I have a new piece up on the Blowfish Blog: a review of the new Mary Roach book, Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex. It's titled Tee Hee, You Said "Bonk", and here's the teaser:
If ever a book was tailor- made for me to enjoy, this is it.
I’m a huge science nerd. I’m a huge sex nerd. How could I not love a book called Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex?
Well, let me tell you how. Exactly.
First, I should disclaim for a brief moment: Bonk is not a terrible book. The subject matter — the history of the scientific study of sex, and some of the more interesting examples of its current state — is a compelling one, loaded with fascinating ideas both about sex itself and the appallingly/ entertainingly conflicted attitudes society has about it. And the author -- Mary Roach, celebrated author of Stiff and Spook -- is no slouch. She’s a thorough researcher and a clear, chatty writer, adept at taking complicated and potentially boring scientific ideas and making them accessible to the lay reader.
Please note that I refrained from making a childish, Beavis and Butthead- esque sex joke about the "lay" reader.
Which brings me to the problem.
To find out what my problem with this book is, read the rest of the review. Enjoy!
Greta-
Totally saw your point from the excerpts.
Although I admit I have not read the book, in taking your advice, I probably won't waste my time.
I especially agree with the cock-ring bit. not only are they nice for sustainment, the wife and I got one with a little battery-powered vibrating pokey-thing on the top. Very handy for her, and makes everything way easy for me!
-Q
Posted by: questioneverything | August 09, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Greta,
I agree with your assessment completely. I liked it overall, but its shortcomings are just as you say.
Posted by: nina hartley | August 10, 2008 at 04:48 PM