Grunt

Mary Roach's Grunt leads readers on a startlingly humane journey through the technology of warfare--more specifically, the technology of keeping soldiers safe(r). Roach arranges her material in a compelling order, injecting an enjoyable level of humor into the mix. Roach is an automatic buy--her popular science writing is an excellent gateway for reluctant nonfiction readers--but Grunt is a fantastic and illuminating book. I loved it.

This book deserves 10 stars! I've been a fan of Mary Roach's writing ever since "Stiff" -- her book about cadavers -- made me laugh out loud. Living up to expectations, this book is a masterpiece about the funny underbelly of the armed forces, from sartorial choices to shark repellant failures. I was sad to finish this book, because I wanted it to go on forever telling me interesting stories and making me laugh!

Grunt is written in true Mary Roach style: fun, informative, accessible, and with a quirky sense of adventure and also true to her style, she grabs you on page one. Roach sets off immediately by saying, this book isn't for Zero Dark Thirty fans, or hardcore military buffs interested in the technical aspects of war. It's about testing for the best fabric to resist bugs, supposed magical colors that prevent heat, and an in-depth analysis of how war planes interact with birds. Roach has written a fantastically interesting book that gets your mind racing as to all of the intricacies and wonders that are hidden from plain view.

I just finished reading Grunt, and it'll take me awhile to process everything I learned and everything I felt throughout the book. One thing I can say, however, is this book is exceptional. Mary Roach approaches the subject of humans at war with such a clear-eyed, infectious curiosity, I can't help but want to keep reading long after the book is over. As she examines the science and logistics of supporting both current and former service men and women, Roach highlights both the progress and hiccups our military has undergone. Grunt is fascinating, well-written, and utterly important.

Another delightful investigation by Roach. How can you not be mesmerized by a book full of chicken cannons, penis transplants, maggot treatments, and self-cleaning underwear? Ms. Roach takes the overlooked and the potentially disgusting and turns it into literary joy.

I always recommend Mary Roach's books to everyone! Especially to people who are not used to reading non-fiction but want to start reading it. Her newest book is no exception. She's excellent!