Bonk by Mary Roach
Bonk is a book that explores the scientific investigation of sex throughout history. Mary Roach takes us on a journey through the winding history of science and its exploration of human sexuality, going back as far as Aristotle and finally ending with recent discoveries about the origination and anatomy of the female orgasm.
She delves into the hypothesis of orgasms boosting fertility and discusses the similarities between the clitoris and penis. Additionally, the book looks into the mental state of women, the historical methods used to treat impotence, and the concept of using different tools to increase sex drive.
Mary Roach also looks at the possibility of obtaining orgasms without genital stimulation, and touches on the brave career of Ahmed Shafik in conservative countries.
The main themes of the book are the complexities of human sexuality, understanding common myths and taboos, and looking into the science behind it. Through introducing both scientific and historical points of view, this book provides a comprehensive view on the aspects of human sexual response. It provides the reader with new perspectives and scientifically supported hypotheses on the complexities of human sexuality.
What I Liked
All of Mary Roach’s book are fascinating. She does an excellent job digging into everyday, important, but rarely discussed parts of life. I love the stories, research, and first-person narrative that she puts together.
What I Did Not Like
Nothing – funny, informative read. This book was not all that it could have been because of one flaw – that there has been a shocking lack of scientific research into sex and human reproductive organs until very, very recently. The biggest takeaway from the book was that we do not fund basic scientific research to the degree that we should. She’s a great writer and recommend her other works.
