Mary Roach

Mary Roach is an American author, specializing in popular science and humor. She is best known for her books that blend humor with research on topics that are often unusual or taboo. Some of her most popular works include 'Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers', 'Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal', and 'Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void'. Roach has a talent for making complex scientific topics both accessible and entertaining to a broad audience.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Packing For Mars

    Cover of 'Packing For Mars' by Mary Roach

    "Packing for Mars" explores the curious and often humorous aspects of space travel, focusing on the day-to-day life of astronauts and the bizarre challenges they face in zero gravity. The book delves into the nitty-gritty of space exploration, from the complications of personal hygiene and bathroom logistics to the psychological and physical trials of living in confined, alien conditions far from Earth. Through interviews with astronauts, scientists, and mission staff, the narrative reveals the less glamorous but utterly fascinating side of space travel, shedding light on human resilience and ingenuity in the most extreme environments.

    The 9496th Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. Gulp

    Cover of 'Gulp' by Mary Roach

    This book takes readers on an entertaining and enlightening journey through the human digestive system, from the moment food enters the mouth to its eventual exit. With a blend of humor, curiosity, and meticulous research, the author explores the complex processes and fascinating science behind our body's handling of food, including the work of saliva, the stomach's acid bath, and the mysteries of the colon. Along the way, the narrative delves into bizarre and intriguing aspects of digestion and nutrition that are rarely discussed, making the science of eating and digesting both accessible and immensely enjoyable. Through interviews with scientists, examinations of historical and contemporary practices, and personal experimentation, the book demystifies the digestive process and reveals the marvels of the human body.

    The 10908th Greatest Book of All Time