One sentence summary:
A humorous and informative book, ‘Why Do Men Have Nipples?’ explores various medical questions in a witty and approachable style.
Book genre:
Non-fiction
Main topic of the book:
Medical curiosities and questions that people are too afraid or embarrassed to ask a doctor.
Key ideas:
- The human body is full of weird and wonderful contradictions and quirks.
- Many medical myths and old wives’ tales are debunked.
- Medicine does not always have a clear-cut explanation for certain bodily functions and conditions.
- The book aims to educate, entertain, and reassure readers about their health and bodies.
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
- Introduction: The author, Mark Leyner, shares his own experience with medical curiosities and foreshadows what readers can expect from the book.
- Part One: “Anatomy: Weird and Wonderful”: This section covers strange and interesting facts about the human body, such as why we have nipples, why fingers wrinkle in water, and why we get goosebumps.
- Part Two: “Medicine and Myths”: This part delves into the truth behind common medical myths and old wives’ tales, such as cracking knuckles causes arthritis and chocolate gives you acne.
- Part Three: “Strange Conditions and Unusual Symptoms”: Here, the book explores rare and bizarre medical conditions like alien hand syndrome and the ability to lick one’s own elbow.
- Part Four: “Embarrassing Questions and Taboo Topics”: The final section tackles sensitive topics like sexual health, bathroom habits, and excessive sweating.
Key takeaways:
- Our bodies are full of quirks and contradictions that are both fascinating and sometimes frustrating.
- There is a lot of misinformation and outdated beliefs surrounding medicine and the human body.
- It’s important to have open and honest discussions about our health and bodies, without fear or embarrassment.
Author’s background and qualifications:
Mark Leyner is an American author known for his humorous and satirical writing style. He has a Bachelor’s degree in English literature and a Master’s degree in fiction writing. While not a medical professional, Leyner has extensively researched and consulted with doctors to provide accurate information in his book.
Target audience:
The book is written for a general audience, but will likely appeal more to those with a sense of humor and an interest in medical curiosities.
Publisher and first publication date:
‘Why Do Men Have Nipples?’ was published by Three Rivers Press in 2005.