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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.
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.