Vaginas Talking.

Why the taboo around Vaginas? Half of our population possess them yet, we squirm at the mention of our genitalia. Eve Ensler has reached fame for her series of Vagina Monologues. This amusing and at times poignant book/play has been a long time coming. This prose based book of quips and narratives flows with great lucidity between the highs and lows of a woman's life. It's due time that we come to grips with talking openly about sex and our bodies. Eve Ensler has provided an wonderful opportunity to begin the dialogue.

Gloria Steinem noted in her foreword that she is from the "down there" generation. I wouldn't know what to call my peer group. I can recall that stupid game in high school where we would gradually yell "penis" louder and louder. So there was some comfort with the male body but, words like labia and clitoris were rarely used.

This collection of shorts approaches the subject from all directions. The humorous piece such as the list of colloquial nicknames for the vaginal region (ranging from "powderbox" to "mushmellow") and a piece entitled "reclaiming c*u*n*t" are mixed with serious entries. The most moving for me was "My Vagina was my Village", a piece inspired by reports of war sex crimes in Bosnia.

Ensler has the ability to make you laugh and cry. She unites women around the idea that we all have the same concerns and issues dealing with there sexuality. A sisterhood through tales of our vaginas. Ensler is truly magnificent!