Bonk! is an interesting look at the scientific study of human sexuality. There’s the requisite chapter on the pioneers, Kinsey and Masters & Johnson, but Mary Roach’s tongue in cheek wit had me giggling through most of it.
There’s also information on current research, including the discovery that the scent of men’s cologne, grilled meat, and cherries turns women off, but a mix of cucumber and candy (specifically Good & Plenty) is a real turn on. Or her visit to an exhibit of homemade sex machines. And her interview with an Egyptian doctor who studied the effects of polyester pants on rat copulation. Turns out, it’s about the same effect as what you would expect for human copulation, though the doctor hypothesizes that the synthetic material creates electrical fields that affect the rat’s genitals, while the author thinks that the observed decreased copulatory frequency might have more to do with dressing like you’re going to a disco.
Funny and informative, Mary Roach’s writing style makes me want to track down her other books, Spook and Stiff.
Tags: Bonk!, book review, Kris, Mary Roach
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