The Body

by Stephen King
The Body cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Science and Innovation
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 3422
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780385685764
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2021-01-26
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Bill Bryson, the bestselling author of A Short History of Nearly Everything, takes readers on an engaging head-to-toe tour of the human body. This comprehensive yet compulsively readable book delves into how the body functions, its remarkable self-healing abilities, and the ways it can fail. Bryson's signature wit and storytelling prowess make this a must-read owner's manual for understanding the miracle of life and the intricate workings of our own bodies. /n/nFull of extraordinary facts and irresistible anecdotes, The Body will captivate readers with its wealth of information. From the millions of red blood cells produced every second to the body's complex systems, Bryson's exploration is both enlightening and entertaining. This book is a celebration of the human form, designed to cure our indifference and foster a deeper appreciation for the wondrous machine that is the human body.

Reviews
The Quill to Live · 2021-08-30
harrowing 4.25

The novel is both delightful and harrowing, with the characters' adventures and the story's themes leaving a lasting impression. The suburban setting adds a layer of nostalgia.

The reviewer from The Quill to Live finds 'The Body' to be a delightful yet harrowing experience. They appreciate the dynamics between the main characters and the way their adventures unfold. The suburban setting adds a layer of nostalgia, making the story feel both timeless and deeply personal. The reviewer is particularly struck by the emotional depth and the themes of friendship and loss, which they find both compelling and moving.

Quick quotes

    The Body is a delightful and harrowing experience.

    Gordie and his pals–Vern, Teddy, and Chris–spend their days playing cards in their treehouse and embarking on adventures that are both thrilling and poignant.

    The suburban setting adds a layer of nostalgia, making the story feel both timeless and deeply personal.

A Paper Arrow · 2020-01-07
heartbreaking 4.50

The story is heartbreaking and emotional, showcasing King's mastery of storytelling beyond horror. It's a powerful coming-of-age narrative that leaves a lasting impact.

The reviewer at A Paper Arrow describes 'The Body' as a heartbreaking and emotional coming-of-age story. They emphasize that King's ability to craft compelling narratives extends far beyond the horror genre. The reviewer is particularly moved by the characters and their journey, which they find both poignant and unforgettable. The story's emotional resonance is a testament to King's skill as a storyteller.

Quick quotes

    The Body is a heartbreaking, emotional coming-of-age story.

    It proves Stephen King is not just a master of horror, but a masterful storyteller who can write a compelling narrative.

    The story's emotional resonance is a testament to King's skill as a storyteller.

Erica Robyn Reads · Erica Robyn · 2019-04-13
poignant 4.00

The novel beautifully captures the rise and fall of friendship among a group of boys, making it a poignant coming-of-age story. The emotional depth and nostalgia are particularly striking.

Erica Robyn highlights how 'The Body' is a wonderful tale about the complexities of friendship and growing up. She appreciates the way King portrays the boys' adventures and the inevitable changes that come with adolescence. The story resonates deeply, bringing back memories of youth and the bonds that shape us. Erica also notes the emotional weight of the narrative, which makes it a standout in King's repertoire.

Quick quotes

    The Body by Stephen King is a wonderful tale about the rise and fall of the friendship between a group of boys over the course of one morbid summer.

    King's ability to capture the essence of childhood friendships is unparalleled.

    The emotional depth and nostalgia in this novel are particularly striking.

Appears in Lists