The title sounds enticing, right? Any title with the word sex in it must be a good read. This is, but not just because it’s about sex. Besides, it’s really more about the scientific study of sex. Fortunately, Roach doesn’t write scientifically. Her footnotes, often witty and humorous, add colorful commentary. Unfortunately, however, there are no illustrations.
As a librarian, I was impressed by how thoroughly Roach researched her topic. The author not only covers major players like Alfred Kinsey and William Masters and Virginia Johnson, but also delves into the lesser-known work of Robert Latou Dickinson and Marie Bonaparte conducted during the early 20th century. Additionally, Roach cites patents for several sex related contraptions and travels to Cairo and Taiwan to witness the work of contemporary researchers. Her true dedication, though, is demonstrated with the help of her husband, when they participate in a study at University College, London.
In preparation for this post, I looked at user reviews on Amazon to find that one person was slightly disturbed by some of the content in this book, “this is not for the squeamish,” he wrote. I wasn’t particularly bothered, though the items he cites may make some people squirm. Forewarned is forearmed, so be advised that Bonk isn’t salacious, but it is informative and sometimes graphic.
Check the WRL catalog for Bonk
Blogging for a Good Book 
I would read Mary Roach if she wrote about turnips. I mean the lady’s grocery list is probably a riveting read.
I can count on one hand, with fingers left over, the number of nonfiction authors to whom I have loyalty. Mary Roach is one of them. It doesn’t hurt that she picks fun topics (thus far corpses, the afterlife, and sex), but what lures me in is her writing style– it’s chatty but intelligent, and backed by excellent research.
For another good read in the same vein, try Stacked: A 32DDD Reports from the Front. Like Roach, author Susan Seligson is smart and funny and engaging, though her book is more social sciencey, whereas Roach’s is science sciencey.
[…] Roach needs to stop writing about topics like sex and death and instead start writing entire science textbooks. Seriously. Her writing is so engaging […]
[…] be a hit with readers who enjoy quirky science books like Mary Roach’s Packing for Mars or Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex, or What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions, by Randall […]