An engaging narrative about an incredible; life-giving organ and its imperiled modern fate. Did you know that breast milk contains substances similar to cannabis? Or that it’s sold on the Internet for 262 times the price of oil? Feted and fetishized; the breast is an evolutionary masterpiece. But in the modern world; the breast is changing. Breasts are getting bigger; arriving earlier; and attracting newfangled chemicals. Increasingly; the odds are stacked against us in the struggle with breast cancer; even among men. What makes breasts so mercurial―and so vulnerable? In this informative and highly entertaining account; intrepid science reporter Florence Williams sets out to uncover the latest scientific findings from the fields of anthropology; biology; and medicine. Her investigation follows the life cycle of the breast from puberty to pregnancy to menopause; taking her from a plastic surgeon’s office where she learns about the importance of cup size in Texas to the laboratory where she discovers the presence of environmental toxins in her own breast milk. The result is a fascinating exploration of where breasts came from; where they have ended up; and what we can do to save them. 12 illustrations
#470311 in Books 2005-04-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.30 x .60 x 5.50l; .42 #File Name: 0393327280208 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Weird bookBy ken campionI shared a similar southeast LA county suburban childhood as the author. It was almost as boring as Waldie's experiences. His knowledge of Lakewood"s development was obviously informed by his work for the city. These outlying tracts as they progressed were and are a unique experiment in post WWII lifestyle. As flat and wide as Waldie describes; and mostly at right angles.Made you want to run away to a horse ranch; a farm or NYC just so there would be something interesting or new going on. I am amazed that Waldie still lives in his parents' Lakewood D-5 and hasn't upgraded to Cerritos or the beach; or Downey; at least. Apparently; his monkish lifestyle suits him; and he really believes he lives on holy ground.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Delightful!By Kristine L. VermillionI am surprised how much I have enjoyed reading this required book for a class in L.A. Literature. So much of what we have read has come from a "noir" perspective; painting all aspects of the "American Dream" as a corrupt lie. I was pleased to find a more wholistic perspective that includes the positive and the negative. I am drawn to the vignette form. There is power in the incisive brevity of each section.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Easy insightful read!!By rosemary bruceI love the somple almost poetic style of writing!! Really great read if your curious about the inter-connectivity of subarbs and tje people that live in them
