Mary Roach is an award-winning author of popular science and nature books, written with a healthy dose of curiosity and wit. Born in 1959 in New Hampshire, Roach got her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wesleyan University in Connecticut.
In 2003, Roach published her first book, Stiff, which instantly became a New York Times bestseller. Since then, she has written seven more books, all of which have been wildly successful and gained recognition from publications such as USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and The Boston Globe.
Roach is known for focusing on the biggest mysteries of science and the natural world and addressing the big questions we're afraid to ask. The Washington Post has called her “America’s funniest science writer” and for good reason—nobody combines genuine educational and scientific insights with humor like Mary Roach does. Grab one of these seven Mary Roach books to start learning and laughing!
Fuzz
This award-winning book centers around human-wildlife interactions. What happens when animals break man-made laws—when a macaque steals and a moose jaywalks? Mary Roach travels around the world to see how experts are addressing the problems that occur when humans and wildlife clash. Along her intrepid and often comedic journey, Roach learns that humans are often the problem and the ones responsible for finding creative solutions for coexistence.
Bonk
In Bonk, Mary Roach applies her signature mix of scientific knowledge and hilarious writing to the questions that pop up at the intersection of sex and science. Roach answers all sorts of questions about the two of the most complex and elusive miracles of nature: sexual arousal and orgasm. Follow along to learn the science behind the deed and how scientists are developing new technologies to address common bedroom difficulties.
Grunt
Ever wondered how soldiers at war maintain their sanity and health while facing battles against panic, exhaustion, heat, and noise? Mary Roach has the answers. Join her as she explains the science behind these challenges and then hits the road to see the latest technological tools for addressing them. This inside look into the inventions and procedures that keep soldiers up and running will give you completely new insights into war and combat.
Gulp
Take a journey inside the human GI tract to answer all of your questions about eating and digesting. Mary Roach introduces us to a colorful cast of characters as she determinedly investigates why we like to eat what we do, what is happening inside of our stomachs, and if constipation can really kill. This trip deep into the human body uncovers as much about human behavior as it does about bodily functioning.
Packing for Mars
Pack your bags—we’re preparing for a trip to space! Mary Roach explores the strange science of space and the ways that the zero-gravity atmosphere of space has been brought to Earth to prepare astronauts for their journeys. Join her as she delves into everything from a Space Shuttle training toilet to a crash test of a NASA space capsule.
Spook
With wit and curiosity, Mary Roach addresses the infinite mystery of what happens after we die. Follow along as she questions scientists, mediums, and all kinds of soul searchers about whether life goes on after death. If you’ve ever been haunted by a morbid curiosity as to what it feels like to die, be dead, or move on to the afterlife, this book is the one for you.
Stiff
If our souls have gone off to the afterlife, what happens to our bodies? Mary Roach’s first book, which brought her popular science stardom, explores the uses and roles of cadavers from ancient times through today. They’ve helped solve mysteries, test machinery, and fine tune medical procedures for thousands of years. Gross but not disrespectful, hilarious but still incredibly informative, Stiff contains bodies of knowledge like no other book.
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Featured photo: Bailey Heedick / Unsplash
