Book

Bainbridge, David. The X in sex: how the X chromosome controls our lives. Harvard, 2003. 205p bibl index afp ISBN 0-674-01028-0, $22.95.

Choice: "tongue-in-cheek, yet informative...Despite some misleading statements...the book makes for an interesting and informative read." Library Journal: “a well-written, well-researched, easy-to-read study…An excellent example of good science writing that will also appeal to general readers, this is recommended for most libraries.” Booklist: “a discussion rich with history, evolution, and philosophy…A fascinating, often humourous analysis of the science of sexuality.” Kirkus: “entertaining and informative, if slightly too brief…A fine demonstration of science made accessible.” Commonweal: “This book will inform, delight, and challenge readers…What make Bainbridge’s treatment…engaging are his literary style and wacky humor…Three deficiencies in the book deserve mention. First, the title promises more than it delivers. Bainbridge does not actually show ‘how the X chromosome controls our lives.’…Second, although the book does not intend to explicity engage religion or theology, the occasional aspersions Bainbridge casts on faith and organized religion are unfortunate…Finally, Bainbridge follows many of this scientific comrades in overreaching when it comes to ethics."