What Fresh Hell Is This?

May 1, 2021
In their latest look at gender, health, and sexuality, award-winning sex educator and self-described "deeply perimenopausal" Corinna, who is nonbinary, switches from focusing on young people, as in S.E.X. (2016) and Wait, What? (2019), to adults. Each year about two million Americans go into perimenopause, the period before menopause, defined as 365 days since the last menstrual period. Yet people know so little about it or about menopause. With humor, candor, and lots of facts, Corinna comes to the rescue, weaving personal experiences into lucid explanations of the science and social history of this time of life. On the question of whether people should use hormone therapy, which can help with hot flashes but can also increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, Corinna avoids a simplistic yes-or-no. Throughout, Corinna's sassy personality and explicit language enliven their good, common-sense advice for treating symptoms ranging from miserable to annoying. By addressing the needs of BIPOC, people with disabilities, queer, nonbinary, transgender, and other gender-diverse people, Corinna has created an invaluably informative and inclusive guide.

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May 7, 2021

As with any health topic, it can be difficult to find resources that are evidence-based but also readable. The latest by activist and educator Corinna (Wait, What? A Comic Book Guide to Relationships, Bodies, and Growing Up) offers witty writing that will appeal to readers seeking guidance on the physiological and psychological symptoms of menopause. Brief chapters feature illustrations and bulleted lists to highlight specific points, and recount not only changes within the body but provide tips on grieving your former self. While there are older books on menopause, libraries should review these for accuracy. New research has shown there to be many fallacies in the way menopause has historically been understood and treated; Corinna covers the evolving science at length and also takes care to detail what to expect during perimenopause, especially in terms of cognitive and physical changes. Alongside natural remedies, she provides advice for talking to medical providers. VERDICT This newest work by Corinna is an excellent option for readers experiencing menopause or living alongside someone who is. While it is not as scientifically rigorous as The Menopause Manifesto by Jen Gunter, this book still offers a helpful overview, with up-to-date research and friendly advice on accepting one's new body.--Margaret Henderson, Ramona, CA

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 7, 2021
Sex educator Corinna (S.E.X.) offers a frank and funny guide for those who haven’t “exactly been having a great time with perimenopause.” Nearly two million people go into perimenopause each year in the United States, Corinna writes, yet most people are uneducated or ill-informed about it. To that end, Corinna lays out a quick historical overview (menopause was first mentioned in Western medical records around the 16th century, for example) before digging into the “when, why, how, where, and what the literal hell?” of menopausal transitions. Corinna covers hot flashes (featuring an ode to the cooling pillow), describes the hormonal science behind mood changes, gives a “lube pep talk,” and answers such questions as how long perimenopause lasts and when to “break up with” a health-care provider. Along the way, Corinna keeps things inclusive, spotlighting information for trans women and “other gender-diverse folks.” The author’s easy and encouraging approach is empowering, and humor is sprinkled throughout: “Perimenopause without realistic expectations or preparation can bear an embarrassing resemblance to the epically terrible movie Castaway.” Full of heart—and answers—this guide will be a useful resource for readers new to perimenopause. Agent: Anna Sproul-Latimer, the Ross Yoon Agency.