The Body

The Body Summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER •  A must-read owner’s manual for every body. Take a head-to-toe tour of the marvel that is the human body in this “delightful, anecdote-propelled read” (The Boston Globe) from the author of A Short History of Nearly Everything. With a new Afterword.

“You will marvel at the brilliance and vast weirdness of your design." —The Washington Post
 
Bill Bryson once again proves himself to be an incomparable companion as he guides us through the human body—how it functions, its remarkable ability to heal itself, and (unfortunately) the ways it can fail. Full of extraordinary facts (your body made a million red blood cells since you started reading this) and irresistible Brysonesque anecdotes, The Body will lead you to a deeper understanding of the miracle that is life in general and you in particular.

As Bill Bryson writes, “We pass our existence within this wobble of flesh and yet take it almost entirely for granted.” The Body will cure that indifference with generous doses of wondrous, compulsively readable facts and information. As addictive as it is comprehensive, this is Bryson at his very best.



Book Reviews

Read alot Kelley

Combines education and fun reading5 star

Great walk through the history of human medicine, treatments, great successes, and painful mistakes. Bill Bryson’s clever and clear prose transforms a textbook-esque subject into a fun paperback read.55

Mrs cpee

Amazing!5 star

I learned so much from this book. Informative and extremely well written. Definitely a must read!55

Divot Darlin

The Body5 star

This book should be required reading in eighth grade and beyond. Should be in science classes to peak scientific curiosity and in English classes to demonstrate literary research. I will read this book again.55

bfurtyl

Boo4 star

Let me out of your damned site!45

Anonymous6840

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!5 star

This book was ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!! An amazing read and so very fascinating! Definitely recommend!55

CPow64

Want a Long Strange Trip5 star

Bill Bryson takes the reader on a compelling and comprehensive walk through the human body. Bravo!55

OlamEmet07

This book change my life. Spiritually and in medical knowledge.5 star

Extensive knowledge of the wonders of the body.55

P,aul

The Body5 star

What book! Bryson does it again. You will often laugh, as you learn how you are probably wrecking your body. Harry Brooks55

Ephemera Danica

Another excellent Bryson tome.5 star

Bryson covers a complex subject in an entertaining and remarkably thorough narrative given the complexity and the extent of the subject matter. His references are extensive and the topic is clearly well researched albeit necessarily scant at times by virtue of that complexity and extent. Nevertheless he manages to convey a clear understanding of each of the areas. A thoroughly enjoyable read but at times a distressing read regarding the paucity of medical knowledge of some of the many ills which can befall the human race.55

Am book reader

Excellent5 star

A must read owners manual for your body at any age. Bryson’s humor adds fun to this head to toe assessment.55





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