The Moon Is Always Female

I came across this book at random at a local used book store. From the title, I expected, fluffly, trite, possibly pagan, probably feminist poetry. A confession - I looked at it to make fun of it. Instead, I found myself moved by the first poem I read. I flipped to another random page, sure that was a fluke. The next poem gripped my heart as well. I repeated that twice more before realizing that if I didn't buy the volume, I was going to sit myself down right there and read it in the store.

I took a long time to read this. I enjoyed being able to give each poem as much time and attention as it needed. I don' think this would be everybody's cup of tea, but I found it powerful, moving, and a joy to read.

This is a readable and relaxing collection, exploring the casual in graceful and head-turning language. Mostly narrative in style, the poetry here has a constant eye to the feminine experience, to the place of the artist, and to individual independence from society and gender roles. At times, the poems seem deceptively simple, but many of them have a depth that invites further consideration and gives a nod to the irony embedded in everyday experiences.

I found this collection relaxing and straightforward, refreshing in its humor and quiet depth. I'd recommend it to poetry readers, with the single warning that the first half of the book is undoubtedly the stronger portion of the book, so that while the whole work Is worth reading...the show more end is somewhat disappointing and plain in comparison to the beginning. Still, highly recommended. show less

Piercy is one of my favorite poets. I'd categorize her as a feminist poet. Most of her poems feel very personal and I'm left feeling as if I know something about her and her life. The first section of the book is this type of personal poetry and the second section is poems inspired by the moon and lunar cycle, many about menstruation and the influence of the moon on women.

I really enjoyed reading all these poems—some more than others. "My mother's novel", "For strong women", "The moon is always female", "Right to life" and "Crescent moon like a canoe" in particular stood out for me.

On April 2020 re-read I was struck by the powerful and evocative imagery in many of the poems.

May 2021
Borrowed because the title intrigued. Did not remember why I dnf'd the author's most famous time travel novel.
Was feeling dissatisfied until I finally figured out why, p. 46.
The poems are too accessible, too easy, at least for me (and I am not educated nor a snob). They've really not much more depth or sophistication than rock/pop lyrics... and they don't have the music to provide the 'hook.' Also the content doesn't particularly enchant me. The first two thirds of the book are these 'everyday' poems.
The rest is the poems about the moon, and women. I felt very much under the influence of womyn who wear henna and light candles and belong to a tribe etc... not for me.

Its presence on the shelf a sign of any good bookstore, this has not to my knowledge been out of print since 1980. Nor, for so many good reasons, should it ever be.