This is a great book about the history of the backside in America and around the world. The author did a fantastic job making this a great combination of pop culture and scientific literature. Radke makes this book a breeze to get through. And just look at that cover! It's so freaking cute. I loved the chapters about the Buns of Steel tapes, Jane Fonda workout videos, the Baby Got Back song/music video. That video is burned into memory. For better or worse, butts can be seen as a thing of sheer beauty or as a punchline, like it was with Jennifer Lopez. I think a lot of women will appreciate this book. It's fun and full of interesting tidbits.

Thank you, Avid Reader Press for the digital ARC.

Butts! Can't live without them, can't live without them!

This is a fun book, which is not a descriptor usually at the forefront of a nonfiction work. Radke is certainly ambitious, melding history, personal anecdotes, scholarly research, feminist political frameworks, and plenty of pop culture, all in a relatively short work. I am not sure there is enough room for all of this, which Radke acknowledges early on, trying to get ahead of the problem by saying her work does not claim to be an exhaustive history or political analysis of the butt.

I actually craved more historical analysis to understand how our collective opinion of the butt has mutated over the years. I am largely familiar with the shifts of the last sixty years, and chapters on the Flappers or European history were more engaging to me, personally. In 2022, if you don't have you head in your own aforementioned butt, you are likely aware already that fitness programs can tend to focus on bodily sculpting instead of holistic health, or that the illusions of modeling (and now Instagram) can create unrealistic expectations for young women.

The pop culture analysis--which I largely agreed with--tended to be repetitive or superficial. It is largely the cultural analysis of Twitter 2022, grafted onto whatever historical pivot point or social phenomena she is talking about. Which is fine, although it echoes one of my largest complaints about academia, in that, when stripped of the bullshit, it usually lapses into the prolix to make the same damn point over and over.

Informative, engaging, and entertaining. This book flew by, which is rarely the case with me while reading non-fiction. There will be inevitable comparison to Mary Roach but Butts: A Backstory has wit and charm all its own.

The journey Radke takes us on brings to light early history and theories of evolutionary psychology, and ultimately tours through fashion and more recent pop culture that directly contribute to how we (society) have grown to view and judge butts. From Sarah Baartman, brought from South Africa and put on display as Hottentot Venus (even on display after death), to Kate Moss, Jennifer Lopez and "Baby Got Back," we see how shapely (female) butts have been revered and maligned, sexualized and shamed. How are women supposed to keep up with the most current measuring stick by which to unhealthily judge themselves?!

Knowing where these feelings about ourselves and our behinds came from doesn't help alleviate "dressing room angst" or the personal pressure to want to have "a good butt." But I do love Radke's final thought: "And sometimes... my butt doesn't feel like a problem or a blessing. It's just a fact." Just a fact. Wouldn't that be nice?

Thank you NetGalley and avid Reader/Simon & Schuster for the ARC.

This book is an impressive, well-researched, engaging, important work of nonfiction. Radke delves into physiology, eugenics, music, dance, art, race and racism, sexual objectification and reclamation, and the many ways in which societies write meaning onto bodies. Her topics range from Sarah Baartman to Jennifer Lopez, from the development of the bustle to plastic surgery, from standardized ready-to-wear clothing to drag queens. I love nonfiction that presents academic research and critical thinking to a general audience, and Butts is a noteworthy example.

What I Loved:

Basically everything. This book is exactly what I look for in a nonfiction title. A quirky topic taken seriously by an author who is enthusiastic about the subject and ready to jump in with both feet. The material is well-researched, logically organized, and presented in an academic yet accessible manner.

What I Didn’t Love:

I’m not a fan of the cover. I like the peach, it’s cheeky (pun not intended) and fun, but the placement and font of the title and author give the appearance of a cheaply made self-published work. This could very likely deter potential readers from picking it up.

Loved, loved, loved “Butts: A Backstory.” My husband, family, and friends have all heard at least one butt fact since I’ve read it. Radke makes science, politics, race, gender, all the “heavy” topics easy to understand, engaging, and entertaining - very Radio Lab-esque, which she has worked on. She also captured my feelings about my own body; a good reminder that these feelings are universal because they are so deeply embedded in our collective experiences. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC - but I still want a physical copy because that book cover is too good!

A book about the butt an interesting unusual topic to cover.Ifound this an informative entertaining read on this topic something we all possess.I looked the authors writing style her investigative style I will be recommending this book and following this author.#netgalley #avidreaderpress.

This was so much fun and surprisingly way more informative and researched than the title might suggest (butts…lol). The author really delivered on the topics the synopsis mentioned and I learned a lot. A fascinating analysis and recount of the human butt. I will be keeping tabs on this author moving forward for sure.

Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Though I did enjoy this book, I felt as though it went on a bit too long. It was a fun read, the topic was cheeky (pun intended) and has a great cover, but it felt about 200 pages too long.

I’m so glad I decided to request this one on Netgalley and I’m so appreciative of the opportunity to read this one a few months early. This is a fascinating in-depth look at nature’s favorite body part! THE BOOTY! From the roots of classism and racism, to the modern day stereotypes and exploitation of the hindquarters. You’ll absolutely love this book and will look at donks in a whole new way! READ THIS BOOK! Out from Simon & Schuster November of this year!!

Did I get this book purely based on the title? Yes. Was I disappointed? Absolutely not. This is a master-class in Nonfiction that explores a subject, a somewhat silly or even mundane subject and putting it on a pedestal to analyze from every angle - physical, psychological, cultural, you name it. I loved this book, no buts about it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Heather Radke, and Avid Reader Press for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have to admit, the second I saw this cover and it’s witty subtitle, I knew I had to read it. Butts, by Heather Radke is a deep dive into the American history of the female derrière. Focusing on racism and cultural appropriation, Radke uses a mix of dry humor and very serious commentary to point out the evolution and changes of what women and men in the United States have viewed as a sexy rear end over the last several centuries. Extremely well researched, the writing is smart and engaging. However, as a woman with a small butt who has been called myriad names for lacking a substantial backside, I did not feel like there was a whole lot of sympathy in my direction for a book about body positivity. Overall, I found the reading to be fast-paced and enjoyable and definitely recommend to all my women friends.

For fans of women’s and cultural studies or anyone who likes quirky historical/scientific books in the vein of Mary Roach.

This was one of those books that held so much excitement initially but ended up being a painful chore to get through. I think it boiled down to just not being a fan of the writing style and the injection of the author herself and her opinions in so much of the narrative. The summary likened this to the work of Mary Roach, one of my favorite non-fiction authors, so perhaps that put Radke at an unfair disadvantage for me. Regardless, aside from a few interesting tidbits from a handful of chapters, this wasn't the "story about butts" that I had been expecting. It ran too long and meandered in focus too much for me to keep a focus. Unfortunately, Radke is no Mary Roach.

Butts! We all got them! But unlike one's arm or leg or cheekbone, butts remain this controversial, politicised and sexualised zone in time and space. I found the deep dive into buttock discourse fascinating and educational, particularly when looking at the historical context to the Baby Got Backs and Kardashian body of today.

The "behind" can be a hard one to remain neutral one. I think Heather Radke balances this by bringing in historical context, personal stories and the facts on cultural appropriation, Radke never comes across as slut-shaming and instead has a nuanced take. There is a lot to love about butts but also a lot to learn!

This book grabbed me from the beginning with its historical examination about our fascination with butts. The author was thorough in her examination from the scientific, to the historical, to the racial, cultural and sociological obsession with two globulous masses of flesh behind us. I loved this book. It is a great book that anyone can enjoy and be educated in the process.

*Thanks to Avid Reader Press & NetGalley for this Ebook in exchange for my honest review

Thank you to NetGalley and the Simon and Schuster for the advanced copy of Butts: A Backstory.

This non-fiction book explores the relationship we have as a cultural to butts particularly on women.

This was a really interesting and fun read. The writing is sharp and observant and I was challenged to think about my own relationship to my butt and body as well as how I see values in others. The historic framing was interesting and overall my attention was kept throughout the book.

I'll admit that my inner child gleefully jumped on this book, but after that kid got over giggling at the peachy cover art, I started reading with my grown-up eyes. And what an eye opener this was. I didn't expect to be so fascinated - usually I'm reading 4-5 books at a time, moving between them as my mood dictates. But (butt!) all other books just had to wait while I remained riveted to this fascinating account of something we all possess yet probably have never fully understood.

We started at the VERY beginning, 1.9 million years ago, when nature was still figuring out how to arrange our various bits and pieces. Fascinating stuff! After spending time learning about the why and how of our butts, we leap ahead to the early 1800s to meet Sarah Baartman. I'd known of her before reading this book, but there was so much I needed to learn about how Sarah was treated in life, and in death. There's a lot written about Sarah, but that's good. Her history needs to be understood as so much future culture depends on it.

I also appreciated the deep dive into the world of bustles! I've been fascinated by the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras since childhood and thought I knew pretty much everything about bustles. But I soon realized that while I did understand the physical side of these butt-enhancers, I had a lot to learn about the cultural meaning and usage of them.

Eventually we move ahead to modern times, and examine the butts of well-known celebrities. I could have happily stayed back in the 1800s a while longer, but will admit that even this old lady had her eyes opened as to what's been going on in recent years.

It's been a while since I read a book that captured my interest as both an academic AND entertainment work. Anyone who's ever sat down or worn pants will get a lot out of reading this book.

My thanks to author Heather Radke, Avid Reader Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Butts: a Backstory is exactly the type of nonfiction I enjoy most. A plethora of fascinating details centered around a unifying theme. Heather Radke hooked me with some amusing posterior phrasing then took deep dives into such varied topics as anatomy and physiology, anthropology, sexual selection, the history of women’s fashion, exercise, pop culture icons, and dance. Through well thought out sequencing and segues she proceeded to shift my perspective on intersectional feminism and my own behind. It was an excellent read that I highly recommend.

I received an advance reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

I don’t know who this book was for – as a small-butted non-academic heterosexual woman, I don’t think I’m the target audience. But I certainly enjoyed it for what it was. Nothing new if you’ve been following feminist body politics in the 21st century, but this is the first time I’ve seen all this information lumped (!) together. 3.5 rounded (ha!) up.

What can I say? This book was “BUTT” loads of fun, pun intended. However, at times it was overwhelming and intense. Butts A Backstory covers the butt from the late 1700’s to present day. Touching on topics such as race, culture, science, fashion, music, art, politics and much more and how they pertain to the “derrière”. From Fashion designers and models to rappers and exercise instructors. Including but not limited to Coco Chanel, Kim K, Jane Fonda, Jennifer Lopez, Sir Mix A Lot, and Miley Cyrus. Some that have an “ass” and some with a lack thereof. Heather Radke takes you on a journey that ensures you’ll never look at another “bottom” the same. Butts A Backstory is so much more than the history of our “booty”. It’s a coming of age story, a lesson in science and history, a battle between loving and often times hating our most controversial ASSet. As well as what influenced that love/hate relationship. Mrs. Radke drew me in early. Her introduction alone sent a wave a emotion straight through me. You can’t help but appreciate the time, research, efficiency, and effort Radke put into ringing us this impactful and informational history lesson. This book does include some sensitive subject matter. Be sure to look up your CW.