It is a vital part of our bodies from cradle to grave. Entire industries are built around what we put into our bodies, and civilization is marked by the ability to sanitarily dispose of what comes out. This bodily function is a daily part of our lives, and yet so much of it remains a mystery to the general public. Why is describing tastes so difficult? Indeed, try describing what "gamey" tastes like. Why doesn't the stomach digest itself? Is there really such a thing as "rectal feeding?"
All this and more is covered in "Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal", as author Mary Roach takes us on a journey from the tip of our tongues to the bottom of our, well, bottoms. Do not expect, however, a dry conversation as you might expect from your high school biology class. Roach makes sure to keep wit and humor on high as she discusses even the most taboo of subjects. Even when the book becomes, as Roach herself puts it, "icky," Roach maintains a sense of humor that will keep you interested in learning about the mysteries of our own body.
As Roach noted herself, "Good science writing peels away the blindness, generates wonder, and brings the open palm to the forehead: 'Oh! Now I get it!'" Roach has made quite the name for herself for presenting scientific subjects in a way that's easily digested (pardon the pun) by the non-science mind. Along with writing numerous science articles for major publications, she has written several books; Gulp is her fifth book, following bestsellers Stiff, Spook, Bonk, and Packing for Mars. When she's not traveling the world for research (she has visited all seven continents at least twice), she lives in Oakland CA with her husband and two step-daughters.
Roach once again goes boldly into the fields of strange science. In the case of her newest, some may hesitate to follow it's about the human digestive system, and it's as gross as one might expect. . . . Adventurous kids and doctors alike will appreciate this fascinating and sometimes ghastly tour of the gastrointestinal system.
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Publishers Weekly Starred Review