Bonk

The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex

By: Mary Roach

Narrated by: Sandra Burr

The study of sexual physiology - what happens, and why, and how to make it happen better - has been a paying career or a diverting sideline for scientists as far-ranging as Leonardo da Vinci and James Watson. The research has taken place behind the closed doors of laboratories, brothels, MRI centers, pig farms, sex-toy R&D labs, and Alfred Kinsey's attic.

Mary Roach, "The funniest science writer in the country" (Burkhard Bilger of The New Yorker), devoted the past two years to stepping behind those doors. Can a person think herself to orgasm? Can a dead man get an erection? Is vaginal orgasm a myth? Why doesn't Viagra help women - or, for that matter, pandas? In Bonk, Roach shows us how and why sexual arousal and orgasm - two of the most complex, delightful, and amazing scientific phenomena on earth - can be so hard to achieve and what science is doing to slowly make the bedroom a more satisfying place.

©2008 Mary Roach (P)2008 Brilliance Audio

Critic reviews

"Narrator Sandra Burr's enjoyment of Roach's descriptions and wry comments is obvious, making this a pleasure to hear." (Library Journal)

Loved It !

Would you listen to Bonk again? Why?

Yes. A sometime ticklish subject handled with tact and humor. Always interesting.

Any additional comments?

After this on try Stiff.

Sex from every angle

If you could sum up Bonk in three words, what would they be?

irreverent look at sex

What was one of the most memorable moments of Bonk?

the looks from my co workers whilst listeneing

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

it made me laugh at humans in general

If it's your Style it's Damn Funny

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I rolled on the floor, and snickered into my coffee. I gigged as I played sections for friends.
This book is both educating and entertaining. It can be your own private joke or one of the best conversation starters I've ever used. If your worried about it though don't tell your mother.

What other book might you compare Bonk to and why?

I can't say I've read its equal, Mrs Roach's style is unique and her take on the subject matter as an outsider looking in to this particular research world is what makes it so enjoyable.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Moved I can not say, BUT it did answer that age old question everyone asks at some time in their life. SPOILERS The average man is 5 to 7 when erect.

Any additional comments?

You as a potential listener, or reader, need to be comfortable with the subject matter, and remember its intended to be funny.

Hilarious but Clinical

Often funny, occasionally academic, and generally informative, this book does a good job of summarizing how the scientific study of sex has developed over time. In probably the most honest and numerous section, the author talks her husband in to participating in a coital MRI--then describes it. However, after awhile, the reading was boring and clinical. My second Roach book, always well researched and written.

Who can't relate to sex?

Another great account of a human condition in the tradition of Gulp and Stiff. If you love arcane and detailed stuff about our bodies and our behaviors....Mary Roach writes your ticket. Don't miss this one.