This is a truly fascinating book, even for those how might feel the subject isn’t for them. All you ever wanted to know about circumcision, and much that you didn’t even know you wanted to know. Or needed to know. The text itself is quite short, with much of the book taken up with references, which the reader can follow up if desired. I’ve always felt uncomfortable about subjecting babies to circumcision but was willing to concede that perhaps I didn’t understand the religious significance. No longer. This meticulously researched exploration of the subject is a wake-up call for anyone who is in any way concerned, from parents to medical practitioners to lawmakers. The author himself is a Jew, which adds another layer to the argument against the practice, as he himself underwent the ritual as a baby. This is an insider’s perspective as well as a balanced account. Although clearly against the practice, the book is not strident or didactic, although often challenging and occasionally distressing. The sub-title is A Complete Analysis and that’s exactly what it is. History, medicine, religion, ethics, child abuse – it’s all covered, and the result is an engaging page-turner, which in itself is quite a feat for such a serious subject. One fact particularly shocked me is that doctors in the US (and elsewhere?) actually profit from selling babies’ foreskins to cosmetic manufacturers. No wonder the practice is often encouraged in hospitals. This excellent book should be required reading for just about everyone. It will change your thinking, open your eyes and leave you so much better informed.

I will NEVER understand why people circ their kids. NO MEDICAL BENEIT at all as this author points out. All of it! This should be required reading. People refuse vax then want circ. Makes no sense! Thanks doc for a great resource.

I picked up this book being an unmarried 30-year-old woman in America who knew next to nothing about circumcision besides what the men I’ve loved have told me. Wow, after reading this, do I feel enlightened and like I know everything there is to know about circumcised men.

The author is incredibly well-spoken and makes his opinions very clear while exploring the possibility of him being wrong, which I appreciated a lot.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking to circumcise themselves or a son. It would be incredibly hard to find a book that argues the opposite points to the same level of detail. In the digital copy of the book I received for NetGalley, the book ends at 63% and then becomes footnotes. It is incredibly well written and researched, with all the resources provided.

My only note is that if this is supposed to be a piece of pure science, the author's opinion should be less involved in the book or called out separately, away from the hard facts. While important, I think weaving it into the facts makes it more of an editorial versus a piece of hard science.

Circumcision is an eye-opening read that challenges everything you thought you knew about this routine procedure. Dr. Lipman expertly combines medical research, personal accounts, and historical context to deliver a thorough exploration of the health risks, misconceptions, and cultural influences surrounding circumcision. The revelations about its financial incentives and impact on health and sexuality were both shocking and enlightening. I appreciated the balanced tone, which gave me the tools to make informed decisions without feeling pressured—it’s a great read for parents, medical professionals, and anyone curious about the truth behind this common practice.

Whoa—Circumcision is the book you didn’t know you needed! I picked this up thinking it’d be dry medical stuff, but Dr. Lipman brings the heat with jaw-dropping facts and wild truths. Torture-level pain for babies? Secret billion-dollar industry profits? And it turns out more people—yes, even parents—should be questioning this procedure? My mind = blown. This isn’t just a book; it’s a wake-up call for anyone who cares about health, consent, and common sense. Seriously, read this—you’ll thank me later. 💡📚

I needed this book. Lipman’s personal relation to the topic and his summary and discussion of the current research about circumcision are helpful.
A book to consult when you are in doubt about circumcision or when someone you know is in two minds.