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A review by afterplague
Gory Details: Adventures from the Dark Side of Science by Erika Engelhaupt
dark
funny
informative
slow-paced
4.0
I quite enjoyed Gory Details, thought it did take me almost the full month to finish reading. I don't recommend sitting down and reading this book cover to cover. I enjoyed it more by picking up the book whenever I felt the urge to read something gross and going through a story or two. A few of them do lead into each other, but they're all separated enough that this won't feel choppy.
The author of Gory Details is a science writer who doesn't just write about the gross, gory, and bizarre, she interacts with it in person. I think that's really what elevated this book for me. Anyone could go online, read a few article, even do an interview or two, but Engelhaupt has put her money where her mouth is, quite literally in some cases. She's attended a bug tasting party and viewed corpse decomposition, and in doing so can describe more than just the facts. With every story she provides a sensory experience and an emotional one. The author is a human too, so she does have the same grossed out reactions most people would to a room full of maggots, but she approaches with curiosity and by the end of each visit develops an appreciation for the topic at hand.
There were a few chapters where Engelhaupt didn't have any personal involvement in the topic, and these definitely were weaker in comparison. I know not everything she discussed can have a physical, tour-able area, but those were the instances where I was feeling a little disengaged. A few of the chapters also felt very short! I suppose I would rather that the author be precise and only say what's necessary, but I felt like a few of the stories ended right as they were becoming interesting.
As for how "gross" the book actually is, I think most normal people would rate this between a six and an eight on the disturbing scale. Personally, as someone who is interested in horror both fictionally and non-fictionally, I would describe it as most interesting than disgusting. The way the information is presented leads with an approachable tone, so by the time we're elbow deep in the muck I'm laughing along. The author's humor and voice kept even the darkest information light.
If you want a personal note, the two chapters on cockroaches were the absolute WORST! I have a huge fear, probably more of a phobia, of cockroaches, and now I know more than I ever could've wanted about roaches. Ew! But also, now I can traumatize my friends and family with fun facts about how doctors remove roaches that are stuck in your ears!
I would recommend Gory Details if you've got a sturdy stomach and a natural curiosity. Keep an open mind, and take breaks if you need them!
The author of Gory Details is a science writer who doesn't just write about the gross, gory, and bizarre, she interacts with it in person. I think that's really what elevated this book for me. Anyone could go online, read a few article, even do an interview or two, but Engelhaupt has put her money where her mouth is, quite literally in some cases. She's attended a bug tasting party and viewed corpse decomposition, and in doing so can describe more than just the facts. With every story she provides a sensory experience and an emotional one. The author is a human too, so she does have the same grossed out reactions most people would to a room full of maggots, but she approaches with curiosity and by the end of each visit develops an appreciation for the topic at hand.
There were a few chapters where Engelhaupt didn't have any personal involvement in the topic, and these definitely were weaker in comparison. I know not everything she discussed can have a physical, tour-able area, but those were the instances where I was feeling a little disengaged. A few of the chapters also felt very short! I suppose I would rather that the author be precise and only say what's necessary, but I felt like a few of the stories ended right as they were becoming interesting.
As for how "gross" the book actually is, I think most normal people would rate this between a six and an eight on the disturbing scale. Personally, as someone who is interested in horror both fictionally and non-fictionally, I would describe it as most interesting than disgusting. The way the information is presented leads with an approachable tone, so by the time we're elbow deep in the muck I'm laughing along. The author's humor and voice kept even the darkest information light.
If you want a personal note, the two chapters on cockroaches were the absolute WORST! I have a huge fear, probably more of a phobia, of cockroaches, and now I know more than I ever could've wanted about roaches. Ew! But also, now I can traumatize my friends and family with fun facts about how doctors remove roaches that are stuck in your ears!
I would recommend Gory Details if you've got a sturdy stomach and a natural curiosity. Keep an open mind, and take breaks if you need them!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood
Moderate: Misogyny, Self harm