Books and beyond

I first became acquainted with Mary Roach through her humor column in Reader’s Digest. I don’t read Reader’s Digest very often, but I remember laughing out loud at a couple of her columns. I think that column led me to read her first book, Stiff, which I really enjoyed. I love her talent for making science writing so funny and entertaining. I’ve been meaning to read the rest of her books because they all sound so interesting, but as usual:  too many books, too little time! Why don’t you give them a try in the meantime?

Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers
For 2,000 years, cadavers---some willingly, some unwittingly--- have been involved in science's boldest strides and weirdest undertakings. They've tested France's first guillotines, ridden the NASA Space Shuttle, been crucified in a Parisian laboratory to test the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin, and helped solve the mystery of TWA Flight 800.

Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife
Draws on the achievements of scientists, engineers, and mediums to consider the feasibility of life after death, from a reincarnation researcher's experimentation with out-of-body experiences to laboratory investigations into ghosts.

Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex
Roach explores how and why sexual arousal and orgasm is difficult, and presents what scientific efforts are being made to make the bedroom experience more satisfying.

Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void
Describes the weirdness of space travel, answers questions about the long-term effects of living in zero gravity on the human body, and explains how space simulations on Earth can provide a preview to life in space.