I requested this book for review to determine the readability of the book for the non-scientist and to see if and how it used external sources. I picked several chapters to review, rather than read the entire book. I am pleased to report that this is a very readable and accessible book, not bogged down in science that the reader needs to have taken a class in to understand. Much like the books of Mary Roach, to which it has been compared, this book is engaging and understandable. The author references their own research conclusions as well as those of others as it explores the evolution, biology, and psychology related to the sense of smell and intermixes culture and history. Honestly, as a fan of popular science, I'm really excited to read this entire book.

As for the use of external sources, the author has included at the end of the text a list of sources used for each chapter, but the text itself does not contain endnotes or footnotes. This indicates to me that the book is great for a popular read, but less useful for someone researching the topic.

I already know people I'll be recommending this book to.