Review of ‘The Body: A Guide for Occupants’ by Bill Bryson

Fascinating, surprising and informative, this book about the human body has Bill Bryson’s trademark dry humour. Having read several of his books before, I expected this one to be a great read and I wasn’t disappointed.

Travelling through the organs and systems of the body, Bryson explains how they work, throwing in some excellent anecdotes, discovery stories, quotes from experts and amusing similes. While not an exhaustive survey (that would require an even bigger book), most things you’d want to know are in there. I particularly like the inclusion of medical science’s unsung heroes, the people who should be well-known today for their pioneering work. There are some moments which will make you wince, unless you have a very strong stomach. I also like the myth busting and Bryson’s sheer sense of wonder at the miracle that is the human body. Some of the experiments recounted are shocking, others amusing, but all are interesting to read about.

Recommended if you want to learn some surprising facts to tell your friends.

First published in 2019.

7 thoughts on “Review of ‘The Body: A Guide for Occupants’ by Bill Bryson”

  1. I loved this one!! Actually way more than I expected to because his books can be kind of so-so for me. This one was so much fun and so informative too. Great review!

    1. I’m glad you liked the book so much! My favourite of his that I’ve read is still Down Under. Thanks for reading πŸ™‚

    1. It’s not his usual subject but it turns out very well. If you like his style and you’re interested in the body, you can’t go wrong πŸ™‚

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