The Body: A Guide for Occupants

by Bill Bryson
The Body: A Guide for Occupants cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Science and Innovation
Technical:
  • ID: 961
  • Added: 2025-09-23
  • Updated: 2025-09-23
  • ISBN: 9780385685764
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2021-01-26
  • Formats: 9
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99

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. With his signature wit and curiosity, Bryson explores how the body functions, its remarkable ability to heal, and the ways it can fail. Filled with extraordinary facts and compelling anecdotes, The Body offers a deeper understanding of the miracle of life and the intricate workings of our own bodies. Bryson's approachable style makes complex biological concepts accessible and entertaining, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in the human experience. From the production of a million red blood cells since you started reading to the wonders of the body's healing processes, The Body is a comprehensive and compulsively readable guide. Bryson's exploration is not just informative but also a celebration of the human form, encouraging readers to appreciate the marvel that is life.

Reviews
Science Angles · 2020-07-09
informative 4.00

The book is described as a whistle-stop tour of the human body, covering a wide range of topics with a high rating.

The reviewer appreciates the comprehensive nature of the book, covering various systems of the human body in an engaging manner. They highlight the book's ability to make complex topics accessible and enjoyable, although they note that it can feel like a quick overview at times. The reviewer praises the book's informative content and engaging writing style, making it a valuable read for those interested in human anatomy and health.

Quick quotes

    A whistle-stop tour of the human body

    Topics covered range from the main systems of the human body

    An engaging and informative read

NPR · 2019-10-15
disappointing 2.50

The reviewer finds the book lacking in Bryson's characteristic wit and depth, making it feel more like a textbook.

The reviewer expresses disappointment in the absence of Bryson's usual wit and engaging style, which they feel makes the book fall short of his previous works. They note that while the book is informative, it lacks the depth and charm that made his other books stand out. The reviewer suggests that the book feels more like a textbook and less like the engaging exploration they expected.

Quick quotes

    The Body is the sort of book that makes one wonder how it is that Bryson lost his magic touch in making very big books transcend the common textbook.

    Bryson's characteristic wit is missing

    Feels more like a textbook than an engaging exploration

The Guardian · 2019-09-26
engaging 4.00

The book is praised for its extraordinary stories and engaging delivery, capturing the wonders of the human body with Bryson's signature style.

The reviewer highlights how the book effectively balances scientific facts with engaging storytelling, making complex topics accessible. They appreciate the unique perspective and the way Bryson's writing style makes the subject matter both informative and entertaining. The book is seen as a worthy successor to Bryson's previous works, offering a comprehensive and fascinating exploration of the human body.

Quick quotes

    Extraordinary stories about the heart, lungs, genitals ... plus some anger and life advice – all delivered in the inimitable Bryson style

    A directory of wonders

    Bryson's inimitable style makes this a must-read

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