Farrar, Straus and Giroux

fridayreads:

This Week’s Giveaway is from FSG and is called… wait for it…WHY IS THE PENIS SHAPED LIKE THAT? by Jesse  Bering. You did read that right! We have been a bit more giggly when discussing our giveaway this week because we are 12, but none the less excited to present to you all a fun AND informative book.  

Why do testicles hang the way they do? Is there an adaptive function to the female orgasm? What does it feel like to want to kill yourself? Does “free will” really exist? And why is the penis shaped like that anyway?

In Why Is the Penis Shaped Like That?, the research psychologist and award-winning columnist Jesse Bering features more than thirty of his most popular essays from Scientific American and Slate, as well as two new pieces, that take readers on a bold and captivating journey through some of the most taboo issues related to evolution and human behavior. Exploring the history of cannibalism, the neurology of people who are sexually attracted to animals, the evolution of human body fluids, the science of homosexuality, and serious questions about life and death, Bering astutely covers a generous expanse of our kaleidoscope of quirks and origins. 

With his characteristic irreverence and trademark cheekiness, Bering leaves no topic unturned or curiosity unexamined, and he does it all with an audaciously original voice. Whether you’re interested in the psychological history behind the many facets of sexual desire or the evolutionary patterns that have dictated our current mystique and phallic physique, Why Is the Penis Shaped Like That? is bound to create lively discussion and debate for years to come.

Publisher’s Weekly has said- “These entertaining essays offer a cornucopia of ideas that will reward readers with hours of conversational gambits.”

Library Journal has said- ”Anyone interested in reading about the latest developments in sex research told with a generous dose of self-deprecating humor will enjoy this essay collection.”

and Carl Hays from Booklist has said- ”While remaining strictly true to the scientific facts of any given issue, Bering keeps readers on their toes with his signature salacious quips and stray, juicy peeks at his personal life.”

You can check out his site and see if he is coming to a city near you!

WHY IS THE PENIS SHAPED LIKE THAT is also a Scientific America book and you can get up-to-date info on the books page on their site.

If you find that you just can’t get yourself enough, check out this video for more information. (No worries, it Bering discussing some topics in his book.)

As always, in order to enter the giveaway, just tell us what you are reading here in the comments section, on our Facebook and Tumblr pages, or Twitter using the #fridayreads hashtag. We will notify our winners next week. Good luck everyone!