54 pages • 1 hour read
John ColapintoAs Nature Made Him
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2000A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
As Nature Made Him by John Colapinto recounts the story of David Reimer, who was raised as a girl named Brenda following a botched circumcision, under the guidance of sexologist Dr. John Money. David transitions back to a male identity during his teenage years after Dr. Milton Diamond exposes the flaws in Money’s theory of psychosexual neutrality at birth, challenging prevailing medical practices and beliefs about gender identity. The book discusses sensitive topics such as medical trauma, gender identity, and mental health struggles.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
John Colapinto's As Nature Made Him is lauded for its gripping and empathetic exploration of identity and medical ethics. It excels in storytelling and extensive research, yet some criticize its heavy reliance on dramatic elements over scientific analysis. Nonetheless, it offers a crucial perspective on the complexities of gender identity and medical interventions.
Who Should Read As Nature Made Him?
As Nature Made Him by John Colapinto appeals to readers interested in psychology, gender studies, and medical ethics. Comparable to Middle Sex by Jeffrey Eugenides and The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks, it attracts those who enjoy compelling narratives about human identity and the complexities of nature versus nurture.