An interesting exploration of the topic of female friendship (good and bad). It wasn't as exhaustive as I would have liked and as such I wish that the sub headline hadn't talked about it as a scientific exploration, But that's a minor nitpick. I think Mroz does the topic justice as she explores what friendship means to women versus men, how it benefits them and how the expectations of what friendship should be also contributes to the stereotype of women having more dramatic friendships and fallings out. From my perspective the science is less interesting than the emotional differences in what women seek in friendship versus what men seek. The science can explain the underlying reasons but I think what I found most interesting in Mroz's book is the idea that understanding the darker, dysfunctional aspects of friendship have potential to improve the way we approach friendship as women but also for men. I think midway through the book I was wishing that this was a more general exploration of friendship because the differences between the sexes underscored the fact that the sexes have different goals for friendship and that these goals are often what shape the intensity, duration and outcomes of those friendships. But it didn't seem to me that either sex has really mastered the art of friendship. Perhaps a follow up book? More research needed.

This book is full of gold nuggets of information.
At times there were harder to find, but if the reader sticks with it I believe they will enjoy this book.
The style of writing is more like a collection of articles. At some points the author includes anecdotal stories and I want sure whom the people were. They may have been from the study that the author conducted.

I was looking for more information from the study that the author conducted.

Overall, there were some really fun chapters and information.

The topic of women's friendships is important and fascinating, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read and review this book. Unfortunately it failed to live up to its description.

Mroz seems to have put a lot of time into compiling anecdote from her own life, her friends' experiences, and the academic work of others, without any sort of analysis. This leads to some stunning gaffes. For example, "Research has shown that it's impossible to tell apart the brains of little girls and little boys-- that is, until they reach adolescence." Okay, cool, but several pages later, " The differences in the human brain begin during fetal development, when female hormones...." If Mroz noticed the contradiction she did not comment on it.

With thanks to Seal Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

An interesting look at female friendship.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author. All opinions are my own.

I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

I learned a lot of facts from this book. Having said that, I’m not quite not sure what it was trying to teach me, and I’m not sure why I had to know

Women’s friendship complicated deep emotional and when friendships end can be similar to talk.Through history women have valued treasured their special best friends,Men’s friendships so different less complicated more go with the flow.This is an excellent fascinating look at women’s ties to their friends the ups the downs.Womens friendships traditions around the world.A fascinating read women of any age will relate highly recommend.#netgalley #GirlTalk Perseus Books.