A deeply researched and playfully engaging dive into the science, culture, and meaning behind the human butt. In Butts: A Backstory, journalist and Radiolab contributor Heather Radke unpacks the surprisingly complex history of one of the most celebrated, scrutinized, and symbolically loaded parts of the human body. From evolutionary biology to pop culture obsession, Radke explores how butts have come to mean so much, sex, beauty, shame, comedy, and identity.

This book is more than just cheeky cultural commentary. It offers a critical lens on how race, gender, and body image intersect, especially when it comes to women’s bodies. With stories of iconic figures like Sarah Bartmann, Jennifer Lopez, and Josephine Baker, Butts invites readers to question why this one body part has been so closely tied to both oppression and celebration.

Whether you're interested in body positivity, sociology, or just want a fascinating read that’ll change the way you think about jeans shopping forever, this is a smart, inclusive, and essential addition to your pleasure-positive library.

Perfect for readers who want to:

• Explore the intersection of body image, race, and gender

• Learn the science behind our most distinctively human body part

• Understand how media and society shape our view of bodies

• Challenge narrow beauty standards and reclaim body autonomy