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danoreading's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. SO fun, as usual, and full of great "did you know" bits. I love Mary Roach.
vanessa177's review against another edition
5.0
I do not enjoy military history. To me, it reads like bland pages of battle plans and gibberish about weapons, and it ends up going completely over my head. This actually made me rather excited to read this. In each chapter, Mary Roach picks out one subject that is interesting and deserves more attention and digs in. Even though her style is very light and humorous, she shows a full range of emotion in her writing that makes what she's writing very real and personal.
zelieanner's review against another edition
4.0
Funny, as always. Excellent transitions between chapters- probably my favorite author in this regard. A little difficult to appreciate during the global crises currently due to/not being helped by the US military. Much easier to read in the bubble of privilege, but that’s expected.
belwood303's review against another edition
4.0
Amazing details, fascinating stories, engaging story telling.
mbgianni's review against another edition
4.0
“On top of its other charms, a maggot breathes through its ass.”
Perfect example of how Mary Roach books simultaneously inform and entertain. Just like all her others, this one was hilarious and also really fascinating!
Perfect example of how Mary Roach books simultaneously inform and entertain. Just like all her others, this one was hilarious and also really fascinating!
leasummer's review against another edition
5.0
This was really good! So many interesting fact and tidbits about how you outfit the military with stuff and take into account sickness and keep people safe, a lot of random stuff you don't think about. This is her best book, after Stiff, in my opinion.
kieranhealy's review against another edition
5.0
Seeing someone else’s review I figure I’d chime in even though I read this 5 years ago. This may not be the best intro to Roach’s style, particularly those who are very learned in military history. I would recommend Bonk or Stiff. I consider her an uncomfortable, ADHD afflicted tour guide in a museum lobby, rather than an in-depth investigator into a topic. Akin to a person relating weird things they read online. Similar to Bill Bryson, I think, so not everyone’s cup o’ tea. But sometimes I’m in the mood for light, fun factoid books and this is certainly one of those.