Dr. Deena Emera's "A Brief History of the Female Body" offers an exploration of the female form through the lens of evolutionary biology. Focusing on key aspects like menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, Emera delves into the evolutionary reasons behind these biological processes, providing a unique perspective on the intricacies of female reproduction. She also frequently inserts her own experience as a mother of four, which doesn't always mesh with the subject matter. In fact, the book's title is slightly misleading, as it primarily focuses on reproductive aspects of the female body rather than a comprehensive exploration of all aspects of female biology. While the book does provide valuable insights into the evolutionary underpinnings of female reproduction, those looking for a broader discussion on the female body might find the content somewhat narrow. Still, it's a useful resource, especially for those whose education didn't include these aspects of biology.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

Thanks to Dr. Deena Emera we have one more amazing book about the female body and its evolutionary development. 50% of his planet are women and still medicine and science are on their way to realize the differences and the needs of female bodies. The population wouldn't be here, if ...

This book is a fascinating look at the evolution of female reproduction. Why is human reproduction so different from that of great apes? How did processes like a monthly cycle and menopause evolve? In clear and understandable prose, this book explores such questions and more.

The title is unfortunately misleading, because the book is specifically about evolution and reproduction. If you're looking for other information about the female body, this book is not for you. But if you enjoy this topic as I do, you'll find this book a valuable resource.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this ARC in exchange for an honest review**

This book was very basic, like Biology 1000 and Sex Ed 101. If you've graduated high school, chances are you've already learned most of this. That doesn't mean it wouldn't make a good source for children/teens who want to know a little bit more about how their bodies work. It's better to understand these things before they happen to you.

It seems like she wrote this book to answer questions, but many of her answers were more like, "Well, here are some theories, but we don't really know." Some theories didn't have anything to really back them up, either.

I also wish she would have had citation numbers in the text so I could see exactly where she got her information from. She has an extensive bibliography, though.

Probably 2.5 stars round to 3.

This had interesting information, but I was hoping for more on the female body that wasn't childbearing and childrearing. I know from an evolutionary biology perspective that's kind of just what we're meant to do, but it still felt a bit disheartening to read mostly about how "our bodies do this cool thing... because we're meant to have babies."

I also feel like I just didn't learn that much new stuff, if any.

A interesting and thoughtful look at the female body. Written with nothing grace and style. Interesting facts that you want to eagerly share with friends.

This is a mediocre book by a mediocre author that covers all aspects of the history of the female human body. Regretfully, Dr. Emra fills this book about science with far too many personal vignettes about her four children, which adds little or nothing to the topics of ovulation, menopause, etc. The author also includes many theories that today have no research confirmation, which to her credit, she openly admits. Finally, Dr. Emera includes several assertions that are simply false. For example, perhaps due to political correctness and fear for her job, she claims that the human races are a social construct with no biological basis, but this ignores countless contrary scientific findings that have conclusively demonstrated the opposite to be the case.