Last week, I read Bonk by Mary Roach, who has now become one of my favorite authors and I can’t wait to read more of her work. This book was hilarious and informative and endlessly fascinating. It was about sex.
Ok. It wasn’t really about sex. But it was a commentary on the study of sex so, you know, same thing. This book came very highly recommended to me by the queen of all things interesting and fabulous, my friend Mary. After reading this book, I would say I owe her big time because she has introduced me to a new love in my life and that’s the work of Mary Roach.
Roach is amazing. Beyond amazing, she’s stupendous! She has an inquiring mind and sharp wit and was able to make me interested in the science bits just as much as the sexy bits of Bonk. Just so everyone is clear, this book is about the history of the study of sex. And it was hilarious but also educational, which is the absolute best way to get me to learn anything. Some of the experiments she explains in her book may seem absurd initially, but stick with it because I promise you will learn something useful. Also, if there is ever a category on this in Jeopardy- I will dominate it! I’ll take Coital Imaging for $400, Alex.
I can’t emphasize enough how completely brilliant this book is. THIS BOOK IS BRILLIANT! Ok, well, I guess I *can* emphasize it enough. I can’t wait to read Spook, Stiff, and Packing for Mars. Can. Not. Wait.
What are you guys reading this week?
Bonk sounds, to coin a phrase, amazing! Thanks for another enthusiastic recommendation. Such a refreshing change from all the downers that reviewers feel compelled to write.
I guess I’m not much of a reviewer- I almost always love what I’m reading.
Ooo..she sounds interesting..I guess that’s another trip to the book store for me. I don’t really read non fiction, because most put me to sleep..even the ones that are supposedly by those Positive living gurus…they have a positive effect on sleep for me! hehe
This is non-fiction that won’t put you to sleep, I promise!
I too love Mary Roach! Stiff was excellent, Spook was brilliant. I am not as enamoured on Packing for Mars, which surprised me. As for me, right now, I am reading “Resurrected Holmes”, fitting for Halloween.
Nice! I’ll have to check out Resurrected Holmes.
Nothing. I need a book :(
Read this one!! You’ll love it!
Mary Roach *is* amazing! I love how she writes in a way that is clear, informative, interesting and funny. (In other words, I agree with you!)
The first book of hers I read was Stiff, which was great. Who knew reading about cadavers could be so engaging?
The latest book I’m reading is The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean. It’s filled with stories related to the Periodic Table of Elements (of all things) — and has been surprisingly fun and interesting to read.
I can’t wait to read Stiff!
The Disappearing Spoon sounds pretty stellar- I could use some more science in my life. Thanks for the recommendation!
Random, we are book twins! Not only did I foist Mary Roach upon GotC, but I’m also currently reading The Disappearing Spoon. I am loving the social history of the elements. I’m a bit of a science nerd anyway, but this book has had me laughing out loud. I’ll have to make it my next loan to GotC!
You better. ;)