
T
The Story of Testosterone, the Hormone That Dominates and Divides Us
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Narrated by:
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Rachel Perry
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By:
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Carole Hooven
Through riveting personal stories and the latest research, Harvard evolutionary biologist Carole Hooven shows how testosterone drives the behavior of the sexes apart and how understanding the science behind this hormone is empowering for all.
Since antiquity - from the eunuchs in the royal courts of ancient China to the booming market for “elixirs of youth” in 19th-century Europe - humans have understood that typically masculine behavior depends on testicles, the main source of testosterone in males. Which sex has the highest rates of physical violence, hunger for status, and desire for a high number of sex partners? Just follow the testosterone.
Although we humans can study and reflect on our own behavior, we are also animals, the products of millions of years of evolution. Fascinating research on creatures from chimpanzees to spiny lizards shows how high testosterone helps males out-reproduce their competitors. And men are no exception.
While most people agree that sex differences in human behavior exist, they disagree about the reasons. But the science is clear: Testosterone is a potent force in human society, driving the bodies and behavior of the sexes apart. But, as Hooven shows in T, it does so in concert with genes and culture to produce a vast variety of male and female behavior. And, crucially, the fact that many sex differences are grounded in biology provides no support for restrictive gender norms or patriarchal values. In understanding testosterone, we better understand ourselves and one another - and how we might build a fairer, safer society.
A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Company
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2021 Carole Hooven (P)2021 Macmillan AudioListeners also enjoyed...




















Critic reviews
“Hooven’s review of what testosterone does and does not do is science-writing at its best: intriguing, personal, bold, persuasive, and most importantly, transparent. Her gripping account will fascinate, whether you’re a teenager in the throes of puberty or are just curious about the nature of sex and gender - one of the most important debates of our time.” (Richard Wrangham, author of The Goodness Paradox)
“Hooven separates testosterone fact from fiction in her comprehensive debut…[S]he takes readers to high-tech labs and on a day of ‘chimping’ in Uganda’s Kibale forest - and her writing is refreshingly free of jargon. The result is an approachable introduction to an often misunderstood aspect of human biology.” (Publishers Weekly)
“[Hooven’s] insight into evolutionary biology and human behavior will be valuable not only to scientists but to anyone interested in social change…A provocative, academic, accessible look at the science behind human behavior.” (Library Journal)
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Well structured, solid argument
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Clear thinking about sex
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A thorough discussion about T and what it does.
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Science supports the biological differences between the sexes.
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Illuminating and highly readable
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Ms. Hooven's writing style is easy to read (or hear read). She presents lots of facts with a story-like tone, and with good illustrations. I really enjoyed this book and will listen to it again.
Occasionally, Ms. Hooven presents her own bias or conclusions about alternative hypotheses regarding Testosterone. This is helpful, as she makes the distinction clear.
However, at a few places in the body, and frequently toward the end, she skews her presentation toward man-hating. What can be done about men? Should their nature be forgiven? Will her son grow up in a gender-neutral world? After these thoughts were embedded in the book I lost much of my trust of the other information she presented. If the book hadn't ended when it did, I fully expect that she would have proposed routine medical "adjustment" of men's testosterone levels before and after birth to create the (man-less) world she seems to want.
Great book until the man-hater agenda comes out
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Great
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Her compassion shines through every word, conveyed very well by Perry, glad I snagged this book.
Sincere and respectful
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Fantastic scientific breakdown of T
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So Much Learned
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