lily_rose03's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
kledvina's review against another edition
4.0
I found this book unexpectedly delightful. Definitely one of the most engaging nonfiction works I’ve listened to this year. Cooke’s narration was excellent and I was surprised to find myself laughing out loud while learning. Would recommend this to anyone interested in animals, gender and sexual issues, or just science in general.
Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for this ALC!
Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for this ALC!
ali_al_188's review against another edition
funny
informative
medium-paced
4.5
Loved this book and I would recommend it to everyone and anyone. However, it is a MUST read for any science or behavioural ecologist enthusiasts!
bookish_spoonie's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
3.5
3.5 Stars
At times this was a very good read, but at others I found it dragged and was less interesting. I think the lack of diagrams or photos was a big mistake, as most nature books nowadays have the middle section with photographs of the main subjects talked about. And although I looked up the few I couldnt picture, I think it would have been nice to have this in the book.
Overall an interesting read but I wasn't bowled over by it. However I loved the premise of the book, just think it could have been executed better.
At times this was a very good read, but at others I found it dragged and was less interesting. I think the lack of diagrams or photos was a big mistake, as most nature books nowadays have the middle section with photographs of the main subjects talked about. And although I looked up the few I couldnt picture, I think it would have been nice to have this in the book.
Overall an interesting read but I wasn't bowled over by it. However I loved the premise of the book, just think it could have been executed better.
ziggy_queerdust's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
cheerydragon's review against another edition
challenging
funny
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Lucy Cooke is busting sexist assumptions in evolutionary biology wide open - and taking you along for the ride!
From why animal vaginas are more than just an empty passage, to how female passivity is a total myth, Cooke deconstructs some of the scientific truisms that emerged from evolutionary biology's patriarchal history with great verve.
She states her case by hopping around various case studies exploring the lives of female animals, and the scientists studying them. Wales, hyenas, dolphins, grouse, meerkats, albatrosses, zebra fish, fruit flies and more all make an appearance.
While it's definitely accessible to people without a scientific background (me!), I did find the pacing a little inconsistent. Some chapters seemed to zip by, while others were more information-dense and slower going.
Also, I loved the chapters where Cooke explored how patriarchy and the study of biology intercept and clash, and wanted to see a little more of this - though of course the titular 'bitches' are, rightly, the true stars of the show.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone with an interest in evolution, feminism, or ideally both.
Minor spoiler warning: get ready for some truths about meerkats you might not be ready for.
From why animal vaginas are more than just an empty passage, to how female passivity is a total myth, Cooke deconstructs some of the scientific truisms that emerged from evolutionary biology's patriarchal history with great verve.
She states her case by hopping around various case studies exploring the lives of female animals, and the scientists studying them. Wales, hyenas, dolphins, grouse, meerkats, albatrosses, zebra fish, fruit flies and more all make an appearance.
While it's definitely accessible to people without a scientific background (me!), I did find the pacing a little inconsistent. Some chapters seemed to zip by, while others were more information-dense and slower going.
Also, I loved the chapters where Cooke explored how patriarchy and the study of biology intercept and clash, and wanted to see a little more of this - though of course the titular 'bitches' are, rightly, the true stars of the show.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone with an interest in evolution, feminism, or ideally both.
Minor spoiler warning: get ready for some truths about meerkats you might not be ready for.