Reviews

Not in Your Genes: The Real Reasons Children Are Like Their Parents by Oliver James

susannavs's review against another edition

2.0

I don't know enough of the science behind this, but as someone who suffers, and knows others who suffer, from mental illness, I take offense. It was "damned if you do, damned if you don't" and I'm not surprised that the ladies in my bookclub who are mothers were also up in arms about this!

olivia_21's review

challenging informative slow-paced

3.0

schopflin's review against another edition

3.0

I enjoyed reading this and thought some of the insights into childhood maltreatment were moving and sympathetic to both child and parent. It does become a little polemical and it's worth noting that the jury is still out as to genetic predisposition to either mental illness or to characteristics like ASD.

yellowsnosrap's review against another edition

4.0

I could say quite a lot about this book, but I’ll keep is short for my own sanity’s sake. I related to a huge about of this book, and I’ve always been a nurture over nature person so it was like reading a manifesto for my experiences and beliefs. Even if you didn’t experience much maltreatment as a child, it’s a great read.

I was never really interested in science as a kid, but as an adult, I’m thrilled by popular science books. If that’s also your thing, then I’d definitely recommend this.

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robram's review

This is a genuine must read. It explodes so many myths and also totally makes you rethink how you parent your kids, as well as how you were brought up. Highly recommended.

triin's review

5.0

I loved it. We have the same attitude to parenting.