Book Review: Beyond Biology by Jason Martens
Solid Introduction To Cultural Studies Marred By Dearth Of Bibliography. If you think that something "has" to be some way because of "biology"... Martens here is most likely going to tell you that you don't know as much as you think you do, while being typically Canadian (ie, non-confrontational much) about it. Everything from race to mathematics to interesting tidbits about such esoteric things as why some consider it rude to eat with your elbows on the table. As a primer/ introduction to the field, this works rather well in keeping the tone overall conversational yet educational and providing at least some bibliography for further reading without overwhelming the reader. More an appropriate enough amount of whelming that could well be read on the sidelines of whatever your kid is practicing or even, perhaps, between plays at your preferred college (GO DAWGS!) (or NFL, if you must) football game. (Yes, *football*. The one with the oblong ball and *transparently timed timeouts*.) Maybe not a true "second screen" experience (thankfully), but also not something you're going to feel a need to sit in a study cube in a library poring over meticulously. Indeed, the *only* truly negative thing I have to note here is the dearth of its bibliography, clocking in at an absolutely abysmal (though I *have* seen worse) just five percent of the overall text here, where three times that number would be more standard... even by my more relaxed standards of the last few years. Overall an interesting and engaging work that will challenge at least some things you think you know, but relatively mildly and gently rather than an in your face diatribe covering the same points. Very much recommended.This review of Beyond Biology by Jason Martens was originally written on August 10, 2026.
