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x0pherl's review against another edition
2.0
As with most of Roach's books, this covers some random stuff related to a topic in a sort of funny tone. And it's not for the squeamish. I don't think the topic suited her style so well - she tried to play a fine balance of being snarky but respectful and at times awkwardly tipped one way or the other.
One thing I had not noticed before, but I'm pretty sure is classic-Roach style is her complimentary descriptions of the people who she's talking to. Here are some examples:
The book also feels a bit less focused than some of her other books, as if the topic wasn't quite enough to hold the chapters together, and some of the chapters seem to cut off rather abruptly, as does the book as a whole.
In spite of all of the above, the book's a pretty quick read, and covers some interesting topics -- although if you're in the habit of reading while you eat a meal, you may have to find something else to read while you eat.
One thing I had not noticed before, but I'm pretty sure is classic-Roach style is her complimentary descriptions of the people who she's talking to. Here are some examples:
"a slim, classy, fiftyish woman of fine-grained good looks, dressed today in a cream-colored cable-knit wool tunic"
" former Marine with a wide superhero jaw and muscles so big that when he walks in front of the slide projector, entire images can be viewed on his forearm. Though it’s ten in the morning, Craig has a five o’clock shadow."
"he is always and very much a Stu.* Chest hair can be seen, and some necklace in there. There are whiskers, sparse and longish, somewhere between beard and I-don’t-feel-like-shaving."
"Annette LaFleur, as pretty as the name suggests"
The book also feels a bit less focused than some of her other books, as if the topic wasn't quite enough to hold the chapters together, and some of the chapters seem to cut off rather abruptly, as does the book as a whole.
In spite of all of the above, the book's a pretty quick read, and covers some interesting topics -- although if you're in the habit of reading while you eat a meal, you may have to find something else to read while you eat.
plurabelle's review against another edition
5.0
I am so thankful I stumbled across Mary Roach. I never would have thought I would enjoy a non fiction book about science...let alone one involving the military. But she has this way of making the most complicated subjects approachable, and so, so fascinating.
Roach gives readers a glimpse at the science and humanity behind the people who go to war, instead of the war itself.
I just love her to pieces. In fact, I may be developing a bit of a nerdy girl crush on her. #noshame.
Roach gives readers a glimpse at the science and humanity behind the people who go to war, instead of the war itself.
I just love her to pieces. In fact, I may be developing a bit of a nerdy girl crush on her. #noshame.
calamity_cal's review against another edition
dark
funny
informative
fast-paced
4.5
A classic Mary Roach book. I love her humor and fast paced writing style. I'm not super into the topic but there were a couple chapters I found very interesting.
breeperscreepers's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
4.0
An interesting book and would definitely recommend for anyone vaguely interested in the military and/or unsual science, maybe just not directly after reading Stiff. Her writing didn't quite hit the same and the content felt a bit dry in comparison.
jrosenstein's review against another edition
4.0
Mary Roach's signature blend of warm, funny, accessible science writing is put to good use here. She explores the many kinds of military science that are concerned with keeping members of the armed forces alive, not killing enemies. The characters and science are fascinating and Roach approaches the topic with enormous respect and empathy. She also shines a welcome light onto the work of scientists who work in obscurity on unsexy but very important questions.