Hi Everyone! And thanks for your interest in reading "Woman: An Intimate Geography"! Since each topic is has so much information and is perfectly contained in one chapter, I will be making weekly threads per chapter to discuss each aspect of female biology described in this book. Note that there is a 1999 version, as well as a 2014 refresh with updated/additional information. I am using the 2014 version.

These threads will primarily focus on one book, and I ask that the discussion generally limit to the book itself. If after reading, you went off to do additional research, I encourage you to share how that has supplemented your engagement with the book. And of course, if anyone decides to pick up this book at a later date, you're welcome (and encouraged) to continue the conversation!

Link to previous chapters

Ova, Chromosomes, Body, Clitoris

Suckers and Horns

The Prodigal Uterus

Chapter five introduces us to the uterus, the figurehead of the movement for reproductive liberation., let's say it together: "No Uterus, No Opinion!"

My thoughts:

• How amusing is the myth that the uterus and brain compete for blood supply. lol, I guess they were so blind to how nearly impossible it was for women to be both mothers and career women at the time that witnessing educated women forgoing motherhood was a sign they were using up too much blood for their brains.
• I think it's interesting how Angier cautions against "fall[ing] into the trap of womb-worship"; I do feel like we as GC women have started to go in that direction because language is being used against us. How can we define a womanhood that is sensitive to those with genetic or medical conditions that draws a firm line excluding males/men? Also interesting that she doesn't think many men have womb envy, but given the amount of womb/pregnancy fetishism that has cropped up, I have to wonder if they do? Patriarchal religions prop up a male figure of creation, which maybe you could argue is a form of womb envy.
• I was really confused at the part where Angier says most girls love getting her first period. Where? Who? It made me pause, I don't think I've ever heard of someone being happy or glad to get their first period, unless they were late bloomers and getting worried about being the last of her friends to get it. Maybe this is linked to the trend that girls are getting their periods much earlier. Menarche and the implicit "adulthood" probably feels different when you're 14/15/16 than if you are 8/9/10.

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