MADreads

Sexual attraction for smarties

July 10th, 2009 Dennis - Central

Do Gentlemen Really Prefer Blondes?:  Bodies, Behavior and Brains–The Science Behind Sex, Love & Attraction by Jena Pincott was one of those titles that caught my eye as I was walking past the shelves.  I kept walking, then something clicked, and I went back to take a second look.  Then I took that book home.

The title really does do a good job of describing the book.  It’s an examination of the ways that the sexual attraction and bonding take place.  Information is presented in a question-and-answer format, arranged in topic areas (bodies, behavior and brains), and further divided into more discreet topics such as sight, smell, sound, dating, sex and seduction, and love on the brain.  What really makes this interesting, however is that the information presented is based on scientific and behavioral studies that have taken place.  Some pretty smart people have taken the time to look at the various preferences and behaviors in the mating and dating activities of adults, often in clinical studies where data can be studied and measured.  Pincott takes this information and summarizes those studies into one- or two-page annotations easily understood by non-scientific minds (like mine).

So it’s all accessible, and some of it is just fascinating.  And you might even recognize yourself in some of the scenarios described.  Those of you involved in the dating/mate-selection scene could probably pick up a few pointers here.  Or a better understanding of what works, what doesn’t, and why.  And there really is a lot of good information here, even if you don’t particularly need to put it to use– although you married and committed readers might want to glance at information which might prove helpful in keeping your current mate.

Unfortunately for some, there isn’t a whole lot here that would be useful for readers looking to learn more specific information about same-sex attraction.  But much of the information seems like it could be useful for anyone looking to become more aware of what does and doesn’t work in attracting others.

This was definitely one of those books that was both fun and informative, although I will admit I don’t think it’s the sort of book that lends itself to being read cover-to-cover in one sitting.  It is all nicely organized, with an extensive bibliography and good index.  No illustrations, however, which could have been useful, if only for pinpointing where the amygdala and vagus nerves are located.  So you’ll have to look them up on your own.  Like I said, these studies were done by smart people.

Also available as an unabridged audiobook.

Entry Filed under: Nonfiction