The broader the topic, the easier it is, not only to fill a book, but to set the bar pretty high for really great stuff. Mary Roach barbookbroad Change image and share on social
You won't see me writing about particle physics, or even planetary geology, or chemistry. I practically failed chemistry, and if I had to write a book in any of those areas, I don't think it would go well. Mary Roach areabookchemistry share on social
I think that the women's magazines and a lot of those quick tips for better sex, I think that they do people a disservice, sometimes, because they become very focused on - they're thinking, 'Okay, I read that I should do this, and am I doing it right?' Mary Roach disservicefocuslot share on social
Because there are now online databases of federally funded research, and these databases are searchable by keyword, sex researchers have to be careful how they title their projects. It's become a simple matter, for those who are so inclined, to find and target researchers whose work they object to on religious grounds. Mary Roach carefuldatabasefederally share on social
A space station is a rangy monstrosity, a giant erector set built by a madman. Mary Roach builderectorgiant Change image and share on social
Any time you can take a book a little beyond the realm of pure entertainment, I think it's a good thing. But I don't really have it on my to-do list when I write a book. It just evolves naturally during the process of immersing yourself in a subject. Mary Roach bookentertainmentevolve share on social
I'm always imposing my taste in books on others. I hope that people enjoy being surprised by a book they might not otherwise read - I enjoy the surprise myself when others do this to me. Mary Roach bookenjoyhope Change image and share on social
Every crazy fad from the 1800s comes back or they never go away. It's like fashion, like everything's already been invented, and somebody stumbles onto it and people will always, always be looking for an answer for some vague illness they can't get a diagnosis for. Mary Roach 1800sanswerback share on social
Flatulence peaks twice a day... five hours after lunch and five hours after dinner. Mary Roach daydinnerflatulence Change image and share on social
I get really excited about specific therapies, personalized therapies. Like, let's say, taking a piece of someone's tumor and testing a bunch of treatments in a lab and being able to come up with the right therapy for that specific patient. Mary Roach bunchexcitelab share on social