None of the stories depicted shocked me. This is an unfortunate circumstance of our culture, yesterday and today.

I have not yet seen the play, but hope to soon. I have no doubt it is better then the book. Sometimes, the spoken word, with all its inflections, has more effect (very unusual for me to say; usually, I feel it is the book over the movie that effects the true nature of a written piece). Either way, this work has had a positive influence on our culture that can not be disputed... V-Day. What a great thing!

The book itself was written well. I do not care how many times, or ways, people have been made aware of this subject. Until we have world-wide knowledge and prevention in-tact, no words are too many.

To the younger (then I) generation, many of you feel women's liberation, et al, is embarrassing. Whatever the word described, thank the women before us that enable you to think, feel and speak this way. I do not always agree with the form or method used in fighting for continued freedom. I realize that sometimes it takes extremes to get peoples attention. Various approaches also reflect individuality-a good thing. As long as it is for a humane cause, do not discard the work. Evaluate the needs and work to effect change.

BALE ( )

I'm not sure how many men have read this book or may even admit to it. I was drawn to the book from all the publicity over the play. I never saw the play but I assume it's much better than the book. It's hard to put into words the emotions that the stories tell. This is probably a must read for any woman and enlightening for a man as well. It a shame the violence, humiliation and suffering that women have endured and still endure. The stories are touching and empowering. It's not all depressing as there are some funny stories as well. A lot of the book seems to be pointed toward hard-core feminists and lesbians. ( )

This book makes me proud to be a woman.

In her introduction, Eve Ensler talks about the end of violence against women--that what has been done for the last 10 years via grassroots movement of V-Day is on rescue rather than transformation.

"It is the culture that has to change--the beliefs, the underlying story and behavior of the culture." This is because, in Ensler's words, "We have not penetrated the mindset that, somewhere in every single culture, gives permission to violence, expects violence, waits for violence, and instigates violence."

I thought to myself, why focus on the topic of “vagina”? Ensler provided the answer; because like her in the past (and I’m sure is the case with some women I know), it [vagina] is a word that creates the feelings of anxiety, disgust, shame or a combination of all these. One realizes that by giving it a name it ceases to be a secret.

Like Ensler and all the women behind this movement “I say it because I want to someday feel comfortable saying it, and not ashamed or guilty.” I even laughed out loud when I read this line: “Who needs a handgun when you’ve got a semiautomatic” taken from Angier’s “Woman: An Intimate Geography.”

I felt all teary eyed reading the narratives on the Comfort Women, of women who are shunted aside in society not only because they are regarded as second class but because they are not even regarded as people, of those who have suffered abuses one after another. It made me realize how lucky I am that I’m not counted as one of them, that I’ve never suffered from any abuse in the hands of men.

At the core of this work is a message to be aware of the violence done to women and little girls all over the world--of "The Vagina Monologues" being more than a moving work of art on violence but a way for people to act to end violence. If you’re a woman, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. It will give you a new perspective on what is actually going on regarding the plight of women not only in your own country but elsewhere as well.

Book Details:

Title The Vagina Monologues (10th Anniversary Edition)
Author Eve Ensler
Reviewed By Purplycookie ( )

I listened to this on tape and enjoyed the dialog, especially the parts that were read as an older woman. I feel like it's more of a performance piece and that the personalization and character wouldn't come across in written word. ( )

I have loved 'The Vagina Monologues' ever since I saw it for the first time a few years ago. Favorite monologues include 'The Flood', 'The Little Coochie-Snorcher That Could', and others. Parts of it make me cringe, parts make me laugh, and all of it is intense. It's better to watch a performance than to read it, but the book is still great ( )