Gory Details

About Gory Details

• Publisher: National Geographic (March 2, 2021) • Hardcover: 336 pages

Infused with Mary Roach-style humor and science, this narrative illuminates the gross, strange, morbid, and outright absurd realities of our bodies, the Earth, and universe.

Filled to the brim with far-out facts, this wickedly informative narrative from the author of National Geographic's popular Gory Details blog takes us on a fascinating journey through an astonishing new reality. Blending humor and journalism in the tradition of Mary Roach, acclaimed science reporter Erika Engelhaupt investigates the gross, strange, and morbid absurdities of our bodies and our universe. From the research biologist who stung himself with every conceivable insect to the world's most murderous mammals, this entertaining book explores oft-ignored but alluring facets of biology, anatomy, space exploration, nature, and more. Featuring interviews with leading researchers in the field and a large dose of wit, this provocative book reveals the most intriguing real-world applications of science in all their glory.

Social Media

#GoryDetails, @tlcbooktours and @erika_engelhaupt


Review
Have you ever wondered why an everyday sound drives some people crazy?  Or why we are both drawn to and repulsed by certain smells?  How about why we don't eat more bugs?  Or how many bugs are on you?  If you have ever been curious about anything that seems weird or taboo, Gory Details is for you. Erika Engelhaupt has put together a collection of essays about the morbid, the morbid, gross, mysterious and buggy curiosities in life.  These short essays discuss and explain enough to pique your interest and make you want to explore more on your own.  

Gory Details strives to make it ok to talk about the subjects people tend to shy away from.  Using humor and examining each topic through the lens of science, the function comes to light and the fear begins to fade.  I was fascinated by so many of the topics and searched out more on my own.  Frances Glessner Lee's Nutshells captured my attention and I would love to be able to look at these miniature crime scenes in real life to try and see where the clues lead me.  I have never really thought about what keeps all the bacteria in and on our bodies from decomposing us while we are alive; however, now I have a strong urge to learn more about what bacteria I harbor.  I love that the corpse flower attracts so many visitors just to get a whiff of what smells like a dead body so we can potentially be better equipped when we meet the real deal.  One of my favorite facts was that the clitoris was not fully described in a medical paper until 1998.  I also now wonder if I could be a super-recognizer and plan on taking the test.  Gory Details is an excellent book for any curious mind.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

About Erika Engelhaupt

Erika Engelhaupt has written for and edited top science magazines, newspapers, and websites, including National Geographic, Science News, Scientific American, and NPR. She lives in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Find out more about Erika at her website, and connect with her on Twitter and Instagram.