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Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex
Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex | Mary Roach
A New York Times Bestseller Rich in dexterous innuendo, laugh-out-loud humor and illuminating fact. Its compulsively readable. Los Angeles Times Book Review In ?Bonk, ?the best-selling author of Stiff turns her outrageous curiosity and insight on the most alluring scientific subject of all: sex. Can a person think herself to orgasm? Why doesn't Viagra help women-or, for that matter, pandas? Can a dead man get an erection? Is vaginal orgasm a myth? Mary Roach shows us how and why sexual arousal and orgasm-two of the most complex, delightful, and amazing scientific phenomena on earth-can be so hard to achieve and what science is doing to make the bedroom a more satisfying place.
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RaffaelliJ
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Pickpick

Funny and insightful; this book is a dive into what is traditionally faux pas in more contemporary culture: sexuality and sex. Like in Stiff, Roach‘s use of citation and footnote are the exact interjection on heavy handed topic. More so than her previous works, Roach is not afraid to interject herself into the study of which she writes when no subject is available. This dedication shows through the novel, and interjects humor throughout.

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Victoriahoperose
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Pickpick

Funny and interesting. An entertaining book about science and sex and how they come together. I learned a lot and laughed a lot. Mary Roach is always a delight to read!

35 likes1 stack add
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BkClubCare
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Pickpick

So, um… yeah. I recently listened to Elizabeth Banks‘ podcast on Sex and it was RIGHT ON! So, I needed an audiobook and this popped up on my frontal view. So, why not? This is my first Mary Roach and I feel like I missed the train, or I should have read Stiff instead, or. I dunno. This was amusing but not earth-shattering. It felt… dated? But I learned a few things and I laughed a few times, YAY

CuriousG Personally I have enjoyed, but not loved, all of her books, with the exception of Stiff. I *loved* Stiff! I read it first though, so maybe the rest just couldn't live up to it? 2y
BkClubCare @CuriousG - I am looking forward to reading Stiff, someday! 2y
AvidReader25 I thought Stiff was way better than this one! 2y
42 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Patchshank
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Pickpick

I finally finished Bonk. I don't know why it took me so long. It was a very interesting read. I learned a lot of interesting information. I think some of the information might be out dated by now, but it's still a super interesting read none the less.

On a unrelated note my library is finally open again after renovations. Pretty excited. Now to start my library books.

Oldschool_millenial This one just came out and I freaking love the cover. Seems in the same vein 3y
Patchshank @Oldschool_millenial That's on my TBR. Seems super interesting. 3y
54 likes1 stack add2 comments
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GingerAntics
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Pickpick

This was a fun little read. It‘s strange, hilarious, and cringeworthy at different times. This is more on the scientific level, but if you just need to find a way to be comfortable talking about sex and sexuality, this book will absolutely do that. 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

GingerAntics All the variations on the word coitus made me think of Sheldon from Big Bang Theory, and (I think rather unintentionally) she broaches the topic of the effects of negative messaging about sex from religious organisations. #MaryRoach #Bonk #SexPositive2021 3y
16 likes1 comment
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GingerAntics
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I‘m not convinced this is a real word.
#MaryRoach #Bonk #SexPositive2021

julesG Does it come with a definition? 3y
julesG Also, have to read this book. 3y
GingerAntics @julesG not really. It‘s sort of implied again. Just ones ability to orgasm, especially. Or maybe the human ability to? 3y
GingerAntics @julesG my only complaint thus far is that is perpetuates the myth that Victorian doctors‘ treatment of “pelvic massage‘ was meant to be sexual and that‘s why vibrators were invented. That got debunked in 3y
14 likes4 comments
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GingerAntics
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😂🤣😂 sometimes, when you‘re thirsty, you just really want some water.
#MaryRoach #Bonk #SexPositive2021

Hooked_on_books I suspect this was not a successful incontinence cure 🤔 3y
GingerAntics @Hooked_on_books I would imagine not. I mean, I‘m sure the blood clotting and the swelling helped temporarily, but that couldn‘t have been comfortable or feel good at all. I can‘t imagine he found this to be worth it after everything was healed up. No word on if they got it reattached or not. 3y
15 likes3 comments
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GingerAntics
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Graywacke Is that the dedication? Great quote. 3y
GingerAntics @Graywacke no, this is actually toward the end of the intro (which she cheekily refers to as “Foreplay”). The dedication is “For Woody.” 3y
Graywacke @GingerAntics that‘s a good one too! 3y
19 likes3 comments
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GingerAntics
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I think we all knew this was coming eventually. I actually started this book at some point several years ago now (2014 or 2015ish I think). I got side tracked by school and life, but this is totally happening now.
#MaryRoach #Bonk #SexPositive2021

TheBookHippie Ooooo 3y
GingerAntics @TheBookHippie have you gotten a nap? 3y
TheBookHippie @GingerAntics A big 30 minute snooze 😂🥵 3y
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GingerAntics @TheBookHippie at least that‘s something 3y
TheBookHippie @GingerAntics right? Better get use to it it‘s a loooong season 🏃🏃🏃🏃 3y
GingerAntics @TheBookHippie ugh 😩 what enticed him to do cross country? Wouldn‘t he like a nice evening sport? 3y
TheBookHippie @GingerAntics he‘s run it since fourth grade 😂🥵🤷🏻‍♀️🏃 golf in the spring…. Also EARLY 😂🥱💤💤😩🤦🏻‍♀️ 3y
GingerAntics @TheBookHippie how do we get him into the evening sports? All those early mornings are not good for your health. 3y
TheBookHippie @GingerAntics I‘ve tried he likes singular sports 😂 damn introverts 😅 3y
GingerAntics @TheBookHippie fair enough. Introverts are night owls, too. 3y
TheBookHippie @GingerAntics I surely am 😂 night owl and introvert 🏆 3y
GingerAntics @TheBookHippie perhaps he would enjoy academic decathlon. It fits neatly into school hours. 3y
TheBookHippie @GingerAntics oh yes. He‘s an academic🤍 3y
GingerAntics @TheBookHippie it will certainly get him making connections between all of his classes and the outside world! 3y
17 likes14 comments
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Eggs
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Pickpick

It had its funny moments but I knocked off 1 star rating due to the spoiler (for anyone planning to read it) in comments.

#bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks
#authoramonth2020 @Soubhiville - Soubhi, that makes 7 for me for M. Roach

Eggs It was tough to get through the “cringe” parts: using and/or killing animals to study sex/titillation with humans doing the fondling. Also injecting them Ugh 😑 4y
TheAromaofBooks Great review!! 4y
Eggs Thanks ❣️ @TheAromaofBooks 4y
71 likes3 comments
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Eggs
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Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Thanks for the tag! I need to read a few more pages to get a feel for it. I just started a new book. 4y
TheSpineView Thanks for the tag Sheri! 😍 4y
50 likes3 comments
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Skygoddess1
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Pickpick

When I was in college, I took a Psychology of Human Sexuality Class. Sadly I don‘t remember a lot of actual discussion surrounding the actual topic, instead I remember the two days we watched porn and then watching the birth of my professor‘s son from years before. This book is what I wish that class had been, I learned so much more from Bonk than my Prof, and I enjoyed this more than that class. #AuthorAMonth #AAMMR

WomanistBibliophile Your professor showed pornography in class?!! 4y
Skygoddess1 @WomanistBibliophile Pretty much, although they were described as “educational materials” in the syllabus. One of the videos was all about masturbation, complete with people doing so. The other one actually showed people having sex along with performing oral sex. 4y
WomanistBibliophile 😨 that sounds not at all educational and highly gratuitous, it must have been very uncomfortable. I‘m sorry your professor did that to you, that‘s so unethical 4y
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Skygoddess1 @WomanistBibliophile I actually found watching the video of his oldest sons birth (someone I knew for he‘s only a couple years older than me) to be way more uncomfortable, but I think that‘s because of knowing the person vs it being someone I don‘t know. His class was the most popular and hardest class to get into on campus 4y
ChasingOm Did you go to Northwestern? 😄 We had a similarly hard class to get into although I never took it so don‘t know anything about the course materials. (edited) 4y
Skygoddess1 @ChasingOm No, do they have a similar class? 4y
ChasingOm @Skygoddess1 I was just editing my original statement to clarify why I asked, lol. 😂 4y
19 likes7 comments
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Lcsmcat
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Pickpick

I laughed out loud so much that I ended up reading half of it to my husband as I read. Even the footnotes are funny. #authoramonth2020 @Soubhiville

Soubhiville I thought this was hilarious too! 4y
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Lcsmcat
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“A man sits in a room, manipulating his kneecaps. It is 1983, on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles.”
#firstlinefridays @ShyBookOwl

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Lcsmcat
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Started this tonight for #authoramonth2020. Roach is hilarious! @Soubhiville

51 likes3 stack adds
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typefetishist
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Pickpick

Loved it! My first Mary Roach book and have more on the to-be-read-list (Up next: ‘Stiff‘ and ‘Grunt‘). She writes super accessible and very entertaining. I learned a lot, while also being very amused. Definitely recommend.

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sherryvdh
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These anecdotes are highly entertaining!

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sherryvdh
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These kids won't let me read today. #bookishmomproblems

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Ajbsimpson
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Pickpick

I love Roach‘s writing, mostly because of her sense of humor. Highly recommend if you are looking for something light but still want to learn something.

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Ekkross
Pickpick

Fun and funny (as this author always is). I actually learned some things. I do think the footnotes were my favorite parts on the whole though.

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nicpears
Pickpick

Amazing read! I didn't expect anything less from this author.

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Pedrocamacho
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Pickpick

I love this book. Roach strikes a perfect balance between seriousness, information conveyance, and humor. She writes like someone who was curious one day and decided to explore human sexuality.

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ChasingOm
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Well, plans changed again and my parents and I are on our way to NJ! 🎉

We‘ve got about nine hours in the car today, so I‘ve got my next #NFNov read, my Kindle (with all the Forward novellas downloaded from Amazon), and a few audiobooks on my phone. I‘m taking #MrBook1InAMillion #24b4Monday #LitsyPartyofOne on the road! 🚘

MrBook Safe travels! 😁👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 5y
squirrelbrain Love the sea otters! ❤️ 5y
35 likes2 comments
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Creme_de_la_them
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Pickpick

Hilarious. Roach does a great job of debunking myths about sex, explaining how we know what we know, and exploring what we‘re learning now.

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Dolly
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Pickpick

You‘ll laugh but you‘ll also cringe to the max at some of Mary Roach‘s descriptions. Although this author has to go some to make up for Gulp and Stiff I think many will really give high marks to Bonk.

LeahBergen Happy Birthday!! 📚📚📚 5y
Dolly @LeahBergen Thank you! 🤞🏼For many years this day wasn‘t my best day. Cake & reading after a short workday today! 5y
Redwritinghood Happy birthday! 🎂🎂 5y
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LauraJ Happy Birthday!🎂🎁🎈 5y
Dolly @LauraJ thank you, I now have cake so all is well! Happiest birthday to you too! 🎉🎈 (edited) 5y
LauraJ @Dolly Thanks! I‘m cakeless...but I intend to remedy that later! (edited) 5y
39 likes1 stack add6 comments
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ChasingOm
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After a long week of conferencing, my sister and I spent our Monday off at the beach! I didn‘t want to bring my Kindle, so I borrowed this one off of her shelf and now it‘s going home with me tomorrow. 😂

This definitely counted as meeting my “go outside” goal for Week 4 of #BFCr2. I love the water, so this was the best goal met of the whole challenge! 😍

wanderinglynn I love the beach and miss living near one. (The Pacific Northwest “beaches” aren‘t the same as SoCal beaches.) And overheard that book is great! 5y
alisiakae What a great break after a busy week! 🎉🎉 5y
37 likes2 comments
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cherinium
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Pickpick

The snarky humor of Roach in this book cracked me up several times. The ingenuity and absurdity of scientific research in the field of sexual physiology and psychology is astounding. I'll never think of sex the same way again. 🙈🙊

Crazeedi I love Mary roach!! 5y
31 likes1 stack add1 comment
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cherinium
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What a fabulous pic on the title page! 💋💋💋

Where #science and #sex collide. #nonfiction #currentlyreading

40 likes1 stack add
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MelindaOtt
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Pickpick

This was going to be one heck of a #bookclub discussion. But, my book club meeting fell on the same night of the 2nd round of debates. I missed it, but did read the book and now I know more about penile implants than I ever imagined.

This sounds scandalous, but it is actually far more informative and entertaining than scintillating. This was my first Roach book and I‘m sure it won‘t be my last. Should go for death or the digestive system next...

Megabooks This is my favorite! I‘ve read Gulp, Packing for Mars, and Stiff as well. 5y
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bookwrm526
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Pickpick

I love Mary Roach, and this one did not disappoint. I‘m pretty sure I‘ve read all of her books now, and this one is probably my third favorite (behind Stiff and Gulp). However, I do kind of wish I hadn‘t listened to this one on audio, because of the subject matter, not because it was badly done.

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danimgill
Mehso-so

This was definitely my least favorite Mary Roach book so far... it still had her fun tone that I love but it didn‘t seem to come together as a whole by the end the way Stiff did.

Reagan I agree that Stiff was better. I did like Bonk, but not as much. 6y
33 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Literaturenut
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Panpan

Oh man, I wanted to bail on this book, but I was determined to finish it for a book challenge. The book was ridiculously heteronormative. And it seemed much more focused on sexual dysfunction than anything else. In truth, I was so tired hearing about erectile dysfunction and the weird things men have done to try to fix it. It‘s amazing Roach could make a book about sex neither interesting nor sexy. #nonfiction #getreading2018 #14of36 #audiobook

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britt_brooke
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Pickpick

“Freud was no fan of the clitoris.”

This, my second #MaryRoach, made me significantly less queasy than #Stiff (thank the gods). This was pretty interesting. Roach writes in such an easily understandable and humorous way; her asides and footnotes are so good.

I went back and forth between print and audio and enjoyed both formats.

CouronneDhiver Ha! What a title! 😊 6y
britt_brooke @CouronneDhiver I was just cracking up thinking about all of her titles: Bonk, Stiff, Grunt, Gulp ... my brain goes right in the gutter. 🙊 6y
vivastory I ❤ Mary Roach. I've only read Stiff & Gulp, but definitely plan on reading all of her books 6y
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britt_brooke @vivastory I‘m listening to Gulp on audio now. 👍🏻 Going check out Grunt soon. Really curious about that one since my husband was in the army for 8 years. 6y
vivastory Maybe he'll want to read it once you're finished. I can't wait to see what her next book will be. 6y
MoniqueReads305 Stacked 6y
Reviewsbylola I loved Stiff but then read this and Spook and was kind of bored. 6y
Reviewsbylola Oh, and Gulp too. 6y
britt_brooke @Reviewsbylola The audio helped with the more boring bits. I really think she‘s an audio read for me. I struggled with Stiff in print and ended up skimming some. 6y
123 likes12 stack adds9 comments
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ChaitanyaSethi
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Pickpick

🌟🌟🌟🌟
Bonk was a hilarious book from the get-go. It talked about how people have carried research on sex, despite conservative attitudes. I am leaving this book with an exceptionally high knowledge of vibrators, dildos, clitoral stimulation, vaginal orgasms, penis anatomy, and animal sex. Go figure!
#litsy #review #book #reader

Crazeedi I love her books! I have this one on my tbr, her previous ones are hilarious! 6y
cozynarwhal Sounds funny and interesting. I love that cover! 6y
ChaitanyaSethi @Crazeedi I thought it was a fun read. I also have her book on Cadavers on my To read. 6y
ChaitanyaSethi @cozynarwhal it was both, funny and interesting. She writes with wit and humour 6y
Crazeedi @ChaitanyaSethi I read the cadaver one, lol 6y
44 likes3 stack adds5 comments
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youngreadrshelf
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Hell, yes. Mary Roach makes me laugh.

51 likes2 stack adds
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JPeterson
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It‘s a homemade pizza, wine, and a new book sort of night.

Beckys_Books That pizza looks tasty, and I need the wine. It's been one of those days. 7y
8little_paws Can I come over? 7y
ladym30 That looks really good! 7y
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JPeterson @Beckys_Books It has! Is it Friday yet?! 7y
JPeterson @8little_paws I‘m sad to say that most of it has been polished off, otherwise, sure! 😉 7y
JPeterson @ladym30 Thanks! It‘s a balsamic, fig, blue cheese pizza. 😋 7y
Palimpsest Your pizza looks and sounds amazing! 7y
CouronneDhiver Figs? Nice! 👍🏽 7y
EricaReads Omg that pizza looks and sounds perfect! 7y
101 likes3 stack adds9 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
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#emojimadness #🔬 Immediately brings to mind the cover of this book. Not read the author, but I have Gulp on my TBR.

readordierachel She's great! Funny and informative. 7y
erzascarletbookgasm @ReadOrDieRachel thanks, good to know! 🙂 7y
86 likes4 stack adds2 comments
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Merethebookgal
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Pickpick

Another fun Mary Roach Book on audio! I must admit I didn‘t enjoy it as much as “Grunt,” but still worth a read. And this is another book I‘m using for my #ERMadLibs reading challenge. This will be my “Verb” choice 😉

cathysaid That title 😂😂😂 7y
Merethebookgal @cathysaid Right?!? 😂 7y
Daisey Great mad libs choice! 😂 7y
Merethebookgal @Daisey Thanks! 😁 7y
68 likes1 stack add4 comments
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chrissy.ww
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On my way to work with my current reading material - I've just realised that if anybody asks me about what I'm reading (while travelling or at work) that I have to explain a book about sex science 😂😂😂

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BookInMyHands
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This weekend is our book club retreat in Pacific City, Oregon - the weather is amazing, and our book club discussion has been quite lively!

Louise I love the idea of a book club retreat! Have fun! 7y
97 likes1 comment
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CuriousG
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My kitchen audiobook buddy for the afternoon. When the hummus needs to get made and meal prep for the week needs to happen, it's audiobooks and a sleeping dog (AKA the sous chef) at my house. #hethinksveggiesaretreats

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HighLadyoftheStacks
Pickpick

In this house we love and appreciate Mary Roach! The perfect mix of science, history, innuendo, and humor. I found myself laughing out loud and trying to avoid explaining what I was laughing at. #booksof2018 #maryroach #bonk

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SmallestAct
Pickpick

As a biology teacher I talk about sex. A lot. Mary Roach gave me new facts and made me laugh out loud! I thoroughly recommend this book. Her writing style is quirky but gets the point across. I booked this as 'a book about sports' on #popsugar2018

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HighLadyoftheStacks
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Excited to start this. I loved Stiff and Mary Roach in general. #24in48 #bonk #maryroach

readinginthedark Mary Roach is awesome. 7y
10 likes1 stack add1 comment
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CuriousG
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Crazy stressful work week means I'm starting my reading binge this weekend with a good audiobook that in no way reminds me of my to-do list. #24in48 #24in48readathon @24in48

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HighLadyoftheStacks
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A quick look at my physical TBR (and my nug plush). I‘m trying to utilize my library more but I also love owning books and book shelves. #tbr

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AngieAvers
Pickpick

I really enjoyed this scientific look at sex. What's almost as enjoyable as the topic, is Mary Roach's writing. She has a manner that is a bit quirky, and rather funny, given that she is writing non-fiction. I learned a few interesting facts, and actually hit upon some information that I had been recently seeking, but never expected to read in this book. It was a pleasant and timely surprise. I will definitely read more of her books.

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britt_brooke
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@leslieseidel this @strandbookstore bag is so beautiful! 😍😍😍 I‘m so excited for Bonk and for the Steinbeck. And these Vonnegut editions actually brought tears to my eyes. So thoughtful of you to send these for my collection! 💚 I love all the goodies. You spoiled me good - thank you so much!! #booktoteswap

GAustin Vonnegut! Awesome 👏🏻 love it. 7y
OrangeMooseReads 😍 envious 7y
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britt_brooke @GAustin Love him! 7y
Avanders This is awesome!! 7y
LeahBergen So nice! 😍 7y
CoffeeCatsBooks Very thoughtful! 7y
TheAnitaAlvarez Bonk is awesome. I love Mary Roach! 7y
leslieseidel You are so welcome!! I enjoyed putting this together for you. 🤗 7y
britt_brooke @leslieseidel It was great timing, too. My grandpa passed away yesterday afternoon after a long battle with cancer, and it was a happy distraction. 💚💚💚 7y
britt_brooke @TheAnitaAlvarez I can‘t wait to read it! 7y
britt_brooke @Avanders @LeahBergen @CoffeeCatsBooks I‘m so spoiled! 💚💚💚 7y
leslieseidel I am so sorry to hear of your loss! Grandparents are so special! Condolences to you and your family. Glad the USPS came through for you (and me because I was feeling very guilty yesterday opening my box when I thought that I had messed up the timing of yours! 😬😉) 7y
britt_brooke @leslieseidel Thanks so much. ☺️💚 I‘m back in my hometown for a couple of days. It‘s nice to be with family. 7y
Suet624 I‘m so sorry to hear about your grandfather😩 7y
britt_brooke @Suet624 Thank you. ❤️ 7y
150 likes2 stack adds16 comments
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8leagueboot
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I love it when I get to laugh and learn at the same time!

monkeygirlsmama I like Mary Roach. I need to read this. Stacking! 7y
8leagueboot @monkeygirlsmama it's my first time reading her and it is absolutely wild. 7y
monkeygirlsmama @8leagueboot My best friend and I throughly enjoyed Stiff. 7y
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katiekurdt11
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There are imagines that stay with you your whole life, weather you want them to or not. Here is one that I imagine will make the cut. A man in a blue smock and a hairnet walks across a factory floor with an armload of enormous chocolate-brown dildos. He is loaded down the point of absurdity...I want to trip him, not out of meanness, but just to see the penises fly through the air and rain down around us. 😂