Book reviews

This best-selling author made his name in travel writing and his keen observations and singular humour take us on another journey – this time as he guides us through the human body, how it functions, its remarkable ability to heal itself, and the ways it can fail.

While Bryson’s trademark wit again reveals itself at unexpected moments, his latest work is also stacked with extraordinary details, including: your body has made a million red blood cells since you started reading this; the biggest component in any human, filling 61 per cent of available space, is oxygen; the amount of electricity going on within your cells is a thousand times greater than within your house.

Bryson’s memorable anecdotes and generous doses of wonder may lead you to a deeper understanding of the miracle that is your life.