Nonfiction
352 pages / 4991 KB
4 Stars
I loved this book. Why, then, only 4 stars? Because I think
Ms. Roach could have put more into the book as to how the alimentary canal
works, not just amusing anecdotes from her research. How does the small
intestine work? What happens to the food that goes through it? How are the
nutrients removed, and where do they go to get to us. This book left me with
more questions than answers.
Mary Roach is a marvelous writer. I've read, and enjoyed two
of her other books, and as mentioned above, I read and enjoyed this one, but
would have appreciated more, not less.
If you have any curiosity about how your body works, from
the inside, and have feared too much reading due to the 'ick' factor, fear not.
When she talks 'ick' it is with taste (uh, pun intended) and humor. She has a
knack for going into areas many of us consider taboo, and bringing those areas
to light in a humorous manner. And why are they taboo, anyhow?
She did talk about one thing I'd never considered – death by
constipation. Yes, it happens. And it happened to people we knew, at least
people in the public eye that we claim to have known. (Royalty, entertainers,
etc.) Somehow, she managed to bring humor even to that chapter.
If you've not read any of her books, you might as well start
here. Nothing will give you nightmares, honest. Trust me. If you have read
other of her books, you'll find this one a delightful addition to your Mary
Roach library shelf ;-)
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