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Grunt

The Curious Science of Humans at War
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( 23,126 ratings, 2,561 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Grunt by Mary Roach delves into the science of keeping soldiers alive and healthy on the battlefield. The book explores a unique blend of military research and scientific inquiries, revealing the challenges faced in areas like extreme heat, deadly diseases, and the psychological impacts of warfare. Through engaging narratives and insightful interviews, Roach sheds light on how science meets warfare's gritty realities.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you're fascinated by how science and nature intersect with everyday life, then this book will grab your attention. It delves into the surprising and often humorous details of military science, exploring topics like sleep deprivation, enduring physical strain, and more, all while spotlighting the ingenious ways that science addresses them.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

‘The most entertaining writer in science’  The Times, Books of the Year  explores the mysterious world of military science

The bestselling author of Gulp and Packing for Mars explores the military’s odd and obscure adversaries and the scientists who seek to conquer them

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Grunt n. informal a low-ranking soldier.

At a converted movie studio, amputee actors prepare army medics for the shock and gore of combat wounds, while at a base in East Africa, diarrhoea threatens national security. Beyond weapons and strategy, this is about the other side of war – how scientists protect soldiers from panic, exhaustion, heat, and noise.

Setting about her task with infectious enthusiasm, the incomparable Mary Roach sniffs archival World War II stink bombs, tests earplugs in a simulated war zone with the Marine Corps, and burns the midnight oil with the sleep-deprived crew of a nuclear submarine. Speaking to the scientists and the soldiers, she learns about everything from life-changing medical procedures such as testicular transplants to more esoteric innovations like firing dead chickens at fighter jets.

Engrossing, insightful, and laugh-out-loud funny, Grunt is an irresistible ride to the wilder shores of modern military life.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Grunt by Mary Roach receives widespread acclaim for its humorous and insightful exploration of military science. Reviewers highlight Roach's ability to unearth the intriguing and oft-overlooked aspects of military technology, blending detailed reporting with wit and charm. Her talent for making complex scientific subjects accessible and entertaining is frequently praised, with many noting the book's lively and engaging narrative style.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781786070890

Publisher: Oneworld Publications

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 June 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Oneworld Publications

Illustration: 15 greyscale images

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 21.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Mary Roach is the New York Times bestselling author of several popular science books. She has written for the Guardian, Wired, BBC Focus, GQ and Vogue. She lives in California.

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