Woman: An Intimate Geography
by Natalie Angier
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Book Reviews of Woman: An Intimate Geography
Book Review: An informative, worthwhile and entertaining read...
Summary: 5 Stars
.. others have missed the point of Woman, that it is a book celebrating female physiology and biology in a way that it often has not been by the (typically now but almost always in years past) male science writers. This is not to say that there are no good books about the female body, simply that this once should be taken in the construct in which it was conceived.Angier certainly does convey the wonder of the female body, the absolute miracle of the biology that creates and sustains life. And she also makes a compelling case for the argument that the biology of women has traditionally been seen as 'other,' with the norm being male, and that writing, opinion and diagnoses (particularly psychological) have often sprung from this misconception - the fact that every fetus starts of as female still does nothing to convince people that woman are not the second sex. Many of the recent books I've read in evolutionary biology highlight this basic dichotomy, with the male traits still somehow the 'better,' more highly evolved ones (of course, that many female writers feel differently illustrates clearly how science, a 'rational,' 'logical' and 'intellectual' discipline is nevertheless highly subjective).
I think that Woman is marvelous in its celebration of woman and her unique capacity to give birth (with the help, of course...). The myths about menstruation that have been around forever - including the current theory du jour that women don't NEED to menstruate - have made it a curse, a major pain, a source of suffering, and it cretinaly is amazingly refreshing to have it and other parts of being female actually spoken of in wonder at nature's incredible artistry to devise such cool ways of keeping a woman's body healthy.
I am not a scientist, so I cannot vouch for the accuracy of her scientific data, but I did learn a lot that has been borne out in other things that I've read. Angier's wit, intelligence and incredible writing made it impossible for me to put this book down, and I have since then recommended it to many women who have loved it - and who got sick of me saying 'wanna hear something cool?' I think this book is also important in the way it approaches female biology, not as something incidental but as part of the miracle of nature. In a society in which women are encouraged to hate their bodies, I think this book has incredible significance and recommend it most highly. It is, however, as much a social commentary as anything else, so for 'pure' science you might, as others have suggested here, want to look elsewhere as well.
Book Review: From fascinating facts to blatant speculation...
Summary: 4 Stars
I was intensely interested in reading this book when it first came out, and finally got around to it. From the beginning, Ms. Angier makes it clear that yes, there is much scientific fact in the book, but much of it is also her wild speculations as to why certain things happen (in regards to women and the female body, of course). She herself refers to this book as a 'scientific fantasia of womanhood', and notes that she is 'scientifically and medically accurate where I can be, opinionated wher there is room for argument'. From that introduction, she goes on to cover the basics of a woman, in cells and ovaries and uterii and all our womanly parts...to our basic chemistry - genes and hormones and our similarities and differences to men (and non-human primates, for that matter). Then she moves on to emotions, love, attachments, and evolutionary biology. The writing style is at times funny, at other times ascerbic. At no time does the author talk down to you, yet the book is very easy to read and comprehend while still imparting valuable information and viewpoints.The book covers a wide range of subjects, but each chapter is well laid out and the book's progression feels very natural. Many of the facts about a woman's body were astounding, and I learned a great deal about how and why my body does certain things. When it came to the author's speculation and to breaking down old ways of thinking, at times I was cheering right along with the author's ideas - and other times I found myself shaking my head and thinking 'I don't agree with her opinion there'. Even in my disagreement though, I can usually see how she arrived at her conclusion.
At times, I will admit that some of her opinions and speculations seemed a bit wild or out of touch, and just didn't set right with me. However, for the most part I found this book extremely informative and entertaining, and I believe that women and men alike would benefit from reading it. Unless biology is your profession, you'll definitely learn something new, and it will certainly challenge the old mental paradigms in relation to the sexes. Ms. Angier is not a ball-busting feminist by any means, but she certainly does stand up proud and strong in her beliefs, and I applaud her for it.
Book Review: captivating
Summary: 4 Stars
I did not plan to read this book. ... I wondered, as you might, how a whole book (that is not a reference book) could be written on women's bodies. Is it possible to make biology something intersting to read? I was amazed. I read the book in one weekend. It is almost like reading a novel where women's bodies are the main character. She doesn't pretend that she has the answers, but rather guides the reader on a journey through possibilities. She explores breasts-- what are they for...? how do the work...? Periods... our uterus... But doesn't "dumb it down," and use layperson's terms. We hear the "real" words for hormones and biological processes. But these things are so well woven into narrative accounts and insightful musings that even the most science-phobic person can get swept away in the magic of Angier's words without getting caught up in science-speak.Why not five stars? Especially early in the book some of her musings wonder too far toward the "women could be genetically superior" line of thinking. I don't think she really means it, but rather doesn't close the door of wondering. However, I feel like it could scare off some readers and give those who want to keep women "in their place" good reasons to dismiss the book as a crazy feminist scientist. Don't let it scare you off, though. It seems to be Angier's attempt to balance things out a little-- if we have spent so much time musing about whether men could be superior, why not wonder about women, too?
This is a great book for both men and women who want to learn about and wonder about what goes on in women's bodies, and various ways that that can be understood.
Book Review: A really Engaging and Friendly Book About Women.
Summary: 5 Stars
Ignore all those mean spirited books which explain women as being totally separate from the rest of humanity and buy this book. What we're all too often used to encountering about women is either written by men, who haven't really been there, or by lesbians and other outsiders with little faith and no interest in men. I wasn't intending to explore the mysteries of the opposite sex, but after reading bits and pieces of "Woman - An Intimate Geography" in a store, I was absolutely beguiled and brought it home. As a man, the appeal of this book is the gentle and respectful way Natalie Angier educates me about her world: It is a place that's both sexy and intelligent, and it offers an adventure in perspective that is frequently quite a departure from my own. Yes, it's possible to learn a lot about women by simply being in close proximity to them, but a generous amount of clearly written explanations accelerates the appreciation. Ms. Angier's book has a friendly and clear headed attitude which suggests to me that she is used to drawing others to herself and winning their respect. Over the years I've confirmed at least for myself, by taking the time to inquire, that many women who possess a special rapport among men were fortunate enough to grow up in families where they had a healthy interaction with brothers. Whether or not the author had brothers, her ability to reach both sexes is unsurpassed in this genre, and she has advanced the cause of women.Book Review: Brilliance marred by intellectual limitations
Summary: 3 Stars
The author displays a dazzling command of scientific facts and draws on an impressive inventory of cultural and historical knowledge - she also writes well - one is left in no doubt that one is dealing with a first-class intellect. However, I only awarded her 3 stars because I felt that the book is marred by her occasional cheering for women's parts and jeering at men's parts and by her presumptuousness about what men think about their own bodies and about women's bodies. The author appears not to have made the intellectual leap beyond a dualistic, binary, Western way of thinking into a realm in which neither human form is superior but interdependent and necessary for the other. Maybe this is the result of the author having had too much exposure to the taunts of men who have not broken out of this intellectual impasse either. The fact of being male or female is a chance event - how can one therefore rationally be superior about one's maleness or femaleness? Apart from this flaw I would say that the book is an excellent reference for those who need an authoritative guide to the latest thinking on medical and social issues to do with women. I think men would also find the book particularly useful as a way of understanding women better - this kind of intimate information is rarely available to the other sex - I found it especially useful for understanding my wife's and mother's health problems, feelings and world view.