The Stronger Sex by Starre Vartan is a powerful, myth busting deep dive into the resilience, endurance, and undeniable strength of women’s bodies. For too long, society has equated physical strength with brute force, dismissing the biological and physiological advantages that make women uniquely powerful. Vartan shatters these outdated notions, weaving together cutting edge research, expert interviews, and compelling real life stories to prove that when it comes to endurance, pain tolerance, immunity, and even longevity, women most certainly come out on top.

As a woman, I was immediately drawn to this book because I know we are powerful, but seeing the science laid out so clearly was both validating and empowering. I felt this same surge of confidence watching the Olympics this past summer—seeing female athletes dominate, push boundaries, and prove time and time again that we are the strongest. That feeling has stuck with me, and The Stronger Sex reinforced it even more. Reading this book made me want to stand a little taller, embrace the strength I already know I have, and celebrate the incredible capabilities of women everywhere.

One of the book’s biggest strengths is how it balances hard science with engaging storytelling. Vartan’s interviews with researchers across disciplines—from sports science to anthropology—add weight to her arguments, while firsthand accounts from athletes, firefighters, and adventurers bring the data to life. Whether she’s discussing the science behind pain tolerance, the adaptability of female bodies, or the history of why these strengths have been overlooked, Vartan makes a compelling case that strength isn’t just about muscle mass, but how it’s about survival, resilience, and adaptation.

This isn’t a “battle of the sexes” book; it’s a celebration of what makes women’s bodies extraordinary. Instead of pitting men and women against each other, The Stronger Sex challenges outdated ideas and uplifts a more inclusive, science backed definition of strength. Whether you’re an athlete, a science enthusiast, or simply someone who’s tired of hearing that women are the "weaker sex," this book is an empowering and eye opening read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Starre Vartan, and Seal Press for the eARC of this book.