Why Is the Penis Shaped Like That?

And Other Reflections on Being Human

By: Jesse Bering

Narrated by: Jesse Bering

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 listeners 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.

©2012 Jesse Bering (P)2012 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“This book could fuel a score of dinner-party conversations…this is more than some scientific stocking-filler: it uses science to unsettle our most embedded assumptions. It is deeply thought-provoking.” —Sunday Times (UK)

“Bering's jokes about the things that make us most squeamish invite us to share his joyful curiosity about human sexuality, to see the world through his eyes...As Bering describes it, the complex interplay between biology, psychology, and culture suggests that what makes us most human--empathy--is also what makes us the most complicated beast of all.” —Bookforum

“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.” —Library Journal

Title Caught My Attention, The Content Was Great!

Okay, you got me! I have to admit that the title of the book caught my attention, but once I got into it, I realized that this book is chock full of information on the body and body parts that I typically don’t give much thought to. I do now!

The book goes into good enough detail on how and why humans do what we do, and how we evolved to be that way. I found it to be very informative and it kept my attention throughout.
Guess what?... I did find out why the penis is shaped that way! And, that alone is worth the price of the book.

If you want a book that talks about and explains so many of the body functions that usually only bring about a blush to ones face, or have you speaking in code “down there”, “private parts” or “unmentionables”, then this book is for you.

The author, Jesse Bering, writes about everything under the sun from anal sex, bestiality, foot fetishes, gay/straight stuff, religion, death and dying… and so much more. Plus, you’ll even find out why the penis is shaped that way. (smile!)

Enjoy the book and get over some “hangups” that you might have about why people are the way that they are, and that when it comes down to it, there’s really nothing wrong with it and it’s nature playing its role the way that nature does.

Entertaining

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Entertaining, revealing, changing

What was one of the most memorable moments of Why Is the Penis Shaped Like That??

The author's own experiences realizing he was gay at a young age and relating what it was like growing up gay. I love his total openness in relating his own experiences and beliefs. He lays it right out there, like more people should.

Have you listened to any of Jesse Bering???s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed the book. Perhaps not all of his research is scientifically spot on as some reviewers pointed out, but most of it is, plus the story was very entertaining and it left me with some new perspectives. I love books that really make you think and this book accomplishes that!

Hilarious and informative

This book was a lot of fun. It's sort of a "questions you were afraid to ask" kind of book and Jesse does an excellent job narrating it. It's full of cheesy but funny puns and addresses all sorts of issues you've likely never read about but were interested in. Definitely worth a listen!

It appears there is a reason for almost everything

Jesse Bering lays out years of research in an informative and entertaining fashion that occasionally made me say "eww, who would volunteer to do that?" and often made me laugh. Jesse pun's and humor kept the book moving and I always looked forward to the next installment.

Not all the topics were comfortable but isnt that really what makes us want more and how we grow?

I found the insights into how somethings were researched to be very interesting. Insights into the authors awareness of his own sexuality was equally interesting.

I purchased the book because the title was catchy and I needed to use a credit. I quickly found it was a well spent credit. Once again, the author reading his own work was a total bonus.

One of the most thought provoking books I've read!

What made the experience of listening to Why Is the Penis Shaped Like That? the most enjoyable?

After the first couple chapters I made my husband listen with me in the car, and watching the expression on his face of "WOW, I never thought of that!" was the most enjoyable. (aside from feeling that way myself)

What was one of the most memorable moments of Why Is the Penis Shaped Like That??

While this has nothing to do with the book - I was waiting in the car and listening to the book with the volume a little too loud, and then an elderly woman walked past my open window with a distinctive look on her face...LOL

Which scene was your favorite?

The chapter that discussed tribal rituals about ingesting semen as a source of masculinity and vitality.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"ear muffs!" -Old School Movie

Real entertainment for real nerds.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

My boyfriend, a very soon to be doctor, and I listened to this one on a road trip. It's very well-written-- he makes a lot of big words seem somehow accessible and unpretentious-- and unique. I consider myself pretty well-read and there were tons of studies and ideas featured that I have never heard of before. It gives you a whole new perspective on sexual deviants and functions that we take for granted.

Any additional comments?

I really can't wait for his next book!

Not a story,per say, but interesting facts

Facts about sex, about our bodies, relationships, and evolutionary advantage. While its a lot to take in it somehow manages to be entertaining, and even funny. For the frank, and curious. Prudes beware- it will definitely make YOU blush.

Completely Sex Dominated

I guess from the title I should not have been surprised that this book was completely dominated by the topic of sex. If you are interested in why some humans have foot fetishes, are attracted to animals or so many other sexual oddities, this book is definitely for you. If you are looking for a great read on sexual selection as it relates to human nature, I strongly suggest The Red Queen by Matt Ridley.

mostly about sex -- discussed with puns

Any additional comments?

Since the title mentions "being human," I was expecting a broader focus, but I did appreciate Bering's matter-of-fact manner in writing and speaking. Once I found myself disagreeing with him, but not about his scientific research - just his "suspicions." And he mentions readers' feedback, so I know that if I choose to write to him, he'll actually read it.

Interesting

Would you try another book from Jesse Bering and/or Jesse Bering?

No.

Would you be willing to try another book from Jesse Bering? Why or why not?

Although interesting in the beginning chapters, the author descends to subjects that didn't have any appeal to me.

What does Jesse Bering bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I think the fact that the author reads his own words helped to understand where he was coming from. This also had a negative effect towards the end of the read.

Do you think Why Is the Penis Shaped Like That? needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Not for me.