You may recall how last week’s pick parodied a birth control pill that lets women skip their dreaded period. Tying together our biblical theme and the subject of menstruation, this week’s pick is the New York Times bestselling book, The Red Tent by Anita Diamant.

This page-turner tells fictional tale of Dinah, a character referenced briefly in the Book of Genesis. In the story, the "red tent" refers to the place where women were exiled while Aunt Flow was in town, a time considered “unclean” in the Old Testament.

For these ancient women, their monthly stint in the tent was a period of rest and relaxation—gossiping, drinking good wine and eating good food. It was a time to celebrate being a woman, the power to bring life into the world… as well as the importance of sisterhood among women.

In contrast, let’s think back to that Saturday Night Live skit and the burdensome way we look at our female bodies today. Maybe we don’t need another pill, but a change in perspective and a new appreciation for the miracle that exists within our bodies. Perhaps some food for thought?

If you find yourself in the bookstore hungry for a good book, pick up The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. It may inspire a new way of looking at things.

Order The Red Tent HERE