How The Female Body Works
In all its wild miraculous glory
On behalf of: New River Books
“Technically, we’re close, my body and I. We go everywhere together. And yet, I know little about how it actually works…”
How much do any of us really know about our bodies? We know, for example, that women live longer than men, but why? We are told our brains are better at multitasking, but is that true? What exactly are hormones? Like: what do they look like? What’s the point of PMS? Why do we get cellulite, but men don’t? And what’s the deal with things like osteoporosis—why are our bones so damn fragile?
For years, award-winning journalist Polly Vernon drove her body around like it was a car—and she had zero interest in the manual. This book charts her mission to lift the bonnet, have a good old rummage and find out what’s really going on. She talks to neuroscientists, academics, medics, midwives, gynaes, psychologists and physios. People who really know their stuff.
And so here it is, THE complete guide to the female body—head to toe, inside and out, physical and emotional—with advice on how to mitigate the ways it makes life trickier, along with notes of celebration for the ways it helps us out.
Full of facts and stories that will blow your mind, this is a book you’ll want to pass on to every woman (and man) you know.
Reviews
“Imagine meeting your girlfriend for lunch and discovering all the juicy gossip, that is this book, but the gossip is all about your body. Polly writes like the friend to women she is!”—Dr Philippa Kaye, GP, media medic, author and journalist
“Moving seamlessly from hot feminism to biology, the brilliant Polly Vernon provides more humorous and accessible insights, this time demystifying and celebrating the female body. A must read for women of all ages!”—Dr Alison Wright, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Portland Hospital
“Polly has written something I wish I had done – love her curiosity, relatability and wonder. Essential reading for everyone – girls, boys, men and women – and all in between”—Dr Shazia Malik, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, The Portland Hospital and The Princess Grace Hospital
“This fascinating and meticulously researched book is a must for anyone who wants to understand what happens when the menstrual cycle goes wrong.”—Andrew Horne, Professor of gynaecology and reproductive sciences
“Despite the cultural obsession with the female body the science behind it remains a mystery for so many, this book demystifies the questions as to why we think and feel the way we do, an essential read if you want facts not hearsay.”—Dr Sharon Cox, Principal Research Fellow at UCL and Deputy Director, BRUK
“Witty and wise – How the Female Body Works is a wonderful blend of science and humour. I laughed, I learned, and I felt seen. A must-read for anyone in a female body – and anyone who knows one.”—Dr Charlotte Gribbin, Consultant Aesthetic & Regenerative Medicine Physician
“Polly has pulled off something truly brilliant: a book that’s equal parts hilarious, empowering and informative. This is essential reading for anyone who lives in a female body – or knows someone who does.”—Dr Sarah McKay, Neuroscientist and and founder of Think Brain and the Neuroscience
Academy