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The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding on a Tuesday
Not yet published
Expected 17 Jun 25Delia Bridges is striving to become the compassionate doctor she's been unable to find in her journey to diagnose her excruciating period pain--but when a single rule-breaking incident jeopardizes her future, she must find a way to reclaim her dreams in this funny, period-positive novel.
High school senior Delia Bridges has the most amazing mom and sister, a killer GPA--and periods that are so painful they make her scream, pass out, and throw up. Though she doesn't know it yet, Delia has endometriosis, an affliction plaguing millions of people that is notoriously difficult to diagnose.
Pain makes everything harder, but Delia is just one semester away from graduating from Stockwood Prep and pursuing her dream of become the kind of doctor she's never one who takes her symptoms seriously. But when she breaks a rule for the first time ever and is caught using marijuana at school to manage her pain, Delia is expelled.
Her expulsion jeopardizes her college acceptance, her planned mentorship, and everything she had carefully planned for years. Without her academic success and no closer to a diagnosis, is Delia anything more than her period?
High school senior Delia Bridges has the most amazing mom and sister, a killer GPA--and periods that are so painful they make her scream, pass out, and throw up. Though she doesn't know it yet, Delia has endometriosis, an affliction plaguing millions of people that is notoriously difficult to diagnose.
Pain makes everything harder, but Delia is just one semester away from graduating from Stockwood Prep and pursuing her dream of become the kind of doctor she's never one who takes her symptoms seriously. But when she breaks a rule for the first time ever and is caught using marijuana at school to manage her pain, Delia is expelled.
Her expulsion jeopardizes her college acceptance, her planned mentorship, and everything she had carefully planned for years. Without her academic success and no closer to a diagnosis, is Delia anything more than her period?
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 17, 2025
3 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 3, 2025
It’s hard to explain what I would have given to have had this book anytime in the last 20+ years.
I have never felt more seen in a book, and in most situations actually, as I did while reading this.
Delia has painful periods. Except it’s not just painful period. This was my story and so many others. The symptoms, the lack of compassion and understanding from doctors. The being made to feel like you are crazy because they tell you that your fine but no part of your body feels fine. The constant battle to try and function because of the endless pain.
This book would have been a lifeline for me growing up. To know I wasn’t alone. To know that there could be hope. To help me keep fighting for answers and relief.
Twenty years later and I’m the most pain free I have been since my first period. But this book, this would have made those twenty years a lot less lonely.
Pub Date: June 17
Thank you penguinteen for the earc. 🤍🤍
If you or someone you know has ever had a period, then you should read this book.
I have never felt more seen in a book, and in most situations actually, as I did while reading this.
Delia has painful periods. Except it’s not just painful period. This was my story and so many others. The symptoms, the lack of compassion and understanding from doctors. The being made to feel like you are crazy because they tell you that your fine but no part of your body feels fine. The constant battle to try and function because of the endless pain.
This book would have been a lifeline for me growing up. To know I wasn’t alone. To know that there could be hope. To help me keep fighting for answers and relief.
Twenty years later and I’m the most pain free I have been since my first period. But this book, this would have made those twenty years a lot less lonely.
Pub Date: June 17
Thank you penguinteen for the earc. 🤍🤍
If you or someone you know has ever had a period, then you should read this book.
October 13, 2024
I’m one of the lucky people who got to read this book first, before it’s published, because Kelsey is my critique partner and best friend. This review isn’t biased, though: she is those things because she’s smart, brave, talented, funny, earnest, driven, and caring—all of which are on full display in this novel.
Delia is like if Rory Gilmore made one bad choice that changed the whole plan—relatable. Through her struggles, we experience a world that all too many women, girls, and marginalized people know firsthand, of invisible and under researched illnesses and doctors who don’t take our symptoms seriously. Delia wants to be one of the people fighting to change the system, but will her own medical issues hold her back?
Emotional, hilarious, fun, and important, The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding on a Tuesday brings period conversations to the table for every person impacted, which is all of us.
Delia is like if Rory Gilmore made one bad choice that changed the whole plan—relatable. Through her struggles, we experience a world that all too many women, girls, and marginalized people know firsthand, of invisible and under researched illnesses and doctors who don’t take our symptoms seriously. Delia wants to be one of the people fighting to change the system, but will her own medical issues hold her back?
Emotional, hilarious, fun, and important, The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding on a Tuesday brings period conversations to the table for every person impacted, which is all of us.
March 3, 2025
Loved this story! Told with humor and grace it's a beautiful story about a teen trying to find answers to why her period each month leaves her in debilitating pain. Racking up absences at school and plodding her way through eight different gynecologists has left her desperate and sinking into depression. Toney does a wonderful job of blending being independent and finding one's voice while also leaning on a strong support system. The best part of this story is that it gives hope to those who suffer and are not taken seriously by professionals. It's a story pf perseverance! Hopefully the authenticity of the characters will foster compassion for those with medical conditions that can be embarrassing and uncontrollable.
December 23, 2024
Once I started reading this book, I truly could not put it down. We're shown the life of Delia Bridges, a straight A high schooler with big dreams and nothing stopping her.... except for her own body. She goes through excruciating pain that could go off at any moment, and no professional wants to believe her. Through a series of unfortunate events, Delia sees her carefully constructed plans and life goals go up in flames. How can she get her life back on track?
Delia's struggles and mishaps had me on an emotional rollercoaster. I don't think I've had such visceral reactions to a book in such a long time. While not everyone may have the same exact experience as her, Delia's story invokes so much empathy. Her experience is so real, and I truly feel like anybody would be able to relate.
This book does a great job in relaying extremely important and relevant messages in a highly relatable way. I truly had a great time reading this.
Delia's struggles and mishaps had me on an emotional rollercoaster. I don't think I've had such visceral reactions to a book in such a long time. While not everyone may have the same exact experience as her, Delia's story invokes so much empathy. Her experience is so real, and I truly feel like anybody would be able to relate.
This book does a great job in relaying extremely important and relevant messages in a highly relatable way. I truly had a great time reading this.
January 10, 2025
Such a phenomenal book! I had the very good fortune of getting to read this early courtesy of NetGalley and I had trouble putting it down! Thank you, Kelsey, for highlighting what so many women and BIPOC people experience: medical gaslighting, belief in myths of how people experience pain, being dismissed by providers for being too “dramatic,� “too much,� etc. etc. etc. I loved reading this book and encourage anyone with a uterus, knows someone who has a uterus, or has ever felt dismissed or less than by a medical provider to read it!
March 7, 2025
4.5, this was fantastic and I had a great time reading it
Delia has horrible, damn near unspeakable period pain. It makes her super sick - terrible pain, low blood pressure, fainting spells, nausea, headaches... like it's just so bad. She's been chasing a diagnosis for years, and her gynecologists medically gaslight her ass badddd
The title is in reference to the series of events that happen after she casually (read: not that casually since it's not very casual) gets her period on a Tuesday morning. Her sister sees her pain and can't stand it, so turns out she had bought some weed seeds online and cultivated a marijuana plant for months in order to harvest the leaves and make a pain relief tincture. It helps Delia a ton, so later in the day, when she has a very important meeting, she takes more of the tincture. But she's a dumb teenager and over-doses herself, which has some very slapstick effects. However, it snowballs very quickly and next thing she knows, she's kicked out of her fancy school. Which affects her college choice. Which affects... her life.
She has to go back to her old school district for the last couple weeks of senior year, which is especially tough because she left after an embarrassing incident that cost her her best friend (was she even a great friend anyway?). She does link back up with her best friend, Ruby, who I think does a great job at apologizing and showing that she's changed. Delia also meets a boy she likes for the first time, and has to do a lot of logical and illogical thinking about the ways having a significant other with chronic pain affects one's life, and if the risks outweigh the rewards.
There's a lot to love here. The descriptions of (what turns out to be) endometriosis are super educational for those of us who don't have it, and hopefully good representation for those that do. Ruby has IBS and she is NOT shy about it, and I think that's pretty good representation, too. People these days are not ashamed about their period and IBS and any other bodily function-type illness, at least far less than they used to be. I think the more we talk about it, the more it's normalized, and I can appreciate this book for presenting a really tough illness in a generally lighthearted way.
This, like Rules for Camouflage, is also giving Freeform TV series, and I would love to see either adapted tbh
Delia has horrible, damn near unspeakable period pain. It makes her super sick - terrible pain, low blood pressure, fainting spells, nausea, headaches... like it's just so bad. She's been chasing a diagnosis for years, and her gynecologists medically gaslight her ass badddd
The title is in reference to the series of events that happen after she casually (read: not that casually since it's not very casual) gets her period on a Tuesday morning. Her sister sees her pain and can't stand it, so turns out she had bought some weed seeds online and cultivated a marijuana plant for months in order to harvest the leaves and make a pain relief tincture. It helps Delia a ton, so later in the day, when she has a very important meeting, she takes more of the tincture. But she's a dumb teenager and over-doses herself, which has some very slapstick effects. However, it snowballs very quickly and next thing she knows, she's kicked out of her fancy school. Which affects her college choice. Which affects... her life.
She has to go back to her old school district for the last couple weeks of senior year, which is especially tough because she left after an embarrassing incident that cost her her best friend (was she even a great friend anyway?). She does link back up with her best friend, Ruby, who I think does a great job at apologizing and showing that she's changed. Delia also meets a boy she likes for the first time, and has to do a lot of logical and illogical thinking about the ways having a significant other with chronic pain affects one's life, and if the risks outweigh the rewards.
There's a lot to love here. The descriptions of (what turns out to be) endometriosis are super educational for those of us who don't have it, and hopefully good representation for those that do. Ruby has IBS and she is NOT shy about it, and I think that's pretty good representation, too. People these days are not ashamed about their period and IBS and any other bodily function-type illness, at least far less than they used to be. I think the more we talk about it, the more it's normalized, and I can appreciate this book for presenting a really tough illness in a generally lighthearted way.
This, like Rules for Camouflage, is also giving Freeform TV series, and I would love to see either adapted tbh
Shelved as 'eligible-in-2025'
November 2, 2024Our thanks to Rachael for this recommendation.
December 6, 2024
This is my book! I recommend it!
January 6, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Children’s for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Kelsey B. Toney’s “The Unexpected Consequences of Bleeding on a Tuesday� is a bold and refreshing YA novel that deftly balances humor and activism while tackling topics like endometriosis, chronic illness, and medical gaslighting. Through the story of Delia Bridges, Toney brings an often-overlooked conversation about invisible illnesses to the forefront, creating a validating and educational experience for readers.
Delia Bridges is a straight-A high school senior with her sights set on a bright future. However, her life is upended by debilitating period pain that no doctor seems willing to take seriously. When a desperate attempt to ease her symptoms with a homemade marijuana tincture backfires spectacularly, Delia finds herself spiraling—losing her spot at her prestigious school, jeopardizing her college plans, and being forced to confront the fragility of the carefully constructed life she envisioned. Returning to her old school district, Delia must navigate friendships, budding romance, and the realities of living with chronic pain. Along the way, she reconnects with her former best friend, Ruby, who has her own chronic illness (IBS) and a renewed perspective on supporting Delia. The story is equal parts entertaining and thought-provoking as Delia learns to advocate for herself in a system stacked against her.
One of the best parts of this book lies in its unflinching portrayal of living with a chronic illness. Toney doesn’t shy away from the visceral realities of Delia’s condition, offering you an unvarnished glimpse into the frustration, pain, and hopelessness that come with battling an invisible illness while being dismissed by the medical system. For those with similar experiences, this representation feels deeply validating, and both Delia and Ruby may be extremely relatable to some readers.
The friendships in the story are another highlight. Ruby’s journey of redemption—owning her past mistakes and growing into a supportive ally—brings a layer of warmth and relatability. Ruby’s unabashed approach to discussing her IBS adds humor and normalization to the story, helping to destigmatize conversations about bodily functions and chronic illnesses.
The book’s humor and lighthearted tone keep the story accessible despite its heavy themes. Delia’s slapstick overdose incident is a comedic yet poignant reminder of how desperation can lead to reckless decisions. At its core, the book balances its emotional weight with relatable, funny, and entertaining moments that make it hard to put down, though the ending feels a bit abrupt and unresolved. The romance subplot, while sweet, occasionally feels underdeveloped compared to the richness of the friendships and activism themes. However, it does add a relatable element as Delia navigates the complexities of relationships while living with a chronic illness.
Overall, the inclusion of characters with chronic conditions like endometriosis and IBS in “The Unexpected Consequences of Bleeding on a Tuesday� is a step toward normalizing these conversations, particularly for young readers who may feel alone in their struggles. Toney’s ability to weave humor and light into a story about pain and frustration makes this book both educational and deeply empathetic. This story is a validation for anyone who’s ever felt dismissed or overlooked and a call to action for greater understanding of invisible illnesses.
Kelsey B. Toney’s “The Unexpected Consequences of Bleeding on a Tuesday� is a bold and refreshing YA novel that deftly balances humor and activism while tackling topics like endometriosis, chronic illness, and medical gaslighting. Through the story of Delia Bridges, Toney brings an often-overlooked conversation about invisible illnesses to the forefront, creating a validating and educational experience for readers.
Delia Bridges is a straight-A high school senior with her sights set on a bright future. However, her life is upended by debilitating period pain that no doctor seems willing to take seriously. When a desperate attempt to ease her symptoms with a homemade marijuana tincture backfires spectacularly, Delia finds herself spiraling—losing her spot at her prestigious school, jeopardizing her college plans, and being forced to confront the fragility of the carefully constructed life she envisioned. Returning to her old school district, Delia must navigate friendships, budding romance, and the realities of living with chronic pain. Along the way, she reconnects with her former best friend, Ruby, who has her own chronic illness (IBS) and a renewed perspective on supporting Delia. The story is equal parts entertaining and thought-provoking as Delia learns to advocate for herself in a system stacked against her.
One of the best parts of this book lies in its unflinching portrayal of living with a chronic illness. Toney doesn’t shy away from the visceral realities of Delia’s condition, offering you an unvarnished glimpse into the frustration, pain, and hopelessness that come with battling an invisible illness while being dismissed by the medical system. For those with similar experiences, this representation feels deeply validating, and both Delia and Ruby may be extremely relatable to some readers.
The friendships in the story are another highlight. Ruby’s journey of redemption—owning her past mistakes and growing into a supportive ally—brings a layer of warmth and relatability. Ruby’s unabashed approach to discussing her IBS adds humor and normalization to the story, helping to destigmatize conversations about bodily functions and chronic illnesses.
The book’s humor and lighthearted tone keep the story accessible despite its heavy themes. Delia’s slapstick overdose incident is a comedic yet poignant reminder of how desperation can lead to reckless decisions. At its core, the book balances its emotional weight with relatable, funny, and entertaining moments that make it hard to put down, though the ending feels a bit abrupt and unresolved. The romance subplot, while sweet, occasionally feels underdeveloped compared to the richness of the friendships and activism themes. However, it does add a relatable element as Delia navigates the complexities of relationships while living with a chronic illness.
Overall, the inclusion of characters with chronic conditions like endometriosis and IBS in “The Unexpected Consequences of Bleeding on a Tuesday� is a step toward normalizing these conversations, particularly for young readers who may feel alone in their struggles. Toney’s ability to weave humor and light into a story about pain and frustration makes this book both educational and deeply empathetic. This story is a validation for anyone who’s ever felt dismissed or overlooked and a call to action for greater understanding of invisible illnesses.
March 23, 2025
The thing about half the population menstruating that people don’t get is that everyone experiences it slightly differently. Oh, they show you those cartoons, in fifth grade, during health class, where they separate the boys from the girls, or at least they did back in my day, where they tell you it will be a light pain, and it will happen every 28 days for about three or four days.
But none of that is true. Some people go much longer. Some people have their period every other month. Some people who are under stress or not eating enough, or anything that might cause problems, might go without their period for months at a time.
I bring all this up, because the main character in this book, Delia has been trying to find out why her period gives her such pain, that sometimes she will pass out, or just not be able to get out of bed. All her doctors, be they men or women, young or old, just tell her to suck it up, because that’s what everyone goes through, and she isn’t special. Delia decides that she is going to become a doctor, and then find the answer to why she is in so much pain.
Or at least that is the plan, until her sister gives her some pot, which is illegal in Texas, and she takes too much and gets very high, and is expelled from school.
I wasn’t sure where this story was going to go, other than to show some really rotten doctors, but it worked well. There was even a little love interest thrown in. And I also liked how everyone was so open about discussing their periods, and what was going on.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is being published on the 17th of June 2025.
But none of that is true. Some people go much longer. Some people have their period every other month. Some people who are under stress or not eating enough, or anything that might cause problems, might go without their period for months at a time.
I bring all this up, because the main character in this book, Delia has been trying to find out why her period gives her such pain, that sometimes she will pass out, or just not be able to get out of bed. All her doctors, be they men or women, young or old, just tell her to suck it up, because that’s what everyone goes through, and she isn’t special. Delia decides that she is going to become a doctor, and then find the answer to why she is in so much pain.
Or at least that is the plan, until her sister gives her some pot, which is illegal in Texas, and she takes too much and gets very high, and is expelled from school.
I wasn’t sure where this story was going to go, other than to show some really rotten doctors, but it worked well. There was even a little love interest thrown in. And I also liked how everyone was so open about discussing their periods, and what was going on.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is being published on the 17th of June 2025.
December 5, 2024
I wish there was a story like this I could’ve read when I was going through high school. As someone who has struggled with invisible illnesses, including endometriosis, Kelsey does an incredible job at giving a realistic look of what it’s like living with an invisible condition like this, and the medical gaslighting many girls/women experience from authority figures. For the first time, I felt like someone truly understood the pain and worries I've experienced over the years. I saw a lot of myself in Delia, and the frustration of trying to get a doctor to actually listen to what you are saying when you are a younger person trying to express that something is wrong with your body, but constantly being dismissed thinking that you are too young to know better. I loved Ruby and how vocal she was about her IBS and that she truly did not care what anyone thought since it is literally something she can’t control. At times I wish I had more of Ruby’s spirit in me. Overall, this was an amazing and validating story to read. If you or anyone you know has a period or an invisible illness this is definitely a book you will want to read since Kelsey incorporates all the realistic details, frustrations, and insecurities that come along with them.
November 24, 2024
An entertaining and reassuring text for teen readers. Tackling a topic like endometriosis for younger readers can be tough, but Toney creates a story that is both funny and educational for teens. I liked the unflinching detail that Toney uses to describe Delia's period pain, visceral as it may be, and felt that it added a lot to the story and helped to validate readers who may also be experiencing similar pain. You really feel for Delia as she bounces from doctor to doctor, constantly being gaslit into believing that her pain is being over-exaggerated. I also loved the reintroduction of Ruby, and how she grows emotionally to admit her wrongs in underestimating her friend's pain. I really appreciated the inclusion of IBS in the story as Ruby's chronic illness, and how unashamed she was to elaborate on a topic that most people find too embarrassing to bring up. Overall, I thought this was a good story. I liked the inclusion of romance and activism, although I wish the ending had been a little more tied up instead of ending on sort of a mid note. I also wish that there had been some educational backmatter included talking more about endometriosis, IBS, or other period conditions.
March 11, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this incredible novel.
Seventeen-year-old Delia Bridges has suffered from period pain her entire womanhood. The trouble is, none of her multiple gynecologists have believed her. Delia's pain is debilitating, causing her to pass out sometimes and miss school every month. When her period starts early, threatening Delia's future college career, she tries some different ways to deal with her pain. The consequences are catastrophic, and she must rethink her whole future.
Told with humility and grace, Toney's novel is a must-read for young women suffering from painful periods. I also appreciated the nod to IBS in another character.
Seventeen-year-old Delia Bridges has suffered from period pain her entire womanhood. The trouble is, none of her multiple gynecologists have believed her. Delia's pain is debilitating, causing her to pass out sometimes and miss school every month. When her period starts early, threatening Delia's future college career, she tries some different ways to deal with her pain. The consequences are catastrophic, and she must rethink her whole future.
Told with humility and grace, Toney's novel is a must-read for young women suffering from painful periods. I also appreciated the nod to IBS in another character.
March 9, 2025
4.5 stars
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I feel so lucky to have gotten a chance to read this early! This was such an honest and relatable portrayal of issues that I have never seen in portrayed fiction before. I would highly recommend this to any teen or adult who has struggled with invisible illness, especially related to women’s health, or anyone interested in better understanding those struggles.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I feel so lucky to have gotten a chance to read this early! This was such an honest and relatable portrayal of issues that I have never seen in portrayed fiction before. I would highly recommend this to any teen or adult who has struggled with invisible illness, especially related to women’s health, or anyone interested in better understanding those struggles.
March 10, 2025
What a great book about period pain, and because Delia has severe pain she wants to be a gynecologist to find out what’s wrong with her. She thinks she has endometriosis and has been to many doctors who say it’s just period pain. Delia finds an organization that provides advocacy services, and a doctor there offers to take Delia on as a patient. Can the doctor help her with her pain?
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
December 3, 2024
A funny, heart-wrenching, realistic look at navigating life with uncontrollable period pain.
I loved the relationships between Delia and her sister, and Delia and Ruby as they picked up the pieces of a childhood friendship.
If you have had a period or know someone who has had a period, you'll want to pick up The Unexpected Consequences of Bleeding on a Tuesday.
I loved the relationships between Delia and her sister, and Delia and Ruby as they picked up the pieces of a childhood friendship.
If you have had a period or know someone who has had a period, you'll want to pick up The Unexpected Consequences of Bleeding on a Tuesday.
December 23, 2024
A novel for its time for sure! A well-written look at what it means to be a female in America today. I hope anyone who has any connection to or lacks knowledge of periods and women's healthcare reads this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC.
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