Science...for Her!

Starred review from September 1, 2014
Comedian Amram brings her absurd brand of humor to a satirical take on science lessons “tailored for the female brain.” This mock textbook/women’s magazine hybrid makes repeated nods to Cosmopolitan magazine–style content with headlines like “Hot Reproductive Sex Tips,” “Best Gravitational Fields for Losing Weight,” and “Tips for Hosting Your Own Big Bang.” Chapters are divided by areas of scientific study; twisted facts are interspersed among raunchy references to real figures, such as Marie Curie, who Amram describes as a “real butterface” whose “husband probably did all of her work for her.” The incisive parody of misogyny continues with Amram’s assurance that women can’t drive due to their “inherently poor grasp of physics,” and a hilariously erroneous breakdown of Todd Akin’s “legitimate rape” comments. Other bits include a spoof on a health-conscious Paula Deen cookbook featuring “Fruit Salad” made of Skittles with ranch dressing. Often vulgar and wildly inappropriate, but if that describes your brand of humor, Amram hits the funny bone in all the right spots. Color photos.

October 1, 2014

Amram (writer, TV's Parks and Recreation) is tired of reading heavy science texts written for men. In this satire of Cosmopolitan magazine, the author makes crude but hilarious jokes out of science topics in the context of fashion, celebrities, and relationships. Covering smidgens of biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, medicine, and technology, the book is written in a superficial, condescending tone, reminiscent of magazine articles that tell women exactly what to wear and how to act in order to please men. Features include: "This Spring's Most Glamorous Ways To Die," "Most Romantic Places To See Smog," and "Best Gravitational Fields for Losing Weight." Amram is frequently vulgar, presenting sexually graphic material as well as jokes about race and rape, making the content offensive in places. VERDICT An absurd blend of science with beauty and dating tips, this book will appeal to the author's Twitter followers (Amram was named one of Rolling Stone's 25 funniest people on Twitter) and fans of the mock articles in The Onion.--Laurie Neuerburg, Victoria Coll.-Univ. of Houston Lib.

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