School Library Journal Review
Roach does it again. Amid all the debates about the military-industrial complex in our country, its impact on medicine, invention, and other scientific pursuits is often overlooked. Roach interviews those in science-related military careers, employing her cockeyed sense of humor and awing readers with what she uncovers. (http://ow.ly/PN4C305MyAa)-Jamie Watson, Baltimore County Public Library © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
It's a surprisingly difficult task to narrate Roach's writing, because it's serious science but also whimsical fun. But Elvidge matches the two aspects perfectly, balancing the informative and the playful in a way that captures Roach's innate knack for edutaintment. The actress is a relative newcomer to audiobooks, narrating over a dozen credited ones in the last few years, primarily in nonfiction, YA, and memoir. Her bright, high vocal tone brings an inquisitive sensibility to the book. It's clear she is enjoying the fruits of Roach's research-following the scientific discoveries that help soldiers withstand extreme weather, combat exhaustion, and severe injury (even if it means cleaning out necrotic tissue via "medical maggots"). Elvidge sounds as curious and excited about the findings as Roach herself, always ready to volunteer one of Roach's many witty zingers to keep things lively. A Norton hardcover. (June) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Library Journal Review
In her latest effort, Roach (Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal) investigates the science of the U.S. military. She studies sleep deprivation in nuclear submarines, smells stink bombs used in World War II, and views shark repellent research designed to help conquer sailors' and pilots' fear of being eaten alive. Roach herself is on-site to ask military scientists, Navy SEALs, submariners, generals, and soldiers (grunts) about the seemingly small issues that can affect major operations, such as diarrhea for snipers or poor hearing during combat situations. She concludes the book with a visit to the official meeting of military staff and medics who examine each death of U.S. service personnel in combat zones. Roach deploys her distinctive, self-deprecating, humorous style in each of these interactions and asks common-sense questions listeners might wish to ask the experts. Narrator Abby -Elvidge has a wry reading style that matches Roach's text. VERDICT Fans of Roach's previous titles will be rewarded, and fans of the military, especially military science, will learn a lot. Highly recommended. ["A must-read for fans of Roach and for those who relish learning about the secret histories of everyday things": LJ 5/1/16 starred review of the Norton hc.]-Jason L. Steagall, Gateway -Technical Coll. Lib., Elkhorn, WI © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.