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michelleflaherty's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this book and I think I learned a lot. For me, the shortcomings are that the metaphors are often way over the top and there are lots ranty bits that are more about the authors personal opinions than about anything scientific or objective. It deals with a huge variety of topics, from oddly varied perspectives: biological, sociological, evolutionary, anecdotal. A lot of it is about women's reproductive health, seen from the perspective of a middle aged woman. So nothing about birth control and lots about estrogen replacement treatments.
heather_featherz's review against another edition
4.0
I read this for a science/gender studies course. This was the most enjoyable textbook I've read this year. This book breaks down the science of Women's bodies while debunking myths about how our bodies work. The main focus is around the reproductive system. I'll probably read it again.
magmae's review against another edition
4.0
Such a good go-to book on the biological power of womanhood. And as someone who's simply not a science gal but loves this book, you know it must be good...
rebbbb's review against another edition
I really wanted to love this book because a lot of people I admire in the women's health space recommended it. However, this book feels like it belongs to another time - a time when it was no doubt revolutionary to write a book that gave such detailed and thoughtful attention to (continuously) under-researched aspects of women's health, but also a time 20+ years ago so some things have changed (though unfortunately not much in way of women's health being adequately invested in and researched).
While the topics of the book are interesting, it felt challenging to read it in 2023 because it fails to acknowledge intersectionality in many places and the way it talks about gender feels outdated. And honestly, I found the writing style painful and overly self-indulgent, when clear and simple language would have been much more enjoyable to read. But I also can't not acknowledge that this book was undoubtedly important and ahead of its time, and I do feel grateful to Angier for writing the book when she did. Would love to see an updated edition that is more aligned with the evolving conversation around gender, sex and our intersecting identities.
While the topics of the book are interesting, it felt challenging to read it in 2023 because it fails to acknowledge intersectionality in many places and the way it talks about gender feels outdated. And honestly, I found the writing style painful and overly self-indulgent, when clear and simple language would have been much more enjoyable to read. But I also can't not acknowledge that this book was undoubtedly important and ahead of its time, and I do feel grateful to Angier for writing the book when she did. Would love to see an updated edition that is more aligned with the evolving conversation around gender, sex and our intersecting identities.
mrsdragon's review against another edition
4.0
This book took me some time to sink into. Angier's writing style is chock full of five dollar words and references to literature, pop culture, and history. It is also breathtakingly lyrical. For the first few chapters, her exhortions seemed over the top, but either she settled down or I embraced it because I found myself really enjoying her enthusiasm as I progressed.
Angier has a wry humor and often writes sarcastically, relying on the reader to pick up on the sly tone.
The book focuses on female biology--organs, hormones, and "evolutionary psychology" all take starring roles. I learned lots of new information and even more probably went in one eye and out the other. Refreshing takes on the whole "men are providers, women are faithful" stereotype and biological fundamentals I'd never picked up anywhere else. (Did you know your Fallopian tubes are free to roam your bodily cavity? That your uterine lining is made up of three distinct layers, which is why you can still menstruate while pregnant and not miscarry, the zygote implants at the deepest level.)
Angier has a wry humor and often writes sarcastically, relying on the reader to pick up on the sly tone.
The book focuses on female biology--organs, hormones, and "evolutionary psychology" all take starring roles. I learned lots of new information and even more probably went in one eye and out the other. Refreshing takes on the whole "men are providers, women are faithful" stereotype and biological fundamentals I'd never picked up anywhere else. (Did you know your Fallopian tubes are free to roam your bodily cavity? That your uterine lining is made up of three distinct layers, which is why you can still menstruate while pregnant and not miscarry, the zygote implants at the deepest level.)
stacyjenson's review against another edition
4.0
A completely readable tour of the female anatomy & physiology. There were moments of hippie-ish, earth mother worship that I couldn't get fully on board with. However, if I had a dozen of those eye-rolling moments, I had a dozen more where I cheered and felt deep kinship with the author in a shared sentiment about some aspect of womanhood.
deservingporcupine's review against another edition
4.0
Lots of fascinating information in this book. Some parts went a little slowly for me, and at times the writing was a little cheesy, but overall a really good read. Definitely a more grown up version of some of the feminist writing I used to read.