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The Vagina Monologues

by Eve Ensler, Gloria Steinem (Foreword)

3.86 of 5 stars 3.86 · rating details · 10,515 ratings · 629 reviews

"I was worried about vaginas. I was worried about what we think about vaginas, and even more worried that we don't think about them. . . . So I decided to talk to women about their vaginas, to do vagina interviews, which became vagina monologues. I talked with over two hundred women. I talked to old women, young women, married women, single women, lesbians, college profess...more

Paperback, 185 pages

Published May 3rd 2001 by Virago Press Ltd. (first published 1998)

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Jun 07, 2012 Elle rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: plays, gender, overrated

It's disturbingly tempting to give this book a high rating just so everyone knows that I'm a feminist (which I am) and that I'm comfortable talking about sex (you mean coitus?). And I think Ensler depends on that tendency. Because here's the thing- VM's politics may be admirable, but as theatre it's really quite bad. Also, Ensler is a self-serving egomaniac. Think about it- she could fund an endowment for female playwrights and premiere a new feminist play every year, but instead she's set up an...more

27 likes · like · see review

Apr 04, 2007 Aaron rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Ideologues, those looking for a larf.

While I don't necessarily disagree with Ensler's thesis, or the help the project has provided to various women's charities, the whole thing, as a literary or dramatic work, is very problematic. Anything more honest than a fawning critique reveals how shallow the whole thing is; there's hypocrisy, repetitive symbolism and metaphors, a heaping of that empty sort of communal feminism that makes everyone feel good but doesn't actually change anything, and, upon close inspection, evidence of the kind...more

21 likes · like · see review

Jan 03, 2011 Nikki rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction, lgbt, contemporary, plays

I've been meaning to read or see The Vagina Monologues for a long time. Someone was talking about it, as people often do, and I realised it was available on the Kindle store, so I got it.

It's a very quick read. It's not an easy read. There's discussion of self-loathing, of embarrassment and shame, of sexual assault and violence against women, of statutory rape. It might also not be easy for you if you can't read the word 'vagina' without getting uncomfortable, or if you don't like the word 'cunt...more I've been meaning to read or see The Vagina Monologues for a long time. Someone was talking about it, as people often do, and I realised it was available on the Kindle store, so I got it.

It's a very quick read. It's not an easy read. There's discussion of self-loathing, of embarrassment and shame, of sexual assault and violence against women, of statutory rape. It might also not be easy for you if you can't read the word 'vagina' without getting uncomfortable, or if you don't like the word 'cunt', or if you wish that women wouldn't talk about 'down there' in public.

It's about that discomfort, and it's about shining a light on something that we don't talk about, that we are often taught to be ashamed of. A few years ago, I wouldn't have been able to stand the idea of reading it: right now, I can't stand the idea of performing it. And I'm not ready to talk to my grandmother about it! But maybe someday...

In any case, I think it's a very important idea, to talk about these things that we find so discomforting. How often have I heard men talking about their penises in public? Far more often than I've ever heard women do -- and often when we do, it's hushed and breathless and illicit.

On the other hand, I am not my vagina. I am not my physical form at all, personally. And it feels like this book does a lot of that -- distilling women down until the only important part of them is physical, sexual. For many women, that's not the truth, and it doesn't have to be. And the references in the foreword about not being able to write 'politically correctly', not being able to write about transgendered women -- I believe she should have tried until she got it, by talking to transgendered women, and talking to them again, and again, just like the one about the lesbian who said she was doing it wrong. And if she really, truly couldn't do it, then she should have stepped back and let a transgendered woman write it for herself, if her work is truly intended to be inclusive and about all women everywhere.

There's more I don't really engage with: I don't relate to questions like what would my vagina want to dress in, or what it would say. It's a part of me, not separate.

Everything has limitations, though, it's true, and this is a big step for many women. Hopefully fewer and fewer, as society moves on. I'm sure someone has written their own transgendered woman monologue -- I hope many have -- and I hope they're heard, too.

This particular edition, with the introduction by Gloria Steinem, is quite interesting, giving some historical/cultural context. It also includes a lot of stuff about people's reactions to "V-Day", which can be interesting to read. However, do note that the Kindle edition is badly proofread in places.(less)

14 likes · like · see review

Feb 22, 2008 Shannon rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: feminists who don't feel like thinking too hard

Shelves: queer

There's a lot to critique about this - but I really don't feel like getting into it. I will say this, though: Eve Ensler doesn't know what a vagina is. If you're unclear: a vagina is "the passage leading from the uterus to the vulva in certain female mammals". Everyone in this play says "vagina" when they really usually mean "vulva". I'm not being oddly specific, they are completely different parts of the anatomy. COME ON. Vulva is a prettier word than vagina anyway. I liked the reclaiming cunt...more

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Sep 29, 2007 Virginia rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have such conflicting feelings about this book. On the one hand, I appreciate it for saying out loud some things that haven't been really accepted by society.

On the other hand, Eve Ensler is a self-promoting, self-satisfied twit.

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Apr 16, 2007 Jesse James rated it 1 of 5 stars

I have big issues with this play. It essentializes what it means to be a woman, equating femininity with a having a vagina! Not to mention endorsing racial and cultural stereotypes.

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Aug 26, 2011 Fiona rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: female-writers-non-fiction, feminism, feminist-readers-discussion-group, audio, plays

Upon reading this book I gave it the "I liked it" three star rating. Having now listened to Eve Ensler breathe so much energy and character into these monologues, I am increasing my rating to four stars. The audiobook version of The Vagina Monologues is wonderfully textural. My emotional responses to these pieces as they floated into my mind this afternoon were in abundance whereas when I was reading the monologues I gradually became aware of an emotional disconnect which felt, for me, extremely...more Upon reading this book I gave it the "I liked it" three star rating. Having now listened to Eve Ensler breathe so much energy and character into these monologues, I am increasing my rating to four stars. The audiobook version of The Vagina Monologues is wonderfully textural. My emotional responses to these pieces as they floated into my mind this afternoon were in abundance whereas when I was reading the monologues I gradually became aware of an emotional disconnect which felt, for me, extremely concerning! Unfortunately, I think that when I first engaged with this book I unintentionally fell into my trawl-for-discussion-resources-and-excerpts-technique that I reserve for second readings only. Now I realise that I really and truly needed to absorb the tone of each monologue.

I am unable to give this book (and audiobook) a five star rating because, like a number of my fellow Goodreaders, I feel disappointed that Ensler failed to acknowledge, accept and provide a space for gender fluidity. Her failure to include in the collection of monologues the thoughts, feelings and experiences of transgendered people is rather unacceptable in my opinion. I wholly appreciate that these monologues are about catharsis and empowering people to voice vagina narratives ( - which I feel she achieves, and with an extraordinary eloquence she shares them), therefore I believe it should have been essential for Ensler to also hear from and speak to the transgender and genderqueer communities. Four stars is where this piece is being promoted to and no higher.

Later on this year I will be supporting a group of women, some of whom are, like me, survivors of sexual violence and exploitation, to experience TVM as a performance piece. On a personal level, and in my professional capacity, I am looking forward to this theatre trip but mindful of my earlier comments concerning the ways in which this audiobook version triggered an emotional response from me, I feel so very pleased that I decided to obtain a copy of The Vagina Monologues on compact disc first. Vulva and Out.(less)

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May 27, 2007 Sara rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"the vagina monologues" began ambitiously, as the author, eve ensler, interviewed hundreds of women from all around the globe about their vaginas-- something most of us don't spend much time talking about!-- but i don't think even ensler could ever have predicted the impact it would have on the world. "the vagina monologues" turned into v-day, one of the most important worldwide events, consistently raising awareness and money to work to end violence against women.

through all of this, it can be...more "the vagina monologues" began ambitiously, as the author, eve ensler, interviewed hundreds of women from all around the globe about their vaginas-- something most of us don't spend much time talking about!-- but i don't think even ensler could ever have predicted the impact it would have on the world. "the vagina monologues" turned into v-day, one of the most important worldwide events, consistently raising awareness and money to work to end violence against women.

through all of this, it can be easy to lose sight of how important the monologues themselves are. i remember when i first learned of the monologues-- through a book review. they had not even been sent to bookstores yet. i was intrigued and anxiously awaited the release date. i was not disappointed. "the vagina monologues" deserves every bit of acclaim it has received.

this is a tangent, but a funny story to anyone who knows me. i have terrible stage fright. i'm always trying to combat it however and frequently force myself to speak in front of large audiences, even as my hands shake and my eyes go blurry. so, the largest part of the v-day campaign every year are the hundreds of productions of "the vagina monologues" on college campuses throughout the world. in fact, my first time seeing the monologues was at my college's benefit performance (though i have seen the monologues performed countless times since then, including a few times by ensler herself). my first year in law school, our women's law caucus decided to do our own benefit production, by and for the law school community. though my stage fright was already scorching its way through my body, i immediately signed up. i thought, "these are my peers, we're all law geeks, i can do this, i *have* to do this." and what monologue did i choose to perform? the lesbian dominatrix, of course. it is the penultimate monologue and often a show-stopper (i won't reveal why in case anyone reading this doesn't know the monologue i'm referring to). the night of our performance, the room was filled beyond capacity. i was terrified. as the time for my monologue approached, i took several deep breaths and sat down. i'm not sure i opened my eyes at all, but i did it, i did the whole damn thing and i didn't hold back at all. in front of pretty much my entire law school community, i performed all of it, ending with a very long triple orgasm moan. when i opened my eyes, there was a second of silence-- and then thunderous applause. i could hardly breathe, i was so choked up from the actual performance and my stage fright. but i did it and it was one of the best, most unforgettable experiences of my life.(less)

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Feb 27, 2008 JT rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Whoever wants to read it

Recommended to JT by: A friend of my mom's who sees it the way I do.

So, I know, I am only giving this book 3 stars. Not that I didn't think that some, even most of it was really good, my dislike starts to form when they are performed. The monologues and stories in this book are well written, they are heartwarming, funny, devastating, real and emotional. Some rip your heart out, some make you laugh because we have all done what ever it was. The problem with performance of this piece is that when some people start to say these words for a crowd, it becomes more ab...more

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Apr 18, 2007 Anna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: earlyyears

i think for her target audience (middle america's sorority girls) they're revolutionary. for me personally, i felt like they essentialized women to their genitalia and were problematic in that sense. i've also had to sit through the play 5+ times, so perhaps i'm just burnt out on cunt-love

9 likes · like · see review

Mar 04, 2009 Bunnyhugger1 rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: poetry-plays-essays, reviews

Throughout reading this, I was bothered repeatedly by one major error: she frequently uses vagina when she means VULVA! It makes me cringe that a play dedicated to freeing women from shame about this most intimate of body parts can't even name it correctly.

I also didn't really connect with the monologues and no doubt that's because they were meant to be seen performed, not read. I would probably only buy this if I had already seen and enjoyed a performance.

So why 3 stars and not fewer? It's an a...more

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Oct 22, 2010 Beth F. rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: plays, feminism, 2010, src-fall-2010

When I was in eighth grade health class, the teacher handed out diagrams of male and female genitalia with lines pointing to the different parts and told us to memorize the names of the parts for a test at the end of the week. After our tests had been graded, the teacher admitted that she’d analyzed the results for boys vs. girls and found some interesting discrepancies. Not terribly surprising, most boys and girls scored the highest when identifying the parts of their own respective genitals. B...more

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Feb 20, 2011 Shivering William rated it 5 of 5 stars

I don't understand a lot of the reviews on here. Especially the one star ones.

First of all, over the vagina/vulva debate, Ensler addresses that almost first thing. She purposefully chose the more hideous word to make people uncomfortable (and eventually--hopefully--comfortable with the subject matter). The low goodreads reviews make me think those people didn't actually read the play. Maybe they just saw a sub-par production that didn't have all the pieces. Fine. Forgivable.

Second, people are s...more

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Aug 19, 2007 Kristen Gongora rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: scholarlypursuits

I have serious epistemological concerns with this piece - but it certainly succeeds as a pro-vag manifesto. And, come on, who doesn't want to read some old lady's answer to the question "if your vagina got dressed, what would it wear?"

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Dec 29, 2008 Dixie Diamond rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: plays, women

"I did not see my vagina as my primary resource, a place of sustenance, humor and creativity."

You know, I don't see it that way, either. I thought the source of all that was my brain. How could I have been so stupid??

I must not have been abused enough as a girl, because I always feel like vagina-centric art projects like this reduce me to a piece of anatomy just as much as does the alleged male fantasy of big boobs and miles of leg.

Which is not to say that there weren't/aren't some seriously scr...more

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Jan 23, 2008 Debbie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: women everywhere

Shelves: 1001-to-read-before-you-die

I have read this before, but I listened to it on audio today and the live version is definitely the best. At times hilarious, brutal, disconcerting, and poignant - The Vagina Monologues is the result of interviews with over 200 women. If the idea of a woman's sexuality makes you uncomfortable, then you definitely need to challenge yourself and come to terms with the vagina. It's not going to disappear just because we are afraid to talk about it.

Here in the United States, a woman is raped every...more

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Jun 15, 2007 Caitlin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: plays, recommendations

If you have a vagina, you need to read this or see it performed. (If even you don't, it may help you better understand those who do!)
I performed in this most of the years I was in college as part of the national V-day campaign, and the experiences I gained there with stay with me forever. Some of the monologues are funny, some are heart-wrenching. The play is an emotional roller coaster if you let yourself get swept away in it. I only wish this would include some of the optional monologues that...more

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Apr 19, 2009 Ola rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: feminist

I felt strangely empowered after reading this. Hoorah for vaginas!

1 like · like · see review

May 24, 2013 Echo rated it 2 of 5 stars

I was excited to read this because I've heard such great things about how it talks about our bodies and opens up discussion, but these are not Monologues. Or at least, not in a traditional theatrical or literary sense. A few of the stories were interesting, but overall they lacked flow. Only one of the stories was interesting enough that I didn't put it down in the middle of a story to check my Facebook, or play a game on my phone or see if anything good was on tv yet. And from a theatrical aspe...more

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May 22, 2013 okyrhoe rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bookcrossing, u-s-a, nonfiction

The edition I read totals 185 pages, but only 122 of those comprise the text proper of The Vagina Monologues. There is a prologue (by Gloria Steinem) as well as an introduction (by Eve Ensler). For some inexplicable reason, the Contents page is placed between the prologue and the introduction (that is, btwn pages xix & xxiii)!
The last pages about the V-Day campaign and the compilation of letters and stories are, quite frankly, overkill. Sure, they are useful as a documentation of the social/...more

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May 18, 2013 Soham Chakraborty rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, gender-oriented, females

Well, one thing is for sure. This deserves a read - I don't know whether I should say it or not (since I am rather conservative)- but women must read this. That is, to get a holistic, more feminine picture of female sexuality and violence against women.

We have all came across numerous incidents in our daily social life relating to violence against women. We might also have spared a minute of our lives thinking about it, pondering over the horrific act and equally tumultuous aftermath. For most...more Well, one thing is for sure. This deserves a read - I don't know whether I should say it or not (since I am rather conservative)- but women must read this. That is, to get a holistic, more feminine picture of female sexuality and violence against women.

We have all came across numerous incidents in our daily social life relating to violence against women. We might also have spared a minute of our lives thinking about it, pondering over the horrific act and equally tumultuous aftermath. For most of us, at least for me, it ended there. I have talked about it with my friends, colleagues, posted some status updates on facebook, twitter but that is all. I have considered to be associated with some organizations who deal with rape prevention, child care and education but I never made it happen. And that is where we should all respect this book/play/theatre/performance. It did what we and you and me didn't do and it is still continuing to do so.

Reference - http://www.vday.org/home

I would rather like to consider this as an activism that has found its place in printed pages, not the other way around. Eve Ensler interviewed women, lots of women, diversified into all kinds of race, religion, ethnicity, culture. She amusingly notices, women don't like to talk about vagina first, but once they get going, it's hard to stop them. As a reader and male reader, I never talked to women talking about their sexual experience or fantasies and therefore the reactions of the interviewees made me chuckle. But that's where the fun part ends. The monologues like 'I was twelve - my mother slapped me', 'The little coochi snorcher that could', 'The Flood', 'My vagina was my village' are painful and can cringe you in fear. Having no prior solid education on gender studies or violence against women, I don't know how appropriate or receptive the monologues are but I am certain that they deserve a chance to be read and thought upon. Perhaps people who have had personal experience, will be able to relate themselves without ever trying but I was more engrossed by the humane factor in the monologues. Obviously they are the feelings, experiences of real women who felt them and if that feeling is true (which it is), then as a man I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to them on behalf of my sex. I think, that doesn't curb your manhood.

This play as some others have criticized, is not an attempt to malign men. This is not a discourse or research paper of who did the violence, why there was violence, who bears the responsibility and all. It's sort of a revelation into female sexuality and feelings. This is not some work of extraordinary literary merit but rather it has opened the lid of a taboo social subject which we are not open to discuss. Perhaps women also don't talk to each other about vagina easily, as in page 165, letter from Jennifer of Colorado College, hints that. On the contrary, I think, men are more easy-going about their sexual orientation or fantasies or awareness to other men. Perhaps that's beyond my reach of societal understanding but that's how I perceive it at this moment.

Now, why I liked this? Because of the v-day movement and the letters in the final part of the book. Those are real, very real. Like that woman who came running and started to paint the cunt clothesline in a rage. Later after 10 minutes, she told that she was sexually abused as a child and thanked the theatre organizing committee and left. That is, she found the act to be her companion, something with which she shared, her repressed feelings. If you ask me, that's pretty solid substance to think that this play and the following shows are very successful in evoking, relieving the anguished women and making their surrounding more aware. After reading this, I did a bit researching on the v-day movement on internet and if that is the result of Eve Ensler's play, then I am awestruck. It made a far reaching impact and created heightened awareness about women sexuality and violence against women. To add to the point, they staged the performance on valentine's day. That's some metaphor.

To sum up, it is indeed correct, that, after reading this, no one will ever look at a woman's body or think of sex, in quite the same way again. Well, after reading this, I am now certainly more aware of the intricacies and untold things of the opposite sex. Some things are to be loved and respected, at the same time in the same proportion. (less)

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Jul 22, 2012 Kristin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 12th-grade-advisory

The Vagina Monologues written by Eve Ensler was not as humorous as I thought it would be. The title is witty and I expected a bunch of funny and "embarrassing" female experiences. The book was just that, however it was a little more serious. The author went around asking women about their experiences. Some were shy at first and others let loose. Either way, this book was supposed to empower women. To help them embrace who they are and what happens naturally. There was a line from the book that c...more

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May 11, 2012 Eduardo Santiago rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Sigh. I was expecting to love this. Partway through, I switched to just hoping I'd grow to love it. Then to actively trying to like it. Eventually to just hoping it would be over.

This is the audio CD. Having no access to the theater version, I thought this would be the closest approximation. Whether it is or not, I'm just glad to be done with it. And very, very sad: sad that I didn't enjoy it more, that it's not what I was expecting, that perhaps I'm not who I was expecting. And more than that:...more

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May 02, 2012 Art rated it 3 of 5 stars

The Vagina Monologues is guaranteed to at least start a conversation. I found Ensler's writing incredibly obnoxious, irritating, and arguably offensive in ways you don't have to be a Bible basher to see. On the other hand, for all the showiness and screaming, it's a genuinely provocative text that spies a cultural taboo and moves to destroy it with gusto. It's hard to deny the awkwardness of the word vagina, and the fact it's so difficult to even say in public has many implications which Ensler...more The Vagina Monologues is guaranteed to at least start a conversation. I found Ensler's writing incredibly obnoxious, irritating, and arguably offensive in ways you don't have to be a Bible basher to see. On the other hand, for all the showiness and screaming, it's a genuinely provocative text that spies a cultural taboo and moves to destroy it with gusto. It's hard to deny the awkwardness of the word vagina, and the fact it's so difficult to even say in public has many implications which Ensler here nose-dives into without an inhibition in sight.

We hear women of various ages and walks of life talk about their vaginas, experiences they've had with them, how they feel about them, what their vaginas smell like and what they would say if they would talk. It's confronting, it's oddly refreshing and it does change the way you go about your day. The mood is freedom and progress, and it makes you want to fly a Che. But is all this obsessive vagina worship really so liberating, or is it just further objectifying women and creating a new problem?

Most troublingly, why is there so little reference to loving heterosexual relationships? Believe it or not, Eve, they DO exist, and there are many vaginas all over the world that are very eager participants. I admire your refreshing lack of inhibition and efforts to liberate the word "cunt", and women and men alike will learn much from your courage. But I also resent that you only briefly entertain the possibility of a non-rapist, vagina-appreciative man. It's implied that lesbianism is some sort of golden path to vagina enlightenment, which I find as bigoted and shallow as Christians who claim they can cure homosexuality. Sexual orientation is not a choice and men are fucked up people just as often as women. There's a clear anti-men subtext here that suggests more problems of your own than with the rest of us. And by the way, what the fuck are you doing asking a six year old what her vagina smells like? What kind of sick fuck does that?

.. Anyway, as I said, it's a guaranteed conversation.(less)

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Mar 14, 2012 Natalie rated it 5 of 5 stars

You can giggle all you want at the title- and you can giggle an even considerable amount more when you open the book, as well. Yes, it is in the category of "Feminism," but don't the let the stereotype dissuade you from reading. If I could sum this book up in one word, I'd say it's beautiful. I read it for a Women's Literature class several years back, and it surpassed my expectations greatly.

The idea behind the book, is generally, yes, somewhere along the line of answers to the question, "If y...more

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Apr 28, 2009 nicole j. wroblewski rated it 2 of 5 stars

S'okay. Too essentialist for me, but still glad that it exists. The parts where women address negative feelings and embarassment about their vagina/it's functions were definitely worth reading. In some ways its like a dumb girl magazine. You mock the readers who write in to the advice/body questions column for asking stupid questions ("Can I get pregnant from KISSING!? - Terrified and Ignorant in Tennessee) and laugh at the embarassing true life stories at the back of the issue (so frequently ab...more

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Oct 21, 2012 Stacy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: feminism

I think this book does have a certain importance, and I'm not about to deny the great charitable work/contributions it's led to. However, like a lot sensationalised feminist literature, it's not without its problems.

I'll start with the good points - it's great that Eve Ensler is encouraging such open discussion of issues like rape, sexual/domestic violence, the self-loathing and even shame that many women feel when their (or any) vagina is brought up.

It addresses the fact that, even today, we'r...more I think this book does have a certain importance, and I'm not about to deny the great charitable work/contributions it's led to. However, like a lot sensationalised feminist literature, it's not without its problems.

I'll start with the good points - it's great that Eve Ensler is encouraging such open discussion of issues like rape, sexual/domestic violence, the self-loathing and even shame that many women feel when their (or any) vagina is brought up.

It addresses the fact that, even today, we're brought up with this sort of subconscious belief that we should, wherever possible, act as though vagina's do not exist. To an extent, anything that challenges this is a good thing.

My problem with this is that Ensler takes this idea, and essentially reduces women to nothing but vaginas. And while the subject of trans-women is mentioned in the foreword, a comment on not being able to write about their experiences... I can't help but wonder how hard she tried? I find it hard to believe that, had they been asked, no trans-women would have been willing to talk about and share their experiences. At the end of the day, why write about any aspect of feminism if you're only going to target a cis-gendered audience? We have enough of those books already.

There are also the parts of the book where women answer questions like "what would your vagina wear?". I understand that this was done mostly just to get people talking, but today, it comes across as a bit basic and, I'm just going to come out and say it, cringe-worthy.

Again, I do think this is an important book, especially when it was first published. However, like with readers of Caitlin Moran and Naomi Wolf, I worry that some people will read this, think "I quite liked that, I'm a feminist now, awesome" and not look any deeper into... well, anything. One book can't cover everything, and this book in particular provides a very limited look at women's issues.

It bothers me that this is performed year after year, in various parts of the world, yet Ensler doesn't seem interested in updating and or changing any part of it. The world is always changing, society is changing, and the issue of inclusion has been brought up by many people - would it be so wrong to adapt or expand on The Vagina Monologues accordingly? You can't expect something to remain relevant and important if you leave it in the past.

I'm glad I read this, but I'm also glad I went on to educate myself further on things, particularly those I've mentioned in this review.(less)

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Feb 19, 2012 Sydney Young rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-favorites, must-read-in-your-lifetime, read-because-i-thought-i-should, pop-cult-or-modern-fiction, 2012-favorites, women, book-club-pitch

Once in awhile a friend gives you a book that resonates deep within you. This is such a book. Yes, the name goes for the shock value, as the author tells the stories of numerous women. I laughed, cried, thought, laughed, and cried some more. This book reminds me of why I am so proud to be a woman, and why I don't believe in shoving the truth under the cover. I want to look at it head on, know about it, and tell others about it. I want my daughter to grow up strong and confident, and I want that...more

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Aug 21, 2011 Kyle rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It is an uncomfortable and touchy topic for many people, so if the word "vagina" sets you off, then you best be prepared to be bombarded with vagina and other female genitalia throughout the book. I'm just saying, if the title hasn't floored you yet. :)

For me, I haven't quite grasped at the idea of seeing your vagina as your pride and joy, much less using it to empower you or nurturing it lovingly. Different people have their own views and own comfort levels with embracing their private parts. P...more

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May 07, 2010 Ancilla rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: in-english

I was really want to know what kind of book it is. When I finally found it, couldn't help to not buy it. So I bought it.

And it is interesting enough to know how women have interpreted their vaginas. Indeed, makes me wonder, how do I 'see' and 'value' mine. It describes and againsts how many people disregard vaginas [and women:]. It talks about the sexual abuse, in different forms.

It also describes the point how women have rights to get the pleasure [the big O:]. On other word, indirectly speaks...more

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About Eve Ensler

Eve Ensler is an internationally bestselling author and an award-winning playwright whose works include The Vagina Monologues, The Good Body, Insecure at Last, and I Am an Emotional Creature, since adapted for the stage as Emotional Creature. She is the founder of V-Day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls, which has raised more than $90 million for local groups and activis...more

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Books by Eve Ensler

I am an Emotional Creature: The Secret Life of Girls Around the World

Insecure at Last: Losing it in Our Security-Obsessed World

A Memory, a Monologue, a Rant, and a Prayer: Writings to Stop Violence Against Women and girls

Necessary Targets: A Story of Women and War

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Quotes from The Vagina Monologues

“When you rape, beat, maim, mutilate, burn, bury, and terrorize women, you destroy the essential life energy on the planet.” — 37 people liked it

“The heart is capable of sacrifice. So is the vagina. The heart is able to forgive and repair. It can change it's shape to let us in. It can expand to let us out. So can the vagina. It can ache for us and stretch for us, die for us and bleed and bleed us into this difficult, wondrous world. So can the vagina. I was there in the room. I remeber.” — 28 people liked it

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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/104734.The_Vagina_Monologues?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327243997l/104734.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/104734.The_Vagina_Monologues?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler[/url]

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