The Hormone Diaries – Review and Book Tour!
I’ve been a fan of Hannah Witton for about 4 years now. From meeting her at Summer in the City in 2016 to supporting her on Patreon and buying her new book, ‘The Hormone Diaries’, in 2019.
For those who have not yet had the joy of Hannah’s content before –
Hannah Witton is a primarily Sex and Relationships YouTuber (turned author!) who has been creating content since 2011. Hannah published her first book, ‘Doing It’, in 2017 and has recently published the new book, ‘The Hormone Diaries: The Bloody Truth About Our Periods.’
I have just (literally yesterday) finished reading ‘The Hormone Diaries’ and I wanted to share my thoughts. I also got myself to one of Hannah’s book tour events so I wanted to share my experience there!
Thu 4th July 2019 – ‘The Hormone Diaries’ Book Tour – Newcastle
I was fortunate enough to be in Newcastle on that Thursday so I delayed my train home and got myself over to Waterstones. For only £11, (thank you Hannah for the reasonable price) I got myself a seat and a copy of ‘The Hormone Diaries!’
The first hour was spent listening to Hannah speak about her new book, with prompts and questions, followed by an audience Q&A. With no surprise to anyone, I had a million questions. But, I chose to ask Hannah about her thoughts around the (potential) taboo of period-haver folks NOT taking contraception. (What are your thoughts on this?)
The next hour was there for book signings. I was quite near the front so I wasn’t there long but I did nab myself a bookmark – in the shape of a period pad! (Yes, I know, you are jealous)
Poor Hannah probably thought I was half crazy in my ‘In the Spirit’ signed shirt and saying I had a million more questions to ask. But, really, I just like supporting, including financially, those who are doing amazing things for topics I care about. And with that, over the years, came Hannah’s t-shirt, poster, both books, a ‘Doing It’ pencil case and a Patreon subscription. (I am loving the stickers!)
So, overall, I had a lovely experience at Hannah’s book tour and signing and I am looking forward to supporting her in the future!
‘The Hormone Diaries’ Review
As everyone agreed at the book event, we all LOVE the front cover! Overall, I found ‘The Hormone Diaries’ easy to read, to learn from and to understand. It is definitely suitable for the 15+ age that Hannah identifies and I found it useful to expand my general knowledge around hormones, periods and all aspects around it.
The book is split into five parts covering topics from periods and contraception to disorders, diseases and infections. I thought I had a good general knowledge before reading ‘The Hormone Diaries’, but I still learnt about things I didn’t know existed!
Props to Hannah for trying to be inclusive throughout the book, something that not all do. I also learnt a lot from the chapter on ‘Hormones and being Trans’, especially the emotional impact it can have.
Throughout the
I did have a few opinions on things I wish were included. Throughout the book, Hannah was good at making it clear that she was NOT a doctor. However, I would have liked to see a few notes from an actual doctor on a few of the topics. I know that it wasn’t possible in a book covering such a wide topic, however, I would have loved to get down into the nitty-gritty of some of the topics. BUT, overall Hannah did a fantastic job on ‘The Hormone Diaries!’
Have you watched or read any of Hannah’s content before?
If you haven’t, then I highly recommend you go and check out her YouTube channel now. Even if you think you know it all – I will guarantee you will learn something new.
Till next time my friends!
-Millie 🙂
Have you read my other book reviews?
10 Comments
Chloe Osborn
This sounds like a really helpful book for anyone! I feel like even as girls we aren’t told everything about periods and it can be confusing for some. I like that there are letters from people so you can get different perspectives. I’m glad you had a good time at the signing too, that’s such a good price and so cool that you got to meet her again! I’ll have to check this book out
msblife28
Thanks Chloe! I’m glad that they are bringing sex and relationships education back into the curriculum more now and ikr!? Thanks for reading 🙂
Madi Dearson
Well. This is a big subject and such an important one to discuss. I went through a few different stages and attitudes and approaches to periods and contraceptive. At this stage, I am off any type of outside hormonal interventions. Had enough of those over the years, and if periods are a subject us women don’t really get into the nitty-gritty of, contraceptive arent either. I love the fact that there is so much more conversations and books dedicated to these subjects, I think it’s super important. I agree with you that a doctor point of view would have been a good addition to the book. this such an important issue, glad you are shining a light on it along with the author. Going to check out her channel I’m kinda curious now.
msblife28
Thank you Madi!! Let me know what you think of Hannah’s channel because I love her videos! (She has a playlist on her Hormone Diaries video style) Her videos and books have definitely allowed me to be more open about the topics which is great! Thank you so much for reading and supporting me (as always) Madi 🙂 ❤️
Elen Mai
I’m so glad that you got to meet Hannah! I love her YouTube channel and find her super relatable but haven’t read any of her books. That bookmark is especially fun – I love how it fits with the theme of the book so well. xx
El // Welsh Wanderer
msblife28
Thank you Elen! Listening to Hannah chat about her book was really interesting and I highly recommend checking out her books if you enjoy her videos!
Naomi (Inching Forwards)
I actually haven’t read/watched any of Hannah’s stuff before, and having read this review, I am wondering why. I’ve just added both her books to my ‘want to read’ list on Goodreads. I was pleased that you mentioned that she was trans-inclusive – I try to avoid anti-trans creators if possible, but it’s so hard to tell sometimes. I just think it’s so important for young vagina-owners (however they identify) to get this information, and this book sounds fab. Thank you for bringing it to my attention!
msblife28
Thank you Naomi! I completely agree and I’m happy that more people are being inclusive and also talking about this ‘taboo’ topics! Let me know your thoughts when you get round to reading them 🙂
Kayleigh Zara
I am such a massive fan of Hannah but I am yet to pick up anything of hers and I would love to read the book. I’m so jealous that you were lucky enough to meet her on the tour! Thanks for sharing x
Kayleigh Zara | http://www.kayleighzaraa.com
msblife28
You should definitely check out her books!! And I know, I had such a lovely little time! Thanks for reading 🙂