book review: Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex by Mary Roach

Book: Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex by Mary Roach

About: A rundown of the scientific study of sex.

Pros: Funny and well written, Roach has a knack for putting scientific jargon and concepts into very understandable terms. Interesting and you're guaranteed to learn something. Also includes recipe for simulated human semen (Mix 7 ml room-temperature water and 7.26 g cornstarch, stir for 5 minutes and you'll get one fake ejaculate). Bonus fact: One study found 351 slang terms for penis but only 3 for clitoris.

Cons: I was surprised that John Wayne Bobbit was not mentioned when the concept of cutting off penises was brought up. I also expected Dr Kellogg, the inventor of Corn Flakes who was very against masturbation to get at least a nod. One nitpicky thing: In the chapter on boar sex, boar 433 gets referred to once as boar 443 (pg. 89).

Grade: B+