A Brief History of the Female Body

An Evolutionary Look at How and Why the Female Form Came to Be

By: Dr. Deena Emera

Narrated by: Deena Emera

Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

From breasts and orgasms to periods, pregnancies, and menopause—A Brief History of the Female Body is a fascinating science book explaining the mysteries of the female body through an evolutionary lens.

Let's face it: The female body is an enigma. For teenagers first experiencing their periods, the monthly arrival of mood swings and cramps can be agonizing and inconvenient. With pregnancy—perhaps the most miraculous of bodily events—comes countless potential complications, including high blood pressure, diabetes, premature birth, and postpartum depression. And menopause is equally mystifying. Why do females lose their fertility over time and experience the notorious side effects—like hot flashes, weight gain, and hair loss—while males maintain their fertility forever?

Evolutionary geneticist and educator Dr. Deena Emera has spent much of her career studying the evolution of female reproduction. A Brief History of the Female Body draws on her vast expertise as a biologist, her experience as a mother of four children, and her love of teaching to look far into our evolutionary past, illuminating how and, more importantly, why the female form has transformed over millions of years and its effects on women's health.

©2023 Deena Emera (P)2023 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Fascinating & entertaining

In an era where information can often become noise, this book resonates like a melodious song — filled with knowledge, understanding, and above all, appreciation our evolution as humans. Even as a man, I found myself consistently interested and enlightened by Dr. Emera’s insights, a testament to her skill in making this topic universally appealing.

Emera’s prowess as a biologist is evident in the meticulous research that underscores each chapter. Yet it is her narrative prowess that keeps the reader engrossed — seamlessly weaving together the threads of evolutionary history with her personal experiences as a mother of four. As an educator, Emera has an intrinsic understanding of how to present information. There’s a cadence to her prose that holds readers, ensuring the intricacies of evolutionary biology never feel arid or overwhelming.

One closes Dr. Emera’s work not just with a better understanding of the subject but with an augmented respect for the intricate ballet of evolution that has led to the present-day female form.