T

The Story of Testosterone, the Hormone That Dominates and Divides Us

By: Carole Hooven

Narrated by: Rachel Perry

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 Audio

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)

Well structured, solid argument

IMO this presentation of the topic provides a balanced and digestible diet of information and perspective for the non-scientist.

Clear thinking about sex

So many people come with an agenda when they talk and write about sex, gender, and sexual orientation. This agenda may be personal, political, religious or polemical but it seeps into their arguments, over-simplifies, distorts. Carole Hooven provides an important counter to this agenda-driven dialogue. To be honest, she has an agenda and it is to make sure the listener/reader understands the complexity of these issues; she advocates and exemplifies clarity of thought. Hooven’s history as a teacher comes through loud and clear—she is careful with her explanations, her examples and well-chosen and useful metaphors. Dr. Hooven has given us a book about one of the most important and devisive issues of our time; she shows it in all its complexity, she avoids jargon, and she helps us wade into these topics that she has spent so much time learning about, grappling with and teaching. Thank you Dr. Hooven.

A thorough discussion about T and what it does.

The author goes in depth about what T is, what we think it does, what happens when it doesn't work, and the social impacts of T resulting from biology and evolution. Lots of scientific discussion with contemporary social and cultural analysis. Amazing book.

Science supports the biological differences between the sexes.

The author’s unshakable faith in evolution theory is about misplaced but her conclusions about biology and sex are scientific. A very interesting read! Doesn’t disappoint.

Illuminating and highly readable

Carole Hooven writes so engagingly that the book is a surprisingly quick read and enjoyable throughout. She mingles fascinating anecdotes with lucid scientific explanations to make every chapter entertaining and enlightening. Her wry humor adds extra spice here and there. A great read.

Great book until the man-hater agenda comes out

To read this book you will need a strong biology background. Genetics, cell receptors, endocrinology, etc. Sociology and psychology will help, too. And statistics.

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

This is books should be written, loved it, zero% boring content, clear, deep and accessible

The Ministry of Truth Won't Like It

It's unfortunate that a whole book must be devoted to what most reasonable people know through common sense. The Ministry of Truth will try bending these well-stated facts into pushing their narratives that there're no difference between men and women, that sex differences are solely social constructs, and that testosterone effects are myths. Good grief, that's a lot of mental gymnastics and, as stated by the author, does not adhere to the law of parsimony.

Fair and important book for those with an open mind.

I hope that this author’s work is given the consideration it deserves. The analysis is fair—and well-reasoned. Those who wish to stick their heads in the sand and avoid the issues will eventually need to confront her analysis.

Excellent book

This is by far the best book I’ve read on the science of sexy differences. It’s an honest and comprehensive review.