Anyone who reads my posts knows that I’m a fiend for science non-fiction. I know it sounds scary, but I’m not reading “A Brief History of Time,” although I sometimes toy with the idea. My science is fresh, fun and most importantly, SO interesting! Even if you’re not a biology major, you will love books like Mary Roach’s. I was so thrilled when I heard that she published another non-fiction book and dove right in.

Like her other 3 books, “Packing for Mars” focuses on one realm of science. This time, it’s outer space. Of course, Roach doesn’t actually get to fly like an astronaut, but she goes through many components of training and testing that real astronauts endure. She delves into not only the hardcore physical science, but also the politics and psychology of space travel. As a psych major, I was beyond thrilled with the chapter on Space Psychology and spent a bit of time researching it afterward. There are even college programs dedicated to it! I also loved the chapter on motion sickness as I am a sufferer and found the physical causes fascinating (your eyes and inner ears aren’t perceiving the same thing). Roach is a meticulous researcher and always includes fun anecdotes along with hard facts. Almost every page has a hilarious footnote to further explain a point!

What I love most about Roach’s books is her ability to make science fun! I know it sounds totally cheesy, but it’s true. She is the Bill Nye the Science Guy for adults. Her narration is charming and she almost has an innocent quality to her curiosity about the world of science. Her books never fail to put a smile on my face, all while I’m learning. To be honest, I’ve always been terrified by space and space travel and the only reason I even picked this up is because Mary Roach wrote it. After reading, I have such a new found respect and admiration for the men and women that work at NASA and all other space organizations. They are risking so much to further science and it was nice to gain a new perspective on the subject.

If you’re looking for a warm-up for the impending school year, pick up “Packing for Mars” by Mary Roach. Not only will it jump start your brain, you’ll totally enjoy it. I recommend this and all of her books to everyone!

If you read my Saturday posts, you know that I love me some non-fiction, specifically from the science section. Yes, it sounds super nerdy, but let me tell you, the science section houses some of the most interesting and relevant books in all the bookstore. Another one to add to that list is “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot.

If you’ve never heard of Henrietta Lacks, you’re not alone. However, some of you may have heard of HeLa cells. HeLa cells are used in scientific research and have been part of almost every medical breakthrough since the ’50s. And they’re immortal. I’m getting ahead of myself, though.

So what is the connection between Henrietta – a poor, black woman from Baltimore – and the trillions of HeLa cells in the world? You won’t believe it, but every single one of those trillions of cells are HERS. Even the name HeLa comes from her name: HEnrietta LAcks. And even more miraculous is the fact that you’re probably more familiar with Henrietta than you think. Odds are, one of the vaccines you’ve received in your life was created from her cells or maybe even contained her cells. Mind-blowing.

In 1951, Henrietta visited John Hopkins complaining of a “knot” in her stomach. She was eventually diagnosed with cervical cancer and treated in the fashion of the day: tubes of radium were sewn onto and in her. However, before beginning the treatment, a doctor took a sample of her tumor and shipped it off to George Gey. Gey had been trying to create immortal cells for years. Up until this point, cells died within a few days in a culture and scientific progress was at somewhat of a standstill. But when Gey cultured Henrietta’s cells, he noticed that the cells weren’t dying – in fact, they were multiplying. The culture grew so quickly that he had to move it to another jar! Gey was fascinated by this immortal cell line. He sent samples to any scientist who asked and eventually HeLa cells were turned into a BILLION-dollar industry. Read More »

I love science. Figuring out how things work, studying anatomy, mixing chemicals; I love it all! So naturally, I dabble in the Science Non-Fiction section at my local bookstore. I know what you’re thinking: books about science are written by hundred- year- old men with big, scraggly beards who use big confusing words and even more confusing concepts. But that’s where you’re wrong!

Sure, you can find those kind of books if that’s your thing (for those who love science a little too much…), but there are also some really interesting ones written in totally understandable English. And guess what? They’re interesting and funny!

Mary Roach introduced me to the world of enjoyable science reading with her book about human cadavers, Stiff. I’m sure some of you shuddered at the word “cadaver,” but if you can handle it, this book is FANTASTIC! That lead me to Roach’s second book Spook, which is about the paranormal and a lot less gory. I loved both, so when I heard Mary Roach had a new book coming out this past summer, I was over the moon! And she didn’t let me down.

Written with her usual smart wit, Mary Roach creates a fun and interesting look at the scientific side of sex with her latest book, Bonk. Read More »