Within the pages, Dowling explores not only the science, cultural condition, attitudes, history, and studies of women and girls’ physical development and abilities, she also shows effectively how the female in society is taught to intentionally (even though subconsciously) underdevelop her potential to the point of abnormality. Whether this is in terms of pursuing the so-called “fashionable figure” (which is likened to that of a marathon runner, mind you), to the ever-pervasive negative attitudes both women and men hold towards the possibility of women “getting big,” or gaining muscle mass, or advancing/excelling in sport.

It is more of an academic-style book rather than a narration (but very readable, mind you). Much of it I already had an idea about before even cracking the cover, however I found mounds of information I’d never come across before, most especially, that of the history of women in athletics and strength, and society’s (mostly crappy) reaction to it, even to this day.