Fascinating and fun read. Will make you itch and gasp!
597314
I am often in the habit of buying books on quirky topics that interest me and usually find that the book is written in the driest, most boring way possible. NOT SO with this book. I read this book straight through with my hair standing on end the whole time. It's funny, insightful, pithy and actually gave me insight into some dumb family traditions/views from my childhood that were layovers from Victorian times. As a professional costume designer, I am avidly into clothing of Victorian times and had quite the romantic view of the period. Yes, I knew about the manners and such. However it really took the entire book to explain to me (and for my brain to finally accept) how keeping clean was a CONSTANT UPHILL BATTLE. The descriptions of the lighting and heating methods in the home, the conditions of the kitchen in which food was kept, the medicinal care for children - it's a wonder anyone has survived! I think I would die of food poisoning within a week if I went back in time. The chapter that had me flabbergasted was the one regarding laundry. The descriptions of the lengths people (servants) had to go through in order to wash, rinse, treat, iron and starch clothing had my jaw on the floor and my husband had to come over to ask my why I kept saying- "OMG...oh! OMG!" We have come a very, very long way to where we are today being able to just toss in clothing into a magic machine and walk away.

Overall the book was incredibly enjoyable. Some reviewers thought the author deviated off topic a bit here and there. And I think that's true but given the enormous topic I thought it was organized rather well.

The only real critique I will give is I think taking advice from the ladies magazines of the day make things seem a little far fetched. Kinda like if you fast forward 200 years into the future and you were trying to get an idea of home life as it exists now based off Martha Stewart Living columns. "Unless you have the so-and-so mushrooms (you've never heard of before) for your 6 course meal, it's just not worth it. ~Martha Stewart" You know what I mean? Very few people with average incomes live and function like Martha Stewart so it would be an in-accurate snapshot of life. However there are other facts and excerpts given from journals, notebooks and other sources that the reader can put faith into and know that the account given is true.

Overall the British were and are a somewhat pragmatic people and I refuse to think that most of them were absolute slaves to the status quo. I think just like now where you have the over pampered stay at home housewife of 2015 who has the time to worry about having a gift wrapping station, back then you had the Sally "what will the neighbors think" Jones who was completely beholden to the Ladies Home Journal of 1860.

Fun book, I highly recommend it and you will value running water, showers, soap, washing machines and our generally bug and odor free existence even more so then you did before.
4781306
The author takes on a macabre but fascinating subject and thoroughly explores it with both compassion and great wit. I look forward to reading more from her!
1268858
I loved this and read it in one sitting.
The scary part of this book is that it is based on actual research.
The main character was easy, yet uncomfortably to connect with, and first reading the blurb made me wonder why a man would willingly have himself sectioned and having his life taken out of his hands and be at the mercy of doctors and consultants.
Proving he was sane though was nigh-on impossible.
I found myself almost shouting at my kindle to make the authorities listen !
It grabbed me from the blurb and wouldn't let go even after I finished it.
It is definitely a book to make you think.
At times it's an uncomfortable read but I could not put it down.
I recommend it highly.
1336097
Mary Roach has tackled this arguably taboo subject head-on with fascinating detail and a surprising amount of wit. Part history, part journalism she manages to hit on every concievable use that the cadaver has gone through. From forensic research on decay to being mummified in honey for a century. She also includes an enthralling chapter about experimental "recycling" technology, that hopefully will be available in a few years.
As far as the squeamish factor, I must admit that there is "something for everyone" here. There were a few times where you can't help but say "Yeechh!" But then again, you are reading a review on a book about cadavers, so I think you may be prepared.
Refreshingly unique, I bought this as gift before finishing it a few days ago. Mary Roach manages to bring respect and wit to a sentive subject. I'm on board for her next book, no matter what the issue. One of a kind.
921038
Like The Affair, The Consequences is a fun, fast paced and fascinating read - so much so that I literally couldn't put it down. It gives the perspective of the mistress, the husband and the wife as each faces the after effects of an affair. This construct does justice to the complexities of love, passion and commitment. Some of the finest moments are when the characters turn the lens on themselves and bravely take responsibility for their actions...or not. Bravo, Colette Freedman!
3605200
As a lay person, I was intimidated at first to even pick up this book but I am happy to report that I was completely wrong.  Dr. Benatar's telling of the remarkable live(s) of Emma is both fascinating and, at times, almost unbelievable.  Dr. Benatar's revelation of herself and her past is both fascinating and touching.  Getting to know Emma and Dr. Benatar was a distinct pleasure!
4774644
Fascinating read.  Author does such a good job in many instances you feel as if you are actually part of the story and that you can 'see' the characters and places.  love it!  Couldn't put it down.
878749
Great story filled with really fascinating inside details. This guy knows his stuff and does the research. Some of which must have been pretty weird.

Wild well drawn characters and rewarding twists.
3092636
I loved it!  Absolutely fascinating read!  Loved learning about these inspiring, ballsy women.
2798356
A truly intriguing experience inside the perceptual filters and social ordering of an alternate society. The author delivers an alien relate-ability to the hive consciousness that i found my mind stretching to make deeper contact with. A fascinating opportunity to contemplate insect culture from a familiar and all the while foreign viewpoint. Emotionally engaging without patronizing the reader. Highly recommended!
4164466
Truly fascinating tales of anecdotal happenstances in various amusement parks around the world!  The author,neophyte Nathaniel Tolle,  is a true and self-professed theme park junkie, and he has gone all over the world to assemble this  enthralling and spellbinding collection.

Wisely, Nate has decided to categorize and separate his tales into four categories- Heart-Warmers, Head-Scratchers (mysterious stuff), Soul-Suckers (mostly disasters) and Gut-Busters (funny stuff). This is important as I don't think anyone wants to go from Awww! (Say a tale about a romantic engagement) to Ewww! (a horrific decapitation) without some sort of warning.

Great stuff here, like the tale of Tim, who found he couldn't fit in a rollercoaster- but this was just the wake-up call he needed to lose that weight and turn his life around. You might have heard of the very real body concealed in a series of funhouses for decades? (Nate doesn't cover the real skeletons used at start in Pirates of the Caribbean) or some of the very weird and outre "amusement parks" around the world, now mostly (and thankfully) abandoned.  Covered is one I personally witnessed- the fire at Colossus here at Magic Mountain.

And in the back is a bonus section of TV show episodes set in various amusement parks.

A real page turner, full of trivia and history for Theme park buffs of all sorts!
2520062
Fascinating!  Facts and anecdotes about digestion that will shock, amaze, and amuse.  Science doesn't have to be boring and it isn't with Mary Roach at the keyboard.
3353829
So much fun in a really strange environment. Laughing, gaping, frowning & gasping, it all happened as I read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
2958598
Great, fascinating book!  An interesting read, and I learned a lot.  If you've ever wondered what it would be like to pick up and move somewhere totally different and/or if you've wondered how a non-Western culture thinks about pets, this is a book you'll enjoy.
3456921
Oh, my goodness!  Fascinating.  Absolutely fascinating.  Thanks!
4469117
I LOVED THIS BOOK!  The subject matter is of high interest to me so I was drawn in instantly and kept there indefinitely.  Clearly there was great research done (the Author does state that fact) and his ability to co~mingle fact with fiction was captivating to me.  I MUST go now... I have Book 2 waiting for Me!
913087
WOW ! WOW ! WOW !  ( 3 doors opened ).  Great read, particularly for those familiar with and interested in the mysteries of the universe. For those who don't, you will only be breathless.  One of the most fascinating and different books you will read this year.  Don't miss it.