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290 reviews for:
Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers: The Acclaimed Guide to Stress, Stress-Related Diseases, and Coping
Robert M. Sapolsky
4.05 AVERAGE
290 reviews for:
Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers: The Acclaimed Guide to Stress, Stress-Related Diseases, and Coping
Robert M. Sapolsky
4.05 AVERAGE
funny
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
This book is a great overview of how stress impacts the body. The first few chapters introduce stress. The next few chapters discuss the effects of stress on topics such as eating habits, sleep, sex drive. Later in the book there is a focus on the particular effect of psychological and environmental factors (depression, socioeconomic status) with a full chapter at the end on how to make use of what is discussed in the book to reduce your own stress levels.
Sapolsky's style is personal, quirky, and fun. I agreed with his many quips on the flaws of modern society, but if you don't identify on the left end of the political spectrum that may be off putting. Sources are not cited in-line (at least in the kindle edition), which can be frustrating at times, but there are extensive end notes at the end of book. Overall, a great introduction that has piqued my interest in stress physiology and changed the way I think about stress management in a positive way.
Sapolsky's style is personal, quirky, and fun. I agreed with his many quips on the flaws of modern society, but if you don't identify on the left end of the political spectrum that may be off putting. Sources are not cited in-line (at least in the kindle edition), which can be frustrating at times, but there are extensive end notes at the end of book. Overall, a great introduction that has piqued my interest in stress physiology and changed the way I think about stress management in a positive way.
informative
slow-paced
I'm pretty sure this bloody book has changed my life a little bit (well at least I hope it will). I'm absolutely on the very high end of the Type A spectrum - even my best friend said to me "but you stress about everything and always have", and after reading this it's time to turn Type A off.
I will read this very dense biological, but extremely impactful, book every year of my life to remind me that if I keep stressing about everything I will essentially die from it hahaha. I really hope he continues to revise it as research continues. Readers should be aware that in the beginning the results of the studies will probably make you so stressed out that you want to quit reading but the author does an excellent job of encouraging you to the end so you can understand that the purpose of the book is to help you rather than completely and irrevocably frighten you.
I will read this very dense biological, but extremely impactful, book every year of my life to remind me that if I keep stressing about everything I will essentially die from it hahaha. I really hope he continues to revise it as research continues. Readers should be aware that in the beginning the results of the studies will probably make you so stressed out that you want to quit reading but the author does an excellent job of encouraging you to the end so you can understand that the purpose of the book is to help you rather than completely and irrevocably frighten you.
I really enjoyed a few of the lectures available on YouTube from a class taught by Robert Sapolsky and this book was the referenced textbook. And, I don't know why I expected otherwise, it very much reads like a textbook! There's diagrams and tons of detail on hormones and body structures and physiology and stress. I started to get stressed about remembering it all, then stressed about how stressed I was getting... I was ultimately looking for something a little more conversational (and relaxing), so I'm moving on.
Content Warnings
Minor: Fatphobia
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
Sapolsky has mastered the art of scientific writing for a wide audience. For real. He puts so much research and sources into these it is insanely educational and also his writing style is friendly while remaining scholarly. I am personally preferring "Behave," which I am about half-way through and plan on finishing soon, because it is more related to my field, but reading his works are always a joy. I particularly liked the chapters on sex and addiction.
informative
medium-paced
This manifestation of stress is going to my 'books to give friends as a gift' list. The topic is morbid but written in a way that makes it a must read for anyone interested in managing their own well being and avoiding brain shrinkage.
3.5 stars. This is a great book to read if you want an introduction to stress and also to learn everything there is to know about it. I’m surprised this book didn’t take 100 years to write. I really appreciate the jokes he snuck in to keep it entertaining.