Title: Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War
Author: Mary Roach
First published June 7, 2016
288 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780393354379 (ISBN10: 0393354377)
Rating: 3.93
Overview
In Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War, Mary Roach takes us on a journey to explore the fascinating and bizarre science behind keeping soldiers intact, awake, sane, uninfected, and uninfested in the extreme conditions of war. Roach introduces us to the scientists who are working to conquer the challenges soldiers face, including panic, exhaustion, heat, and noise.
She joins the U.S. Marine Corps Paintball Team to study hearing loss and survivability in combat, visits the fashion design studio of U.S. Army Natick Labs to learn why a zipper is a problem for a sniper, and goes to a repurposed movie studio where amputee actors help prepare Marine Corps medics for combat wounds. With her signature humor and wit, Roach answers questions you never knew you had, such as why DARPA is interested in ducks, how a wedding gown is like a bomb suit, and why shrimp are more dangerous to sailors than sharks.
Grunt is a must-read for anyone interested in the fascinating and often overlooked science of war.
About the Author
Meet Mary Roach, a science writer with a penchant for the odd and unusual. Her body of work covers a wide range of topics, from delving into the history of human corpses to exploring the science of the human body during war.
Mary has authored several New York Times bestsellers, including “STIFF: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers,” “GULP: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal,” “PACKING FOR MARS: The Curious Science of Life in the Void,” “BONK: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex,” and “GRUNT: The Curious Science of Humans at War.”
In addition to her books, Mary has contributed to a variety of publications, including National Geographic, Wired, Discover, New Scientist, the Journal of Clinical Anatomy, and Outside. She also serves on the Advisory Board of the Mars Institute and the Usage Panel of the American Heritage Dictionary.
Mary’s TED talk from 2009 was among the organization’s Twenty Most-Watched To Date list in 2011. She was also the guest editor of the 2011 Best American Science and Nature Writing, a finalist for the 2014 Royal Society Winton Prize, and the winner of the American Engineering Societies’ Engineering Journalism Award.
In this category, she was the sole entrant, but let’s be honest, she deserved the win.
Editoral Review
Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War by Mary Roach is an engaging and thought-provoking book that delves into the scientific side of warfare. Roach, a bestselling author known for her humorous and informative writing style, explores the many ways in which science and technology are integral to the modern soldier’s experience.
Roach takes readers on a journey through the complexities of modern warfare, exploring topics ranging from hyperbaric chambers to penis transplants. The narrative is structured around the experiences of soldiers, scientists, and researchers, and Roach’s attention to detail and ability to weave together complex scientific concepts is impressive.
One of the strengths of Grunt is Roach’s ability to explain complex scientific principles in a way that is accessible to the layperson. For example, she delves into the science of jet lag and how it affects soldiers who are traveling across timezones.
Her ability to make science both informative and entertaining is a testament to her writing ability. Despite its strengths, there are some areas in which Grunt falls short.
At times, the book can feel a bit scatterbrained, with Roach jumping from topic to topic without fully exploring each one. Additionally, some readers may find the humor a bit overdone, with jokes and puns that detract from the seriousness of the subject matter.
Overall, Grunt is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in science, technology, or warfare. It provides a unique perspective on the experiences of modern soldiers, and Roach’s writing style is both entertaining and informative.
While it may not be for everyone, those who are willing to embrace Roach’s quirky style of storytelling will find plenty to enjoy. I would recommend Grunt to readers who are interested in science, technology, or military history.
It is also a great choice for anyone who enjoys Roach’s previous works, such as Stiff and Bonk. For those who are willing to overlook its flaws, Grunt is a fascinating, educational, and entertaining read.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5. While it has its flaws, Grunt is a well-crafted and enjoyable book that provides valuable insights into the science behind modern warfare.
