She talks about the science looking into how babies and mothers react to each other using experiments from animals as well as observations of humans. She goes into everything from emotions, physical distance/interactions, what makes good vs bad child rearing, how the father's influence is felt/given, support systems, etc.

I thought this would be a boring read since I am not a mother nor did I babysit but it was one of the best books I have read this year. Ms. Tucker uses humor that is engaging and draws you into the research. I wanted to know more. Some was a little advanced for me such as some of the scientific stuff but most of the book was fascinating. We know the physical making of a baby but the emotional side is lacking and this book opens up that side and gives information that shows how generations of a family can influence your parenting today. There is also research on adoptive and foster parents and children. This is comprehensive and she uses her own family as a guide to how the research relates of us.

If you are going to read a science book this year, this is the one to pick--interesting, humorous, thought provoking. ( )