Gulp

Listener Reviews

1. 5.0(1)

   Tickles Your Tastebuds

   Would you listen to Gulp again? Why?

   This is definitely going on the "listen again" list, Mary Roach packs so much information into her books that you can never digest (forgive me) it all in one go.

   What did you like best about this story?

   Roach isn't squeamish about tackling the less glorious topics, she looks into the angles that I want to know about, but am too afraid to ask.

   Any additional comments?

   If you are inquisitive, any of Roaches works are worth a listen!

   Chelsea Leonard · July 20, 2023

2. 4.0(1)

   Great Science!

   the voice talent tends to act out quotes, I assume to differentiate between the author and her interviewees. I am finding this very distracting and the voice seems to sound almost mocking. I expect this acting in dictating fiction. I wish I could hear this without the changes in tone.

   Amber Buck · June 25, 2023

3. 4.0(1)

   Easily digestible fare

   Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

   First off, I must admit to being a fan of Mary Roach, whose books delve into the eccentricities, trivialities, and the “have you ever wondered how” aspects of our human bodies. In this vein, Gulp dares the reader to boldly explore the splendor of what our bodies do to food from bite to bowel. Roach’s style isn’t to take any of this too seriously, or to drown the reader in arcane science; rather, she interviews experts in various fields or takes on the role of observer or occasional lab rat. All of this is infused with liberal amounts of tongue and cheek humor which is narrated in such a breezy, personal tone that I thought Roach herself was doing the narration. In the end, the reader won’t come away with anything close to encyclopedic understanding of human digestion but if that’s what you are looking for then Gulp is the wrong book for you anyway. Instead if you are looking to have a little info to go with your entertainment, and you don’t mind occasionally being a little grossed out (see the bit on tasters), Gulp may just leave you feeling a little awed by how your body works its unseen magic turning what you have eaten into what you are.

   Crystal Howe · December 3, 2022

4. 4.0(1)

   Quirky, Fascinating and Funny

   This was my first Mary Roach book and I have to say, I love her witty, comical nonfiction writing style. The content is certainly quirky and likely wouldn’t hold the attention of the average reader, but I love science oddities and trivial facts, so I certainly enjoyed this book (disclaimer, it’s not all trivial). I also quite enjoyed the links between science and culture that are woven throughout. It’s a quick and fascinating read that will have you laughing out loud at times. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys science-based nonfiction—not to worry though, it’s nothing like reading a textbook!

   FredGarcia · November 1, 2021

5. 4.0(1)

   Last few chapters are great

   I am glad I continued to the end. Got a bit boring in the middle. The narration could be better.

   Dmitriy Burdan · January 24, 2021

6. 5.0(1)

   Mary Roach!!

   Her work is always entertaining and informative. Her humor and intelligence are always on display. She and and Diane Ackerman are my favorite writers of the genre

   Kelsey Leblanc · December 4, 2020

7. 3.0(1)

   Depth of a TV Show

   There are a few valuable insights in this book. I did learn *something* about the way that digestion works. But really, the book is written for a reader who does not want much depth in the subject, but who would like to hear about the peculiarities of past researchers and the peculiarities of animal digestive tracts, punctuated by tidbits of understanding. I won't return the book. But I would have liked to know how shallow it was prior to my purchase. hope this helps.

   David Lafleur · October 15, 2020

8. 4.0(1)

   Facinating info

   I loved all of Mary Roache's books, fascinating research and story line, although some of the research bits are a bit long, but interviews with the scientists are always interesting.

   Richard L. Austin · May 28, 2020