A good expose about why and how women are genetically superior to men (they have two X chromosomes - therein lies the heart of the matter). The author however delivers a strong case for explaining this premise, going into enormous detail and thus providing a rather fascinating discourse on the topic, all while maintaining a very easy-to-read prose and not falling into being pedantic and overly academic/doctor-speaking.

Really interesting and informative book about how women having X X chromosomes gives them an advantage over men in responding to various diseases.
Obviously men have other advantages with strength, speed,etc.
The arguments are explained in detail and well balanced with good examples to help explain.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic this book goes some way to explain why men are dying in greater numbers than men.
Would read more books by this writer.
Well worth reading.

A very interesting book, and one that is particularly relevant at the moment. The author writes in a very approachable way, and although there is a lot of scientific information for a non-scientist to take in, this is interspersed with anecdote and real-life examples. I found myself quoting snippets to my husband all evening,

Such an insightful book! I really enjoyed expanding my knowledge about genetics and the differences between females and males. Beautifully written- only issue was I the missing “Th” on some words but it sort of trained my brain

An interesting read. We’re taught that males are the stronger gender, certainly genetically speaking. This book explores an abundance of evidence both biological and environmental based. I’d particularly recommend if your are interested in feminist literature.

two issues informed my reading of this work: I am no biologist of any kind; and I was curious altogether about the question being posed itself. since, as she admits, there are so many variations of sexual self-presentations, biological and psychological - how could she isolate anything else, I suppose, except what she repeatedly points to: the X chromosome and the anomalies of having it or not, and having a certain number or not. But what I did relish, when I set those issues aside, are the stories of people's experiences - but it is ideologically skewed in my view despite the sheer reading pleasure of her clear writing. so a mixed response .. .

Across the world, once variables have been adjusted for, having the double X chromosome seems to confer a better immune response and longevity than XY, but conversely means they are more likely to suffer autoimmune conditions. The author takes a look at how and why genetic females seem to have a distinct advantage when it comes to survival.

A fascinating look at the advantages and disadvantages of having double X chromosomes, and how science and medicine has let us all down by historically not including genetic females in research. I thought it was very readable and the science was explained in a clear, concise way. I did find that certain aspects were repeated too often and it began to feel a bit like a sledgehammer to crack a nut, but I did enjoy reading it for the most part.

Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Penguin UK / Allen Lane, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

An interesting concept for a book. Unfortunately it didn’t hold my attention. Perhaps not my genre. Thank you for the opportunity.

I made the error of thinking this was a novel. My fault. It's a scientific reference book so not for me I'm afraid... I'm sure it's fascinating but I read 'heavy' stuff for work and prefer a lighter read for pleasure.

This was a fascinating book about the biological differences between AFAB and AMAB bodies, and how there seems to be a prevalence of women who manage to outlive the men in their lives. It swings between examination of quantitative and qualitative research in an effort to highlight the difference between types of bodies, giving the reader an encompassing view of the many facets surrounding biology. The chromosomal partiality to genetic conditions such as colourblindness was fascinating, and the ICU survival rates are also a sobering but interesting series of facts to learn about. If you’re concerned about TERF-y content, worry not- this is purely a take on the way that the X chromosome affects medical outcomes.

I do wish that there was a deeper dive into the fundamental differences between the expectations of medical doctors in the modern-day and the reality of female sexuality- Samantha’s story is far too common for comfort, with many people who have vaginas mistaking their orgasms for incontinence. It also could have done with a little more content regarding most of the matters included, but it serves as a good introduction to chromosomal difference.

3.5

I decided to apply for this on a whim. I am constantly trying to find non-fiction related to my degree (I study biochemistry) but that expands my knowledge of an area we don't usually touch upon. We learn about X-chromosome inactivation but not in much detail and we also learn about immunology but not so much on how it differs between the two genders.

This was a relatively short read but an interesting one. For me, the thing that made this book so interesting was the personal anecdotes that the author shared, except for that it didn't differ so much from most non-fiction and so I thought it added a new touch and put some of the points he was trying to make into perspective. I really enjoyed these anecdotes and found that they broke up the scientific text which often dominates genetic non-fiction books.

For me, I think this book didn't rate higher as I found the way the scientific background was going somewhat jarring. For me, who knows a lot about the area already, the scientific information given was no more than I know already and so I found myself skimming sections. However, I can see people who have not done as much prior reading/learning in this area finding these sections somewhat overwhelming and confusing. This is a hard thing to remedy easily (and I go into genetic non-fiction books knowing that there will be lots of information that I consider basic that is necessary for other readers and so I didn't mind too much) but I do think the scientific information could be explained more clearly, perhaps chapters based only on the scientific background may have been a nice addition.

One other slight issue I found was that we swapped between personal anecdotes and scientific background very quickly which sometimes meant I struggled to follow the flow in the book. I do think I would have enjoyed this book more if there'd been some more of these anecdotes and examples of how an extra X-chromosome contributes to women's survival.

I did appreciate the author referring not to women having an extra X chromosome but rather a genetic female. It's a minor distinction that I think many books comparing gender differences often forget to include.

Overall an enjoyable book that made me think more about the benefit of being a genetic female. I learnt something new which is what I always aim to achieve from reading a non-fiction book. Not a new favourite, but I would recommend as a relatively short read to anyone who wants to know more about this area.

With an interest in Sociology (specifically gender studies) and health and wellbeing, the blurb of The Better Half truly appealed to me; it didn’t disappoint.

While this doesn’t try to be a pacey and riveting, page-turner of a read, Moalem’s first hand scientific anecdotes and passion for progression in genetics makes this both accessible and informative.

This book combines extensive scientific research and medical practise to provide a frame for Moalem’s exploration of the second X chromosome. Some of this information is familiar, but examined with fresh perspective. In other instances, more recent learning is shared to support the premise that women are born with genetic advantage, and are this more likely to have longer and healthier lives.

If you’ve an interest in how biological gender affects health (especially the impact of pre-term birth and newborn health, cancer, TB, vaccination arguments, brain injury, cardiovascular disease, viral infections and the body’s natural response to all and more than those ), history of medicine and society’s treatment of illness and wellness, this may well appeal to you.

With the current pandemic and focus on health very much at the forefront of social consciousness, it is the book that we all need to read .

There is an immense amount of power in this book. The strength that Sharon Moalem shows through her personal experiences and through her research is as supportive as it is fascinating, and you feel as if you are almost witnessing a change in yourself as you read, almost unwittingly, sucked in by the power of this book. It is utterly intriguing, and there is so much to be gained from reading it.

At times I felt I was sitting there with my eyebrows raised, but every statement was backed up with various points that the author had evidently dedicated herself to writing, and there were various points that I said to my friends "did you know?" or "What do you think about this?". If nothing else, it led to some interesting discussions!

Highly recommended reading, especially during these troubled times.

I really wish the author or publisher had gone for a less click-bait-y title and that the blurb and marketing didn’t contain things like ‘women are stronger than men at every stage of life’. I get why it’s marketed that way, but I think you’re actually alienating those who pick up the book and are capable of having their minds changed. It was also a bit odd to discover the author was male and therefore the angle was odd – as if I would be assuming that women were inferior as my starting point. (Which I obviously wasn’t.) My degree in genetics is a couple of decades old now though so I enjoyed catching up with the discipline. Maybe it’s because I read medical journals etc but I found most of the ground well-worn with only a few new gleams of information. It’s written in an engaging style but I would hardly call this revolutionary. I also don’t think putting male backs up before they’ve even opened the book is ultimately going to help explode the myth that women are the ‘weaker vessel’. An interesting book and for me – the nerd – a fun read.

The Better Half by Sharon Moalem is a well-who'da-thunkitt look at the genetic advantage of having two X chromosomes instead of XY. The first surprise was that actually Dr Moalem is a bloke, so I found the tone a little weird as he seemed to be assuming that the reader would naturally think women were a bit rubbish compared to men and that he had to change our mind. Which I didn't and so therefore... he didn't.

My biology degree is now two decades old, so I welcomed the chance to update myself on the recent advances in genetics research. There were some new interesting facts for me, but most of this book was well worn ground. The book was clearly and engagingly written though and I think it would be understandable and interesting for a non-scientist.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing a review copy in exchange for honest feedback.

I found that even though this book was a fairly easy read, and gave some interesting facts bout women's health I found it to be completely one-sided and also it was unclear what the purpose of the book is? Nonetheless, was enjoyable to read.