Quiet Hero: Secrets from my Father's Past

While not remarkably well-written, there is a sweet element of respect and love for a father from a daughter. It's clear that the author, Rita Cosby, was hurt as a child by her father's stand-offish manners. But after framing his quirks against the Warsaw Uprising and surviving Stalag B, Cosby reaches understanding and compassion for the man who is her father.

The book isn't an easy read. There is a monotony about it. One can imagine these tales being shared across the kitchen table. As they are presented here, the story is moving and often convoluted because Cosby insists on interjecting when the reader reaches the pace. I needed to read the story--not your thoughts on it. I was frustrated as a reader.

Ultimately, though, the book is a harrowing reminder of the brutality of war, the ugliness of it all and the scars that remain. The tenacity of this man in remarkable. He makes a conscience effort to rise above the horror and create for himself a world that he desires.

Five Quarts: A Personal and Natural History of Blood

Five quarts is the amount of blood found in the human body shares author Bill Hayes.  And with that we begin tracing the history of blood.  From the gladiators of ancient Rome who would drink the blood of vanquishes foes to the introduction of hemophilia to European royalty, Hayes writes a fascinating look into blood.

Early advances like Antoni van Leeuwehoek's microscopes and Paul Ehrlich's Nobel prizing winning discoveries in immunology are included.  The author does wonderfully in explaining erythrocytes and lymphocytes to the layperson.  Hemoglobin will make sense after this.

Amid the mythology and musings, is the author's very personal story of his committed relationship with an HIV-positive partner.  He traces the discovery of the virus that causes AIDS and the early years of the AIDS scare.  The love for his partner and the frustration behind the lack of a cure for this disease is very clear.

As I see it, Five Quarts is an interesting read. I wish it were more history and less memoir; however, it is a lovely work and a beautiful homage to his partner.

Task 5: A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ

Book Fifty-Two: Bargain Fever

The subtitle of this book from author Mark Ellwood is 'How to Shop in a Discounted World'.  I find the subtitle a little misleading as it's only in the afterword that the author gives tricks for truly shopping in a discounted world.  However, that doesn't take away from the book.  Here you will find a fascinating and often statistical look behind the retail world.  The author explores how the consumer shopping experience has evolved from merchant-driven to truly customer-powered. 

For better or worse, he outlines the 'exclusivity' that has become the trademark of most shopping today.  From Apple to Hermes and Macy's to Target, Ellwood may not change how you shop but he will definitely make you think before you do.  He examines the 'underhandedness' of personal shopping, how real-estate staging works, and how American Girl has become a multimillion dollar industry complete with restaurants and doll hospitals.
 
In addition, Ellwood explains how our brain reacts to bargains and demystifies 'the shopper's high'.  He takes a closer look at those 'extreme couponers' who I deem legitimized hoarders.  He makes a solid case that you really don't have to pay a MSRP ever again.  While I agree with him, I don't know that I agree with how he or those profiled herein go about it.  He skims the top of addressing the evasiveness of corporations and glorifies the 'tailoring of the shopping experience' that continues to be more prevalent in our shopping society.  Highly disquieting!

As I see it, Bargain Fever, will get you inside the mind of merchants and shoppers alike.  It exposes weaknesses within the system but it also reflects the rabid consumerism that infects our society.  For those willing to learn a few tricks, you could easily parlay the knowledge to your benefit.

Book Fifty-One: The Little Paris Kitchen Cookbook

This delightful French cookbook was a birthday gift back in the summer.  Recipes here are uniquely French and simple.  Author Rachel Khoo has an easy approach to her cooking that eliminates the intimidation often felt with French cuisine.  Although some of the recipes may be far fetched for the American palate, even the novice home cook will find something to try herein.  Gorgeously illustrated by the author and stunning photography, the cookbook is equally at home on the coffee table.  Khoo includes beautiful and educational notes throughout the book, again, helping you apply the recipes to what you might have more readily available.

I appreciate that the cookbook isn't stuffy. No, I probably will never serve a fig and liver pate salad or steak tartare.  However, I look forward to serving a shepard's pie and trying my hand at pain brie.  As I see it, The Little Paris Kitchen Cookbook is a welcomed addition to my kitchen bookshelf.

Book Fifty: Shakespeare Insult Generator

For self-professed wordsmiths such as myself, the Shakespeare Insult Generator by Barry Kraft is a fun, raunchy and entertaining good read.  As the introduction proclaims "The usage of the F-word; however, is more akin to the pre-linguistic banality of dogs barking at one another than it is to any inventiveness of human wordsmithery."  In a day and age when 'overshare' can join the dictionary but 'dullard' is unheard of, the Shakespeare Insult Generator is welcomed.

Of further interest is the 22% of the word herein were unknown before Shakespeare used them in print.  While I jest to think that I could single-handedly bring back 'motley-minded pig-nut', I am pleased to think I shall enjoy calling someone 'lubberly rampallian.'  (Spell-check is very unhappy with me right now.)

As I see it, the Shakespeare Insult Generator is both obscene and educational.  These aren't your everyday insults and as such, articulation and enunciation are a must.  Highly enjoyable read, indeed.

Book Forty-Five: Eat More Better

If Dan Pashman had a tribe, I'd be in it.  Creator of The Sporkful, a podcast not for foodies but for eaters, Dan is a man after my own heart... the joy of unpretentious food.  Food that is a delicious to eat and look at without being obnoxious.  Eaters are always in pursuit of the next best bite.  Dan's podcast has asked the difficult questions like what are the ethics behind cherry-picking your favorites bits out of the snack mix.  He dissects the ways in which an eater can apply mix to cereal.  We are talking about the things that keep an Eater up at night.

As the subtitle hints, Pashman's book is an attempt to help the eater get the most delicious bites out of every meal.  Unfortunately for fans of Pashman and his podcast, you won't find must new content.  As an Eater, it's nice to find many of the theories and maxims of the Eatscape in one book.  However, only a freshman--a newbie--to the world of deliciousness will find the book truly fascinating.

As I see it, this alumni of Sporkful University is proud of Dan's accomplishment.  The book is a momentous event for long-time fans of the podcast.  It will help Eaters of all ages pass along the knowledge of deliciousness.  It will help explain the difference between 'bite variety' and 'bite consistency' which, as every Eater knows, is important for optimum deliciousness as every meal.  We can educate people everywhere on the importance of surface-area-to-volume ratio and how it plays into enjoying friend foods and ice our drinks.  Eat More Better has the potential to change the way you look at your food.  For the better, of course!

Book Forty-Two: Thug Kitchen

Social media savvy readers may be familar with the Los Angeles based Thug Kitchen and blog of the same name.  Meant to inspire and encourage you to 'eat like you give a f*ck' the team behind the blog have written their first cookbook.  Perhaps you've seen trailer.  (NSFW)

As a fan of the blog, Facebook page and their passion for whole food and real meals, I was excited to pre-order the official cookbook.  It's beautifully organized and begins with an easy to read, don't stress the f*ck out over what you don't have in your pantry angle.  It's where the kale meats the chickpeas that this cook takes umbrage.  Pun intended.

I take no issues with the cookbook being meatless.  I use nutritional yeast (Huff Post talked all about it here back in the summer) and Bragg's amino acids more than the next person.  I have nothing against quinoa or tofu.  What I do have a problem with is recipes that like to 'disguise' tofu as meat or cauliflower as 'potato'.  WTF?!  A potato is a potato--meant for smashing and serving with gravy.  Cauliflower is not.

As I see it, any cook book that mistakes mashed lentils as a good substitute for gravy with biscuits is suspect.  My dear sweet kitchen-dwelling ancestors are turning over in their grave at the very idea.  Please do eat like you give a f*ck.  It's better for you, your family and the environment.  But please, exercise caution when substituting.

Book Forty-One: 52 Loaves

You have to admire someone with passion and in this book, it's all about bread.  Obsessed with developing the best peasant loaf, the author commits to baking bread each week for a year.  He tasted the perfect bread years ago and has been trying to reproduce it ever sense.   Beginning with a back yard wheat field, Alexander commits to his quest.  Bless his long suffering family!

Author William Alexander may write about bread but it's digressions into faith and family that make the book.  His obsession takes him to Morocco when food poisoning sets in, to Paris to bake a loaf in a communal oven, to Normandy to train and bake with monks and to his own backyard where a weekend DIY turns into a precarious clay oven.

Alexander eventually learns the true meaning of perfection but not before he tries to hoodwink TSA agents with his levain and enters the baking contest at the New York State Fair.  While the book explores what makes bread the live blood of communities, he doesn't delve too far into the mechanics which makes the book highly entertaining.

As I see it, 52 Loaves is a delightful read.  The author includes several recipes that his mentions throughout the book should the reader be inspired to start their own levain.  Other resources include a lovely bibliography for further reading.  It's difficult to say to whom this book would appeal to but I'd think bakers and admirers of humanity and their passions won't be disappointed.

Book Forty: Forbes' The Great Business Decisions of All Times

This selection came courtesy of the fall book club at the Firm.  It's always fascinating to see what our CEO and leadership team members are thinking.  This little gem from Fortune profiles the people and companies behind what many business leaders would call the greatest decisions.

Profiles of Johnson and Johnson, Zappos, IBM, Apple, Ford, HP, 3M and Boeing will definitely get you thinking. Regardless of what you might think about Steve Jobs or Henry Ford, there is no denying the decisions they have made in the past have shaped entire industries, setting the standard for their industries.  Clearly they were memorable because historians, economists and business leaders are still talking about them.

One of the challenges of our book club was to isolate one decision that was a favorite.  For me, it was Johnson & Johnson.  The immediate reaction of the CEO at the time when their product was being tampered with stands out.  Advertising agents were saying it was the death of a brand.  The naysayers--including the FBI and FDA, mind you, were telling Johnson & Johnson not to pull their product.  Loyal to the company credo to put the needs and well-being of the people we serve first, 31 million bottles of Tylenol were recalled estimated at a retail value of 100 million dollars.  The company even advertised in national media not to use their products. Johnson & Johnson unknowingly ushered in an era of tamper-proof bottles and garnered the respect of consumers everywhere.

As I see it, this is an interesting compilation of stories.  Those seeking an in-depth profile should look elsewhere.  If you're looking for quick discussion points or a jump-start for conversation, this is your book.  It's a quick, light read.  Also of note:  the seven deaths caused by the tainted Tylenol remain unsolved.  Did you know that the Unabomber was once a suspect?

Book Thirty-Seven: Sin in the Second City

Minna and Ada Everleigh were unlike any other madams in Chicago's Levee district.  The Everleigh Club known for stunning Everleigh 'butterflies' drew politicians, industry moguls, foreign dignitaries, and more to the doorstep thanks to gourmet food, healthy women, fair wages, and discretion.

Author Karen Abbott explores what is known of the aristocratic sisters, then turns her pen to the political and society atmosphere that would be their undoing.  Not everyone was happy about the sisters' attempts to elevate the industry. Rival madams set out to destroy the sisters going so far as to try and frame them from the death of department story heir Marshall Field, Jr.  What the sisters couldn't know was the tide was changing.  It would be the reformers who would whip the nation into a frenzy over 'white slavery'--the alleged practice of kidnapping young girls and forcing them into brothels--that would be their demise. 

Sin in the Second City is a colorful look into the famous brothel and the two sisters who, unknowingly, would help usher in 20th Century modernity.  Abbott writes a compelling read that name drops Rockefeller, Capone, Taft, and Barrymore.  More interestingly, is how this hedonistic culture subsisted alongside the Victorian propriety of the day. Thanks to Abbott's meticulous research, you are transported to the Levee district.  You can feel the grit of the streets and the satin sheets.  The accompanying pictures scattered throughout the book are a treat.

As I see it, Sin in the Second City is a great historical read.  It's borderline exhaustive--or feels that way--look at a interesting time in American history.  As a business model, the sisters only delivered what was very much in demand.  As a reader, I was more fascinated by the sisters and their ability to reinvent themselves than the brothel.  History buffs will be delighted.

Book Thirty-Five: Contagious: Why Things Catch On

"What makes things catch on?"  Author and marketing professor Jonah Berger answers this question in Contagious.  With a delightful tone, Berger examines how and why social influence effects everything we do.  He also provides actionable steps to creating influence in this social savvy world.

The book is a fun read and while this reader would have preferred more stories illustrating his points, Berger makes some fascinating conclusions.  Examining the emotional triggers behind why we insist on using one product over another or the behavior triggers that have us all trying to accumulate rewards points, it's easy to feel manipulated by the time this book is through.  Berger ends his stories to make room for his STEPPS.  These steps are on the mark from my perspective but I'm no entrepreneur.  The STEPPS is a calculated and daresay proven technique to creating buzz around just about anything.  Berger has clearly exposed the collective consumer psyche.

As I see it, Contagious is a very approachable book.  The author's repartee with the reader is witty and straightforward.  And while you will read over several buzz words, you won't find the typical business jargon herein.  Overall, it's an interesting read and serves two purposes: consumer education and marketing 101.  If you just want to know why you feel compelled to purchase 'that' shirt or use 'this' brand, you will find your answer here.  More importantly, if you were ever curious about the phenomenon that was Rebecca Black, you will want to read chapter two.

Book Thirty-Three: 1 dead in attic

It's easier to understand now.  At the time, I could only feel a mixture of pity, sadness, and shame for the residents of New Orleans.  In the wake of Katrina and tales of the Superdome, I just remember shaking my head... wondering... why they didn't leave.

Chris Rose's collection of columns written for The Times-Picayune newspaper in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina paints an unforgettable picture.  Rose's collection reads as a love story to his city, his people, and his family.  He succeeds in capturing the unspeakable horror, channeling the emotions that is moves and anchoring his resolve in the wake.

His columns--insane as they may sound--bring sanity to the fear-mongering and circus acts that was available to the general pubic made possible by your favorite left or right leaning media outlets.  Rose has made more sense in this collection than Sean Penn, Harry Connick, Jr., Anderson Cooper, or Robin Roberts tried in their daily dispatches.

As I see it,  nine years later, 1 dead in attic should become an integral part of American history keeping.  Chris Rose outlines the heart of a tenacious people who stayed to fight amid insurmountable odds.  It's a heart-wrenching but fascinating look.

Book Thirty-Two: A Treasury of Foolishly Forgotten Americans

This is a treasury of stories about pirates, skinflints, patriots and other *ahem* colorful characters that make American history much more fun.  Too bad these characters are mere footnotes.

Anne Bonny was more man than any pirate could hope to be.  The privileged daughter of a plantation owner, she elopes.  Then meets Caribbean pirate 'Calico Jack' Rackham.  The adulterous couple became one of the fiercest to sail the seas.

Elizabeth Patterson Bonaparte.  She married the other Bonaparte brother with questionable results.

Hetty Green, affectionately known as 'the witch of Wall Street', was the richest woman in the world with a real estate and railroad empire to match that of Carnegie, Rockefeller, Astor, and Vanderbilt.  Still she chose to use newspapers for legwarmers.  Taught not to owe anyone anything--not even a kindness, history doesn't look upon her fondly.

Though I've chosen to profile three women--my favorite of the thirty stories here--there's not an uninteresting story in the bunch.  However, allow me to say that this book should have been more fun to read.  For the life of me, though, I cannot put my finger on why the book is not.  Bank robberies, muck-rakes, evangelists, spies, murderers.  They are all here.

As I see it, these are the stories that would enhance the tales of George Washington or Thomas Edison.  Or Blackbeard.  Maybe we wouldn't need Drunk History if stories like these were more readily available.

Book Thirty-One: The Necklace

"Here we are, women who have been the beneficiaries of education, resources, reproductive choice, travel opportunities, the Internet, and a long life expectancy than women have ever had in history.  What can and will we do?"  

This is the story of thirteen women and a diamond necklace.  The opening quote from doctor, activist and author, Jean Shinoda Bolenne, sets the tone.  Profiling the women who decided to take part in the experiment that will ultimately change lives, this book is an interesting and easy read.

This reader was struck by how vastly different each woman (ages fifty to sixty-two) is and how the necklace impact them individually and as a group.  The women are unabashed in their opinions and as visionary leader, Jonell McLain muses 'why can't we share personal luxuries like we do national parks', she charges on determined to prove the naysayers wrong.

Author Cheryl Jarvis profiles a remarkable group of ladies.  Each chapter is dedicated to an individual.  Each individual is more different than the next.  With the myriad of disparities: income, upbringing, lifestyles, etc., it was fascinating to hear from each woman their life's journey and how the necklace (affectionately named 'Jewelia' impacted them.

Despite the inevitability of the squabbles that would come (i.e. should we legalize the group?  Yes.  Should we lend the necklace outside our group?  Maybe/maybe not bad   What if someone leaves the group?  Hey, we're talking opinionated, emotional, businesswomen here), the necklace ultimately comes to symbolize the friendships and the legacies of these women.  It becomes a harbinger of the good like-minded people can do in the community and for each other. 

As I see it, this 'experiment' as the author calls it, should not have worked.  And it did.  The necklace provides a nucleus in which these woman could unite and take their friendships to a new level.  It's a beautiful book.

Book Twenty-Six: The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Lost

Ah, yes... the travel memoir.  The couch potato's guide to exploring the world or living vicariously through another.  I love/hate the travel memoir.  Dear Reader, you're enjoying the blog of an individual who experienced the beach for the first time when she was thirty-two--that was two years ago.  I'm a late bloomer. 

I enjoy the idea of vacation and travel.  Trust me.  I have the same pins as you do; but it's the actual doing of it I can't quite deliver on.  A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle started it.  If I couldn't actually go to these other-worldly places, I could at least read about others experiences.

Author Rachel Friedman recounts the yearlong adventure when, as a newly graduated college student, she buys a ticket to Ireland to avoid making 'those' decisions.  What ensues is a new friendship and adventures that span three continents.

While I enjoyed the book, I didn't connect to the author and her tale of woe.  Yes, backpacking across Australia and South America sounds fun; but the eternal theme here is Friedman is avoiding her personal crossroads of 'what to do now that I've graduated college?'  Perhaps a decade ago, I could have joined Friedman in her adventures; but at this stage I'm more 'Eat Pray Love' and Kathleen Flynn's personal gem despite not being a divorcee. 

As I see it, The Good Girls' Guide to Getting Lost is a decent travel memoir.  For this reader, it will be hardly memorable.  Kudos to the author for her 'where are they now' moment which assured me we all get to live happily ever after.

Book Twenty-One: Rose: My Life in Service to Lady Astor

In this 'Upstairs, Downstairs' inspired memoir, Rosina Harrison recounts her life as lady's maid to one of the most polarizing figures of the 20th century, Lady Nancy Astor.  Politician, traveler, society maven, Lady Astor was a notoriously iron-willed personality.  Rose, was her lady's maid.

Rose speaks fondly of Lady Astor even when sharing the tiffs.  Originally published in 1975, her stories shed light on a different time with both honesty and frankness.  Rose tells of a hard-working, but honest existence growing up and a series of lesser jobs that led up to service to the Astors.

Despite family scandals, ever-changing travel plans and war, Rose manages to manage her lady and her whims.  What really strikes me is how interdependent the classes were.  There is no disdain here.  Rather, she writes of a equality when it comes to respect for each other and their social status.  Never crossing the line of professionalism, but becoming friends and confidantes despite societal restrictions.

As I see it, Rose: My Life in Service to Lady Astor serves as a fascinating look into British aristocracy and those who served them. It very much strikes the Downton Abbey chord without being nearly as dramatic.  Seeing the upstairs and the downstairs, this reader isn't sure which flight has more fun.

 

Book Twenty: Paris, My Sweet

What began as a lovely memoir told through baguettes, macaroons, and the darkest of chocolates became a cloying sad-sack tale of woe.  Our heroine gets the chance of a lifetime to leave New York behind to work in Paris.  When the going gets tough our author gets whiny and this book becomes exhausting.

Paris, My Sweet is a love story of Paris and New York from author Amy Thomas.  It's unfortunate that her story becomes an obsession of her single life.  Surrounded by 'Frenchies' as she calls them, she can't get past the fact that she can't hold a 'normal' relationship.  Amid her walks to the boulangerie, Thomas always seems to be unsatisfied with the now, always comparing what she has with what she thinks she wants. 

This book frustrated me to no end.  Thomas' whiny narration grated on my nerves.  By the time she has a breakthrough, this reader was over it.

Book Eighteen: The Invisible Gorilla: How Our Intuitions Deceive Us

Forget about the elephant in the room.  Did anyone see the gorilla?!  Based upon their study of the same name, authors (and Nobel-prize winners) Christopher Chabris and Daniel Simons explore how our brain deceives us.  Not to infer our brains are out to betray us; but rather, examine how society has come to think our memories are infallible.

Under the illusion of attention, I am scared enough to minimize the time I spent driving and talking.  In short, we simply cannot 'multi-task'--our brains won't let us, but we think we can.

Under the illusion of memory, I'm not sure I can ever retell another story.  Why?!  I don't know if it's my story anymore.  Has my brain highjacked and distorted it based upon what I know today?

While I am sure it is not the authors intention, I was indeed fascinated when they 'called people out'.  Again, it was not confrontational.  It was simply to show that while Malcolm Gladwell can infer from his examination of the Hush Puppies company in The Tipping Point that the result of there success was from trendy subculture, the authors call Gladwell's hand in saying 'you didn't prove anything, you just read the results to mean this'.  Don't get me wrong, Gladwell's books are certainly counted as some of my most favorite reads; it was just interesting to see them from another point of view.  As polarizing a topic of autism and Jenny McCarthy's fight against vaccination--again, it's a fascinating look at how data can be skewed to any one's favor.

And on a personally self-righteous note, I am glad to see them take to task authors of such business texts like 'Good to Great'.  Again not for blatant lies--only for not disproving their theories.  You can infer anything from the data gathered; but you haven't proved anything until you examine the companies that have failed.

For my fellow cinephiles, Chabris and Simons goes to Trudy Ramirez a long time Hollywood script supervisor to examine why continuity errors can appear so glaring to the cinema-obessives.  It's not so much that Spielberg doesn't care it could just be the shot is just too good to leave on the cutting room floor.

After reading The Invisible Gorilla, there is only one thing that I am sure of--I don't  know anything.  Herein lies the success.  Self-awareness of over-confidence or memory distortion allows you and I, dear readers, to observe human nature in a new light.  It allows us to question our intuitions thoughtfully and as the authors conclude, "before you jump to a harsher conclusion."

Book Seventeen: Be the Best at What Matters Most

The spring book club selection from my employer challenges conventional business adages with this new way of thinking...  that the way to create return on investment is to be so good at the basics that you are cutting edge.  It works for Nick Saban.  Why couldn't it work for you?

'Be the best at what matters most' although simple at first glance, this essential strategy is more difficult to put into action that you'd expect.  It's an incredible idea if you take the time to think about it.  Even more so, if you take the time to act upon it.  Author Joe Calloway uses several companies as as examples of those who has successfully executed this kind of intense focus but my favorite is really an interview with Marty Grunder of Grunder Landscaping Company.  His intensity and willingness to 'be mocked' for his passionate focus clearly illustrates Calloway's point. 

As business books go, this one is easily approachable and a quick read.  It's the questions found at the end of each chapter that stick with you.  If you're willing to do the work, results will follow.  For this reader, I found myself applying and asking several of Joe's questions.  Not only about my daily job functions but to that of my team.  Do I have the audacity it takes to question and demand the same type of focus that it would take to be successful not only of myself but of my teammates?!  For those who find themselves in positions of informal leadership, application of these concepts could be difficult.  Challenging the mediocrity found within your company is not a fun task no matter your function.

As I see it, Calloway inspires with Be the Best at What Matters Most.  As he so eloquently puts it, "Being the best at what matters most means that we create alignment between out objectives and out activities.  It means that we must work with intention, not just reacting to what comes during the day but proactively managing our activities according to predetermined priorities."

Book Fourteen: Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Sex and Science

Author Mary Roach has a unique approach to exploring the unusual.  Whether it's human cadavers, ghosts, or sex, Mary's approach to popular science is both interesting and education.  In Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex, she explores the history of the physiology of sex science of sex and those who've attempted to study it.

From daVinci's erroneous drawings of human anatomy or modern-day Taiwanese organ implants, Roach establishes it's tough to legitimately study the science of pro-creation because of societal taboos.  We know of Kinsey and Masters and Johnson.  But do you know of Napoleon's great-grand niece, Princess Mario Bonaparte, who concerned about her own sexual frustrations, published several writings about frigidity and orgasm?

Each chapter is rife with innuendo--as to be expected, I suppose--but this reader quickly found it exhausting.  Roach overreaches in her attempts to make herself and the reader comfortable with the topic.  The author sacrifices herself and husband for the sake of sexual advancement.  Doing it in an MRI machine isn't on my bucket list.

Characteristically of all her books, Bonk contains footnotes galore and these entertaining all to themselves.  From patents to Viagra and all the sex toys in between, Roach leaves no sheet uncovered.  Dear reader, if you are looking to be titillated, you could be disappointed. As I see it, if you're looking for an entertaining read, Bonk doesn't disappoint despite being the driest of her books.  Pun not intended.