might have it worse than others, but I don't think we owe anyone an apology.

Delia attends Stockwood Prep, which is a pre-med mentorship program, she's a month away from graduation when she faces expulsion for bringing marijuana to a medical ceremony. Reagan, Delia's little sister has a secret weapon for Delia's period pain- a vanilla flavored weed tincture. Delia faces expulsion for bringing the tiny bottle of pot to the ceremony and for being under the influence of illegal pot. At just seventeen years old with a killer 4.3 GPA, Delia gets an early acceptance into Gleeson University in Boston which is the school of her dreams, but after having pot at school, Delia's dreams of attending this school are thrown away. Delia wants to become the best gynecologist in the world because the medical community was all too willing to say her condition was just a girl being dramatic. After being expelled, Delia returns to Blythe High School to earn the rest of her credits. Ruby Walker and Delia Bridges are reunited at Blythe after an embarrassing birthday pool party made them have a falling out. As she returns to school, Delia meets Caleb who held Delia's hair back while she was throwing up on the side of the road on her first day back at school. After meeting Caleb, Delia just pushes him away when she doesn't feel good, but like an angel, Caleb is always there to help Delia when she needs it the most. I seriously applaud Caleb for being so sweet and for being there for Delia when he had no clue what was going on. After meeting with the right doctor, Delia finds out she has stage three endometriosis on her bladder, intestines, and her stomach. My heart is just broken, this girl shouldn't be feeling tired of being a chore and a burden when all she needs is the right doctor to diagnose her severe condition. After hearing Ruby's story- Delia's friend, my heart broke all over again.

As a debut author the was good but not my favorite. This book is about a senior girl who feels her period ruins everything.She has painful cycles but has been gaslighting by the medical profession all she wants to to find out what is wrong with her. The book was well written but very YA for me.

[arc review]
Thank you to Penguin Teen Canada for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding on a Tuesday releases June 17, 2025

Years of navigating debilitating periods and excruciating pain has lead Delia to enroll in the premed program at her school, with aspirations to be the world’s best gynecologist in an effort to finally get a diagnosis.
But of course, the one thing that constantly disrupts and affects the quality of her life, chooses to do so again, when her period starts early and lands on the day of the premed mentorship program ceremony.
A lot is on the line for Delia since there is a high risk of being dropped from the mentorship program if she doesn’t comply with the mandatory attendance. This could also be her one shot to get in touch with the mentor she is paired with, who specializes in pelvic and period pain, and might have the answers she’s looking for.

In a last-ditch effort to manage her pain, Delia self-medicates with a homemade weed tincture, but accidentally takes too large of a dose, makes a spectacle at the ceremony, and not only gets herself expelled from school, but is dropped from the mentorship program and has her early acceptance into college revoked.

If you’ve ever experienced endometriosis, chronic illness, or medical gaslighting, then you will feel extremely seen reading this heartfelt and honest debut.
Delia’s story reflected so many of my own personal struggles; realistic fiction like this is so important as a way to normalize and bring awareness to chronic illnesses.

This semi-autobiographical novel from Kelsey B. Toney tells a good story, but that's not all. It brings attention to the difficulties young women with debilitating periods face, every single month.

Delia is one of these kids. She's weeks away from graduating top of the class in her private school, but she also spends time every month in excruciating pain from her period - blacking out, throwing up, and being in severe pain. She's been to more than a handful of gynecologists without any help.

And when she and her sister try to make a way for Delia to make it through a very important school day, Delia finds herself kicked out and back in public school, where she has to face the kids that saw some of her greatest period-related trauma and her former best friend.

I enjoyed Delia's story, how her mom advocates for her, and what she learns about herself and others. I think this is going to be an important book for girls who struggle like Delia did. (I sympathized with her a lot - I didn't experience quite this level of pain, but having PCOS I also had episodes of passing out and throwing up when I was a teen, and I took prescription levels of Aleve to help the pain.)

Thank you to Kelsey Toney for sharing this part of herself and refusing to let the issue be put aside by those in power.

For someone who has dealt with an invisible illness, I can relate so much on how the main chain character felt. This book was very insightful and well written. I love this book so much.

really well written and fun book. loved it, loved the characters, really empathized with our protag. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

One of the most powerful things a book can do is offer readers a window into a life experience they may never face themselves. Kelsey B. Toney’s novel is the epitome of that kind of storytelling—one that builds empathy through unflinching honesty and emotional depth.
Delia’s journey begins with a single, desperate decision that unleashes a harrowing chain of events. The pain she endures—both physical and emotional—is relentless, and as a reader, you feel every moment of it. While the pacing lags slightly in the middle, Toney keeps the narrative compelling overall with vivid, immersive prose that grips you from the beginning and refuses to let go.
As someone who hasn’t experienced endometriosis, I admit that some of Delia’s struggles initially felt hard to grasp—almost unbelievable. And then it hit me: that’s the point. That disbelief mirrors what Delia faces constantly from those around her. The novel invites readers to examine their own biases, to sit with that discomfort, and to listen—to really listen—to a voice that is so often dismissed or ignored. In that way, Delia emerges as a profoundly strong character: not because she’s fearless or invincible, but because she endures. She survives in a world that doesn’t believe her pain is real.
Toney’s writing is intensely cinematic. I could see this story play out in my mind like a film—raw, emotional, and visually striking. Honestly, it should be a film. More people need to witness Delia’s experience to better understand the physical and social toll of chronic, invisible illness.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's | Random House Books for Young Readers, and Kelsey B. Toney for this free, advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding on a Tuesday will be published June 17, 2025.