Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex2009

In this New York Times Bestseller, the author of Stiff "takes the reader on a wide-ranging tour . . . into human sexual life and practice, ranging from laboratories to brothels" (Chicago Tribune)."Rich in dexterous innuendo, laugh‑out‑loud humor and illuminating fact. Compulsively readable." —Los Angeles TimesIn Bonk, the bestselling 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."Roach ferrets out basic truths and endless absurd details amid mountains of dry science on her chosen subject . . . . It's a wonderful read, sprinkled with facts you can quote to amaze your friends." —San Francisco Chronicle"A light-hearted cabaret of a book by a writer who genuinely seems to be enjoying herself—in more ways than one." —New Scientist