After attempting - and failing - to read Mother Brain, a book of similar principles, I was a bit hesitant to pick up Abigail Tucker's Mom Genes. I was pleasantly surprised, though. While Conaboy promised to break down the science in an easily digestible way, she didn't, and Tucker upheld that promise without even making it herself. Tucker's writing is accessible and often humorous, making complex scientific concepts easy to understand. She seamlessly weaves together stories from the animal kingdom, insights from cutting-edge research, and her own experiences as a mother. This blend of personal and scientific storytelling makes Mom Genes not only an educational read but also a deeply relatable one. The book is easy to read and understand, thanks to Tucker’s ability to distill complex ideas into engaging and digestible prose. Her incorporation of humor and tidbits from her own life adds a delightful and personal touch, it is what kept me reading!

One of the strengths of the book is its ability to challenge preconceived notions about motherhood. Tucker addresses the cultural myths and societal expectations that often surround the role of mothers, providing a more nuanced and scientifically grounded perspective. She highlights the diversity of maternal experiences and underscores the idea that there is no one-size-fits-all model for what it means to be a mother. "Once I believed that there were many types of women who quite naturally became many types of mothers. Now I know that any one woman has the potential to become many different mothers," she reflects.

Mom Genes is a thought-provoking and thoroughly enjoyable read that will resonate with mothers, aspiring mothers, and anyone interested in the science of human behavior. I decided to read this book while pregnant with my first (a boy, and trust me every notion about #boymoms specifically hit the spot with me), and I found it better to read something like this - a scientific yet still empathetic and approachable novel about motherhood - than those basic "What to Expect When You're Expecting.." books.