Tits Up; A book report

First, let me say that I am not affiliated with the author or the publisher of this book. There are no links embedded for you to purchase the book. Neither Healthy Children Project, nor myself receive any sort of compensation for this report. If you choose to purchase the book, I hope you will do so through a local, independent bookstore. If they don’t have the book on hand, most stores will happily order it for you.

As you might imagine, the Center for Breastfeeding has an extensive library of books, research, art and other breast related ephemera. I thought you might like to hear about some of them occasionally. This is the first book report. Notice, I did not call it a review. Who am I to review a book? I just wanted to give you a glimpse into the book and you can decide whether or not it sounds like your cup of tea.

Tits Up is written by Sarah Thornton and is an exploration of breasts and their meaning physically, culturally, and spiritually. As most of us can agree, breasts are kind of a big deal. They attract attention (sometimes wanted, sometimes not), they symbolize femininity and motherhood, and most importantly they feed our children. Without breasts, the human race just simply would not be here.

Sarah wrote this book to explore all of these themes. Having recently undergone a double mastectomy and consequently reconstructive surgery, she started to wonder about this body part that was garnering so much medical attention. She did not feel “at home” in her new implants and wanted to explore why that might be and why breasts are so significant. It is worth noting that the surgeon who did her reconstruction gave her D cups despite her requesting “athletic” B cups. The audacity of a male surgeon deciding, against his patient’s wishes, that a woman needed bigger breasts is truly appalling to me. Unfortunately, Sarah discovered she was not alone in this, dare I say it, abuse.

Sarah divided her book into 5 main categories and chapters. Each chapter looks at a different way in which breasts are used, abused, revered and adored. She also tries to reclaim many of the slang words used to describe breasts. Each chapter takes a slang word and uses it throughout so as to normalize the word.

Hardworking Tits looks at sex workers and how breasts play a crucial role in attracting and keeping clients and work.

Lifesaving Jugs is the chapter about lactation. Sarah chose to focus on milk banking and how donated human milk can save lives. Sarah herself breastfed her children and has many positive and accurate things to say about breastfeeding.

Treasured Chests is all about the plastic surgery industry. I have to say, this one made me the most upset. She discusses how many surgeons (though certainly not all) are predatory in their attempts to maximize both profits and breasts.

Active Apexes examines the oddly fascinating industry of bra engineering and marketing. I learned many things in this chapter, including the fact that nipple is such an awkward word for so many people that in the clothing industry nipples are referred to as apexes. Seems silly to me, but then again, I work in breastfeeding.

Holy Mammaries is a lovely exploration of how breasts have influenced and been represented in religions and spirituality.

There is no big reveal (pardon the pun) in this book. No big shockers. But I thoroughly enjoyed it. I learned a lot of new and interesting facts. It is written with a distinctively feminist view and I appreciated that. I encourage you to take a look. It’s a quick read. Purchase it from your local bookstore. Or better yet, get it from your library. If they don’t have it, most libraries will purchase it. And I just love the idea of libraries across the country purchasing books on breasts, tits, ta-tas, mammaries, jugs, apexes, and titties! It is definitely worth the read. If you choose to read the book, or maybe you’ve already read it, I would love to know your thoughts. Leave a comment or send me a message. I do love to chat about a good book!

As Sarah and Mrs. Maisel are fond of saying, Tits Up my friends! Until next time, may all your ways be Milky Ways!

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