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A review by nietzschesghost
The Story of Shit by Midas Dekkers, Nancy Forest-Flier
4.0
My first thought when I saw this listed on NetGalley was - "surely, it can't be a book about actual shit" but, to my amazement, it actually is. I feel that this is the perfect way to write a book on such a taboo subject - lots of facts and detailed information on one of the bodies natural functions which Dekkers injects with laugh-out-loud humour throughout making what could've been a particularly dry topic, a pleasure to read.
Initially, this book was brought to my attention by my favourite weekly magazine - New Scientist, who wrote a glowing review for it and described Dekkers as being "in possession of a golden pen." I was particularly interested in learning about digestion with it playing a big part in the issues I have had going on with my abdomen for what has got to be close to ten years by now. The NHS is becoming such a liability, patients have to learn things for themselves in order to try and work out what it is that is wrong with them. It's times like these when I wish I could go back and choose between a law degree and a medical degree again, as this time I would've chosen to become a doctor. Hindsight is 20-20, as they say.
I have seen various complaints about some of the language used in the book e.g. crude language, but honestly what did you expect with a title like that!? I feel that had the "The Story of Shit" only talked about the biological functions without the humour there would be many more people complaining it was boring. You can't please everyone, I guess. If you're prone to being prudish, this is definitely not for you!
"The Story of Shit" is a real triumph and Dutch writer Midas Dekkers certainly knows how to entertain an audience, keeping them laughing and learning the whole way through this book. He is a bestselling author and biologist so he knows his stuff on this subject. I didn't realise that this was translated into English from the Dutch, this usually means the translator has done a sterling job - kudos to Nancy Forest-Flier. I sometimes feel a translator doesn't get the recognition they deserve as, in some ways, a book's success can rely on an excellent translation. I am glad she is mentioned by name here.
An informative, educational and quick read for me. I simply cannot stressjust how funny it is - literally, there were points when tears were streaming down my face from laughing so hard! Dekkers is so unbelievably witty and has written an accessible and engaging book. I imagine that this will be the most unconventional read of 2018 for me, an accreditation it deserves.
I hope the topic doesn't stop people from reading it and learning about their own bodily functions. The book actually goes beyond discussing just crap and delves into the subjects of wind and urine, toilet paper, and the CIA's use of transmitters disguised as tiger turds to eavesdrop on the Viet Cong. There are some intriguing anecdotes all the way through the book. A great job by all involved.
Many thanks to Text Publishing for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Initially, this book was brought to my attention by my favourite weekly magazine - New Scientist, who wrote a glowing review for it and described Dekkers as being "in possession of a golden pen." I was particularly interested in learning about digestion with it playing a big part in the issues I have had going on with my abdomen for what has got to be close to ten years by now. The NHS is becoming such a liability, patients have to learn things for themselves in order to try and work out what it is that is wrong with them. It's times like these when I wish I could go back and choose between a law degree and a medical degree again, as this time I would've chosen to become a doctor. Hindsight is 20-20, as they say.
I have seen various complaints about some of the language used in the book e.g. crude language, but honestly what did you expect with a title like that!? I feel that had the "The Story of Shit" only talked about the biological functions without the humour there would be many more people complaining it was boring. You can't please everyone, I guess. If you're prone to being prudish, this is definitely not for you!
"The Story of Shit" is a real triumph and Dutch writer Midas Dekkers certainly knows how to entertain an audience, keeping them laughing and learning the whole way through this book. He is a bestselling author and biologist so he knows his stuff on this subject. I didn't realise that this was translated into English from the Dutch, this usually means the translator has done a sterling job - kudos to Nancy Forest-Flier. I sometimes feel a translator doesn't get the recognition they deserve as, in some ways, a book's success can rely on an excellent translation. I am glad she is mentioned by name here.
An informative, educational and quick read for me. I simply cannot stressjust how funny it is - literally, there were points when tears were streaming down my face from laughing so hard! Dekkers is so unbelievably witty and has written an accessible and engaging book. I imagine that this will be the most unconventional read of 2018 for me, an accreditation it deserves.
I hope the topic doesn't stop people from reading it and learning about their own bodily functions. The book actually goes beyond discussing just crap and delves into the subjects of wind and urine, toilet paper, and the CIA's use of transmitters disguised as tiger turds to eavesdrop on the Viet Cong. There are some intriguing anecdotes all the way through the book. A great job by all involved.
Many thanks to Text Publishing for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.