Ancient Bodies, Modern Lives: How Evolution Has Shaped Women's Health

I'm not sure why but while reading this book I kept having the feeling that it was meant to be a research paper. At least that's how I've been writing mine.I think it's an exceptional book, full of great information that every person but especially so woman should be aware of. Things that affect our cycle and life and health and seeing that information across years, that makes a difference. How the environment has changed across time and how our bodies have changed with it, to be honest I always just thought we were a pretty static species only slightly changing over thousands of years.Part of the downside of this book, and for me it was a pretty big downside - It gives advice about activity (exercise)and diet that hasn't been researched properly by the writer. The author has just used mainstream data and expressed it in a way as if it is a fact. Why do I know that? Because in the past year I have extensively been doing research on these two particular subjects (well more then just two, but these are the focus) and have found much of the advice in the book to be at least slightly wrong if not very wrong. The reason why it bothers me is that, the book is not a book about diet, it is not a book about working out, it is a book about women's health and evolution thereof.But excepting this last flaw that I mentioned, I have to say I think every woman capable of reading should read this book. So that's why instead of 3 stars I give it 4.

I'm a doctoral student in anthropology so I first read this book in the context of a class, but it is extremely accessible. You don't need a PhD to enjoy this book! Dr. Trevathan is a clear and engaging writer and the subject matter is fascinating. I re-read this during my first pregnancy and my husband read it too. I've since given the book to a few friends who are expecting and they've all enjoyed it too! Do you have a friend with a curious mind who just announced he or she is expecting their first child? Say congrats and then share this book with them!

This book gives a better insight on how a womans body goes through a process of growth to reach adulthood with and without delays. Also giving insight that the pressures of society does not match what our bodies have for us

Great book. Full of interesting scientific research, but written and presented in such an accessible way that I am giving it to my Mother to read (she is not a researcher). I really enjoyed this book and it made me think critically of my own life!! LOVE IT. I've read it twice and I've only had it for a few days!

High quality and a great purchase!!!!

so boring....ugggg

I've read many books that provide an evolutionary perspective on biology, psychology, and medicine. I know of none that provide as much detail on how women's bodies are shaped by human beings' unique biology (especially large heads and bipedalism). As the title suggests, the author discusses mismatches between women's bodies (including their hormones) and contemporary cultures (not just wealthy Western countries), such as how the declining age of menarche affects women. The author is clearly an expert in the field, providing references for claims and theories, some of which she developed.This book is not light reading, but it is not difficult reading either. It could be a good gift for a scientifically-minded college student or expecting parent. Some lighter alternatives that I also enjoyed are  Woman: An Intimate Geography (Paperback)  and  Mother Nature: Maternal Instincts and How They Shape the Human Species

A fascinating book, deftly written, describing the evolutionary influences that have shaped the form of the female body, from birth through to old age. An enjoyable read for anyone interested in women, female health or evolution. I am no expert in evolutionary science, but nor is it a new subject - I've read some books and studied Evolutionary Psychology briefly at university as part of a Psychology degree many years ago, and yet it has given me a fresh up-to-date perspective.The author touches on a couple of emotive subjects (childbirth and breastfeeding) which could have been addressed clumsily and left any reader not having given birth naturally (me, twice) or breastfed their children feeling guilty/chastised, but Trevathan handles this carefully and without judgement. Seeing the pictures she includes illustrating the size of a human baby's head in relation to a woman's pelvis, and in comparison to that of other primates was extraordinary - it's a wonder natural childbirth happens at all.Definitely a book I highly recommend and plan to read again.