This is my review of new book A Drip. A Drop. A Deluge: A Period Tragicomedy that was launched on 1 Nov 2021. It is illustrated by @andeasyand, published by @differenceenginesg. I actually first found out about it on @theperiod.co

I was excited about the book being a sex educator: another tool I could share with my clients including to and especially to younger ones, I thought! The comic book related period tales through the lenses of the six individuals e.g. curse, troublesome, relief when it ends for good etc, with each using different terms like “auntie” to refer to the time of the month – our menstruation.

I couldn’t believe it and I looked through it several times – this book does not explain (not even a bit) about the purpose of our menstruation! That’s right – the link of our periods with our fertility is NOT there. A book on menstruation that doesn’t cover the what and why of period – err then how do I use it as a sex ed book for young people (or anybody for that matter)? I wish it covered it even if it was a tiny mention.

The tales made fun of ourselves and our periods – but is there anything positive about when our period comes? A time to slow down, rest, reflect, recharge, perhaps? The book infers that some people might turn into “monsters” during our periods apparently and the people  in our lives should steer clear.

This is some attempt to educate – more specifically, the pages on the evolution of menstrual products (some dates but most other references missing), and how to choose a menstrual cup (only! It didn’t cover the whole spectrum of menstrual products properly besides the sanitary pad). It doesn’t cover, for instance how to wear a tampon, how it’s not necessary to douche?

Beyond normalising our period, and allowing people to lament about their periods and have a laugh… surely there are some (any!) positive things we can say about this time that comes once a month? What was this book trying to achieve? Who is it trying to help? Would it be appropriate for young girls? It seems to only further societal and cultural messages around our period as a curse/ burden/ inconvenience?

Whilst the book is clearly a labour of love and by well-meaning people… but it’s not created by a sex educator! I feel it’s a bit of a missed opportunity when there is so much negativity out there around our menstruation and sexuality as it is. I do not want this book in the hands of ANY of my clients, or ANY woman I know of – none of them need to detest or hate their period any more than they already do. I simply don’t send hate messages to my body any more – I refuse to, and I won’t want others to either!

This book simply won’t serve anybody – especially when most of my clients need positive messages (not negative ones) around their sexuality including menstruation. This would have been the book I wanted to love and promote, especially to young people, but I simply cannot having read it (and bought one!). I applaud the work that has gone into this labour of love. It’s beautifully illustrated, with lovely colours, and a lot has gone into it – but there simply hasn’t been enough thought about what readers would want the book to be used for.

About Dr. Martha Tara Lee

Surrounded by friends who were sexually inhibited and struck by dire lack of positive conversations around sex and sexuality in Singapore, Dr. Martha Tara Lee set out to make a positive difference in embarking on her doctorate in human sexuality before launching Eros Coaching in 2009. Today, she remains dedicated to working with individuals and couples who wish to lead self-actualised and pleasure-filled lives.

She also holds certificates in counselling, coaching and sex therapy, and her fourth degree – a Masters in Counselling in May 2018. In practice for more than 12 years, she is the only certified sexuality educator and certified sexuality educator supervisor by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) in Singapore.

Often cited in the media, Dr. Lee is the appointed Resident Sexologist for PinkLifestyle.com; as well as Clinical Sexologist for Singapore Cancer Society. She was recognised as one of ‘Top 50 Inspiring Women Under 40′ by Her World in July 2010, and one of ‘Top 100 Inspiring Women’ by CozyCot in March 2011. She has published four books: Love, Sex and Everything In-Between, Orgasmic Yoga, From Princess to Queen and {Un}Inhibited.

Martha works with individuals and couples in private coaching sessions, and conducts her own workshops. She takes prides in making sure all her workshops are also fun, educational, and sex-positive. This comes easily to her because even though she is extremely dedicated and serious about her work, she fundamentally believes that sex is meant to be fun, wonderful, amazing and sacred. As such, this serious light-heartedness has shone through again and again. For her full profile, click here. Email her here.