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whimsicalmeerkat's review against another edition
5.0
Disclaimer: To echo a sentiment expressed by the authors towards the beginning of [b:Sex at Dawn: The Prehistoric Origins of Modern Sexuality|7640261|Sex at Dawn The Prehistoric Origins of Modern Sexuality|Christopher Ryan|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1291105594s/7640261.jpg|10168576], I am not interested in discussing the validity of evolution. If you contend it is not a valid scientific model, this is not a book for you.
[b:Sex at Dawn: The Prehistoric Origins of Modern Sexuality|7640261|Sex at Dawn The Prehistoric Origins of Modern Sexuality|Christopher Ryan|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1291105594s/7640261.jpg|10168576] is an impressive, witty, and funny book that researches both the origins and inaccuracy of the prevalent views of human sexuality. It is well-researched and the authors base their conclusions on scientific data rather than merely psychological studies or the theories proposed in the past. They present the idea that our current societal focus on monogamy is, in fact, contrary to the way in which we have evolved biologically. They discuss the ways in which female sexuality has been distorted over centuries, including some of the horrific things that have been done in the name of suppressing something that is regularly presented as slight or aberrant. They discuss some of the potential future implications of these theories on the belief in the nuclear family as the "natural" model, despite pretty conclusive evidence.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in either the evolution of our species or today's sexual climate.
[b:Sex at Dawn: The Prehistoric Origins of Modern Sexuality|7640261|Sex at Dawn The Prehistoric Origins of Modern Sexuality|Christopher Ryan|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1291105594s/7640261.jpg|10168576] is an impressive, witty, and funny book that researches both the origins and inaccuracy of the prevalent views of human sexuality. It is well-researched and the authors base their conclusions on scientific data rather than merely psychological studies or the theories proposed in the past. They present the idea that our current societal focus on monogamy is, in fact, contrary to the way in which we have evolved biologically. They discuss the ways in which female sexuality has been distorted over centuries, including some of the horrific things that have been done in the name of suppressing something that is regularly presented as slight or aberrant. They discuss some of the potential future implications of these theories on the belief in the nuclear family as the "natural" model, despite pretty conclusive evidence.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in either the evolution of our species or today's sexual climate.
ashborrow's review against another edition
4.0
A good book for affirming curiosity around cnm relationships and sexuality. I don’t think it’ll convince anyone not open to polyamory already b/c it can be a little snide at times. But, I did learn lots of information about how capitalism, settling down and becoming more isolated as a society has affected us in ways I never imagined. Definitely want to incorporate more community into my life.
reli's review against another edition
5.0
The book explores the evolution of human mating and challenges the conventional views on sex. These are the kinds of books I'm always on the lookout. We know (at least I do) that our norms, laws, and entire way of life are not based on what's natural or "how we have evolved to be". Research that challenges this view always makes me happy
sintari's review against another edition
5.0
This book will change your life. It will make you question everything you ever thought you knew about pair-bonding, monogamy and our relationship to primates.
In fact, it just might RUIN your life and put radical ideas in your head...
In fact, it just might RUIN your life and put radical ideas in your head...
katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
Thought-provoking look at times near and far, at the subject from a distance and up close. Some new thoughts and familiar ones brought together to make a very readable volume.
I studied anthropology at university, and new thoughts in the 'sex and relationships' arena continue to interest me.
For those who have no background in the subject, it's eye-opening stuff. I certainly had a few new thoughts as I went along as well.
There was far less of the promised 'dawn' era of human relationships, as of course we have no written evidence from this time, and lots of clues or physical pointers that can give ideas and hypotheses, so really the title is not as accurate as you might wish for.
Saying that, looking at relationships and monogamy through various periods and in various cultures gives a broad scope anyway for how human brains and societies have evolved to become more monogamous (or otherwise).
This covered a wide arena of disciplines, including that of the human body itself, which to me was the most fascinating part (how our bodies may show that we were not ever really built for monogamy). It made me feel even more strongly that current Western ideals really do need a rethink and that discussions from adolescence onward about relationships and expectations need more prominence.
This was harder to listen to than many, as a non-fiction audiobook. This kind of text I find is easier to access on paper, as you sometimes need to re-read sections, which isn't easy when you are listening in the car. There may also have been diagrams and illustrations I missed unknowingly.
It was clear enough to listen to, but the wide areas of subjects covered might have been easier to follow with the eye and regular headings.
Rather fascinating, one for us all to think about.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
I studied anthropology at university, and new thoughts in the 'sex and relationships' arena continue to interest me.
For those who have no background in the subject, it's eye-opening stuff. I certainly had a few new thoughts as I went along as well.
There was far less of the promised 'dawn' era of human relationships, as of course we have no written evidence from this time, and lots of clues or physical pointers that can give ideas and hypotheses, so really the title is not as accurate as you might wish for.
Saying that, looking at relationships and monogamy through various periods and in various cultures gives a broad scope anyway for how human brains and societies have evolved to become more monogamous (or otherwise).
This covered a wide arena of disciplines, including that of the human body itself, which to me was the most fascinating part (how our bodies may show that we were not ever really built for monogamy). It made me feel even more strongly that current Western ideals really do need a rethink and that discussions from adolescence onward about relationships and expectations need more prominence.
This was harder to listen to than many, as a non-fiction audiobook. This kind of text I find is easier to access on paper, as you sometimes need to re-read sections, which isn't easy when you are listening in the car. There may also have been diagrams and illustrations I missed unknowingly.
It was clear enough to listen to, but the wide areas of subjects covered might have been easier to follow with the eye and regular headings.
Rather fascinating, one for us all to think about.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
feaseasy's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
3.0
aya_the_papaya's review against another edition
5.0
Fascinating, refreshing, well written and enjoyable to read! A very succinct voice to an argument not commonly heard.