The Body: A Guide for Occupants

I decided to read this because Brahm mentioned in his review that this was more breadth over depth, which was something that was opposite to his preference. I, however, don't read a ton of non-fiction and when I do I prefer a wide range of topics around a theme, such as Freakonomics or a Malcolm Gladwell book, so I grabbed the audiobook from the library.

This was a fun, easy read even if it wasn't super enlightening or anything. Each section on different parts/functions of body is generally basic enough that a high school biology class likely covered it, but almost every one of these sections also includes a fun anecdote about an early pioneering doctor or researcher that made discoveries in that area.

Things that did surprise me were the things that we still don't have answers for. Did you know that we don't have a good scientific explanation for why we sleep still? I assumed there was a specific regenerative process or something that I just forgot the details about when I wasn't paying attention in a class, but nope, we just need sleep for... some reason.

Glad I listened to this though! Was a great book to drive to and do chores to.

The body is so cool! This was a great crash course in human biology - basically everything I've forgotten since I last took it in high school. Peppered with medical history, interesting (and sometimes very disturbing) anecdotes from around the world, myth-busting and current expert opinion, this was a great informational read. Written in Bryson's distinctive clever and dry voice, I found it accessible as well. Now I'm loaded with great trivia that I will inevitably forget in a few weeks.

3.5 stars. Good overview of both the body and history of the doctors and scientists that did the research. First Bryson book I've read; not a big fan of the writing style and I prefer to read books that dive deeply into specific areas of study. Personal preference. Read this if you'd like a fascinating overview with history.

Bill Bryson teaches you everything you didn't know you wanted to know about the human body in this book. Bryson takes on the brain and skin and hair and the skeleton and the immune system and lungs and food and guts and sleep and birth and nerves and pain and disease and cancer and death. He tells the stories of the scientists behind the discoveries about the body. Everything is backed with science and footnotes, and that's part of the delight in this book, but the other part are the anecdotes about the body and the people studying the body, and that's a true joy.

This is the kind of book that (probably) drives everyone else in your family crazy; you read a little and you can't help yourself from reading parts of it aloud, and then you laugh together and walk away, and you read some more, and then you share some more, and on and on to the end.

A new favorite nonfiction read.

This book was actually fantastic as an introduction. That said, the problem I have with books written about scientific topics but not written by scientists is that they often don't delve deep enough for my liking. I realise this may be a tall order given that this is a whistle-stop tour of the human body and not a thesis, but I nevertheless did feel like I was reading a collection of semi-popular facts at times. There were a few chapters from which I made no notes (with my note-taking policy being only write down things you didn't know previously). 
The tone and language were excellent, however, and I did still manage to take away some newfound knowledge.
P.S: What about the lymphatic system?!

Since I've returned from my self-imposed Science Book Club exile, I've been reading this book which I was planning on owning and reading anyway since Bill Bryson is awesome. I will read pretty much anything he has written and will be entertained. The human body is a great subject! So much fun stuff to learn about here. Here's one bit:

For years, Britain operated a research facility called the Common Cold Unit, but it closed in 1989 without ever finding a cure. It did, however, conduct some interesting experiments. In one, a volunteer was fitted with a device that leaked a thin fluid at his nostrils at the same rate a runny nose would. The volunteer then socialized with other volunteers, as if at a cocktail party. Unknown to any of them, the fluid contained a dye visible only under ultraviolet light. When that was switched on after they had been mingling for a while, the participants were astounded to discover that the dye was everywhere–on the hands, head, and upper body of every participant and on glasses, doorknobs, sofa cushions, bowls of nuts, you name it. The average adult touches his face sixteen times an hour, and each of those touches transferred the pretend pathogen from nose to snack bowl to innocent third party to doorknob to innocent fourth party and so on until pretty much everyone and everything bore a festive glow of imaginary snot.

Title: A Captivating Journey Through the Human Body

The Body by Bill Bryson is a captivating exploration of the intricacies of the human body, presented in Bryson's signature blend of wit, curiosity, and meticulous research. Delving into the marvels of anatomy, physiology, and medical history, Bryson takes readers on an enlightening journey from head to toe, unraveling the mysteries that lie beneath our skin.

One of the book's greatest strengths is Bryson's ability to distill complex scientific concepts into accessible and engaging narratives. Whether he's discussing the inner workings of cells, the wonders of DNA, or the fascinating evolution of human physiology, Bryson's clear and engaging prose makes even the most daunting subjects comprehensible to readers of all backgrounds.

Moreover, The Body is not merely a dry recitation of facts; it's imbued with Bryson's trademark humor and wit. His anecdotes and personal observations pepper the text, infusing it with warmth and personality. From quirky historical anecdotes to amusing tidbits about the quirks of the human body, Bryson keeps readers entertained while imparting a wealth of knowledge.

Additionally, Bryson demonstrates a commendable commitment to accuracy and thoroughness throughout the book. He meticulously cites his sources and consults a wide array of experts, ensuring that his exploration of the human body is grounded in rigorous scientific evidence. This dedication to factual accuracy enhances the credibility of the book and instills trust in the reader.

However, despite its many merits, The Body occasionally suffers from pacing issues. Some sections feel overly long or meandering, detracting from the overall flow of the narrative. While Bryson's enthusiasm for his subject is evident, there are moments when tighter editing could have improved the book's cohesion and readability.

In conclusion, The Body is a thoroughly enjoyable and informative read that offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the human body. Bryson's accessible prose, combined with his depth of research and infectious curiosity, makes this book a standout addition to the genre of popular science writing. While it may not be flawless, its strengths far outweigh its minor shortcomings, earning it a solid four out of five stars.