* I am reviewing this book which I was gifted for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. *
Title: Blood Moon
Author: Lucy Cuthew
Publisher: Walker Books
Source: Netgalley
Book Summary:
A timely feminist YA novel in verse about periods, sex, shame and going viral for all the wrong reasons.
BLOOD MOON is a YA novel about the viral shaming of a teenage girl. During her seminal sexual experience with the quiet and lovely Benjamin, physics-lover and astronomy fan Frankie gets her period – but the next day a gruesome meme goes viral, turning an innocent, intimate afternoon into something sordid, mortifying and damaging.
Book Review:
BLOOD MOON is a YA novel about the viral shaming of a teenage girl. During her seminal sexual experience with the quiet and lovely Benjamin, physics-lover and astronomy fan Frankie gets her period – but the next day a gruesome meme goes viral, turning an innocent, intimate afternoon into something sordid, mortifying and damaging.
Book Review:
Even though this book still isn't out for a couple of months, the hype for this book and the good reviews are quite staggering which meant that I knew I had to jump on the bandwagon. I can definitely see why this book has so much hype as it was a captivating and feminist read that should be read by everyone who reads.
I enjoy a good verse novel and this one is no different. I think that it is so powerful what Lucy Cuthew can do with this format as you still feel every word and it does not dampen the message at all. I think that often the format is quite similar but Blood Moon really plays with the formula which was a great reading experience for my eyes and definitely added to the story.
Of course, the book focuses a lot around period and sexuality which I loved to read about because I try to normalise periods as much as possible and this is something that definitely needs to be seen more of in YA. The book deals with the topic carefully and it delivers a message that is at the end quite hopefully and powerful with I loved to see.
As well as just periods, the book tackles sexuality and slut-shaming which again were well-dealt with and again the book breaks them down and states that these should not be normal in society. The effects of all of the issues are so important and it was emotional to see what Frankie goes through in this book and the progress that she has.
One of the more minor things that were included in the book is that the main character is interested in STEM, especially astrology and physics. I loved seeing this part of the book and loved the scenes where this played a role. Also, I love to see more girls in STEM in books as I took A-Levels in Sciences so it's cool for me to see.
While the friendship was complicated and for most of the book related to miscommunication which I don't normally like, it was a true reflection of how complicated friendships can be in real life. I think that this is also super important because friendship and its complication are a part of life and again reflections in books are good.
On the whole, I really enjoyed Blood Moon and everyone should definitely check it out when it releases this summer.
The Verdict:
Blood Moon is a captivating and important story that breaks down period taboos with blinding ease that shines brightly.
I enjoy a good verse novel and this one is no different. I think that it is so powerful what Lucy Cuthew can do with this format as you still feel every word and it does not dampen the message at all. I think that often the format is quite similar but Blood Moon really plays with the formula which was a great reading experience for my eyes and definitely added to the story.
Of course, the book focuses a lot around period and sexuality which I loved to read about because I try to normalise periods as much as possible and this is something that definitely needs to be seen more of in YA. The book deals with the topic carefully and it delivers a message that is at the end quite hopefully and powerful with I loved to see.
As well as just periods, the book tackles sexuality and slut-shaming which again were well-dealt with and again the book breaks them down and states that these should not be normal in society. The effects of all of the issues are so important and it was emotional to see what Frankie goes through in this book and the progress that she has.
One of the more minor things that were included in the book is that the main character is interested in STEM, especially astrology and physics. I loved seeing this part of the book and loved the scenes where this played a role. Also, I love to see more girls in STEM in books as I took A-Levels in Sciences so it's cool for me to see.
While the friendship was complicated and for most of the book related to miscommunication which I don't normally like, it was a true reflection of how complicated friendships can be in real life. I think that this is also super important because friendship and its complication are a part of life and again reflections in books are good.
On the whole, I really enjoyed Blood Moon and everyone should definitely check it out when it releases this summer.
The Verdict:
Blood Moon is a captivating and important story that breaks down period taboos with blinding ease that shines brightly.
Have you read Blood Moon? Do you want to? Let me know in the comments below.
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