Showing posts with label biology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label biology. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Paleofantasy: What Evolution Really Tells Us About Sex, Diet, and How We Live by Marlene Zuk

We haven't ever been perfectly evolved for any environment at any time. Zuk lays down what people seem to have missed when they claim that we need to go back to our "paleo" days since our brains and bodies were perfectly suited for life in the "savannas." She tells us about evolution and how it actually works and has worked and how it is continuing to do so.

She attempts to lay out the facts in a down-to-earth manner. I enjoyed her writing style and her approach to science. 

It was a relatively fast read and I think anyone could tackle this one.

I read this for my local skeptic book club. Also a part of my Nonfiction Reading Challenge.


Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Mini Book Reviews (Non-fiction Edition)

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Flow: The Cultural Story of Menstruation by Elissa Stein and Susan Kim.

Fabulous book! Lots of history on how society has treated women and our menstruating ways. Both depressing and fascinating, but it never dwells too much. Lots of snarkiness and ways to make us think about how we view our bodies and what the future holds.

The Violinist's Thumb: And Other Lost Tales of Love, War, and Genius, as Written by Our Genetic Code by Sam Kean.
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I read Sam Kean's earlier book on the periodic table. This one was just as fabulous. He focuses on our genetic code and he teaches with stories and facts. Can't wait to read his next book!

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Finding Flow: The Psychology of Engagement in Everyday Life by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Fascinating look on how we can engage with our lives, no matter what our daily lives look like. Tips on how to find flow activities and find meaning in what we do.