Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War by Mary RoachMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mary Roach brings humor and humanity to every topic she covers, and her latest book is no exception. It is everything you never realized you always wanted to know about the behind-the-scenes efforts to prepare humans to wage war and (mostly) survive.
Unlike most books about war or the technology of war, this one isn't about the battles or the weaponry itself but about the science--groundbreaking, gruesome, gross...and utterly mesmerizing. Mary Roach is known for her thorough, hands-on research. Here she investigates everything from armor to zippers, flies in fecal matter to the quest for shark repellent, and breakthroughs in penile reconstruction to the struggle for sufficient sleep. Her wry witty tone brings minutia to life and highlights both the sublime and the absurd. She makes footnotes a treat.
For readers' advisors: language (humor) doorway is especially strong. There is some swearing, as you might imagine when dealing with various branches of the military. Be careful which sections you read while eating if you are squeamish.
I received an Advance Reader's Copy (ARC) from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
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