Another winner by science-humour writer Mary Roach. This time out, she tackles the science of sex. Very little was known about what happens to the body during sex until the 20th century, when researchers like Kinsey and Masters and Johnson started making detailed observations and examinations. There were also other, less well-known scientists and doctors, some of whom had very peculiar theories. Roach highlights them all, covering such topics as the nature and purpose of female orgasm, erectile dysfunction (impotence was, for a brief time, a crime in 17th-century France!), masturbation, and sex toys. Roach even volunteers for a couple of experiments because most research centres won't allow journalists to observe other subjects in sex research. She does get to watch a surgical procedure that has forever changed the way I look at oysters and parking meters! Through it all, Roach uses her trademark wit and footnote asides to explore the language, mystery, and absurdity of human sexuality.

A good read with a good research and an appealing way of addressing the audience. However, it doesn't seem to be quite as good as Stiff. A well defined approach and understanding.

I love all of Mary Roach's books and this one is no exception. It's full of interesting facts and her humor translates perfectly over paper. I hope she writes another book soon!

Mary Roach is a great writer who makes it interesting while keeping it entertaining.

Mary Roach is one funny lady. Her books always demonstrate thorough research and fascinating subject matter - she explores the history of her subjects as well as talking with current researchers in the field. After her breezy, lighthearted looks at dead bodies in Stiff and ghosts in Spook, she turns her attention to sex in Bonk. If you're a person who never reads footnotes, force yourself to break the habit: Roach's footnotes contain some of the funniest anecdotes and weird facts in her books. Roach's writing is cheeky, and at times I can see her mugging for the camera/reader a la Ferris Bueller. I want to find this narrative tic annoying, but she's so clever that I have to appreciate it every time.

This was a solid book. Although, to be honest I thought it focused too much on women's sexuality. Not to say it didn't touch on men, but it seemed slanted. This book has great footnotes, and is a well paced read. I'd recommend this or Stiff as an entry into Mary Roach's world of humor and science.

Highly entertaining yet at times you just had to cross your legs and hope you never come across some of the research tools.

I'd previously read Mary Roach's Stiff and Spook. I found Bonk to be both entertaining and informative. Almost as good as Stiff and a lot better than Spook.