Mary Roach fans can see her sold-out Tampa book talk at free Hillsborough library watch parties this weekend

A composite image featuring the book cover of "Fuzz" by Mary Roach on the left and a portrait of the author on the right. The bright yellow cover shows the title "FUZZ" and an embroidered patch of animals, including a bear in a trash can, with the words "WHEN NATURE BREAKS THE LAW." To the right, Mary Roach smiles while standing against a dark background with her hand on her hip. Credit: Book cover courtesy of maryroach.net, headshot by Jen Siska | jensiska.com

When you see a one-word title and the name Mary Roach on a book cover, you know you’re gonna learn some crazy shit.

Named “America’s funniest science writer” by the Washington Post and “The Bill Nye of books” by Creative Loafing right now, Roach has spent two decades writing nonfiction books that take fun facts to a whole new level.

Since “Stiff,” her breakout 2003 venture into the death industry, Roach has written books on the science and history of sex (“Bonk”), digestion (“Gulp”), the afterlife (“Spook”), war (“Grunt”) and now law-breaking animals (“Fuzz”).

Last month marked the release of her ninth book and a rare break with her singular title tradition. “Replaceable You,” an exploration of prosthetics and transplants, asks, “Can a donated heart be made to beat forever? Can an intestine provide a workable substitute for a vagina?”

Roach-heads who haven’t read it yet, don’t worry. Her appearance at New Tampa Performing Arts Center is focused on “Fuzz,” which has been out since 2021.

Registration for the discussion hosted by Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries is full, but fear not. The library system is also hosting watch parties at six locations throughout the county. And the last of a dozen HCPL book discussions on “Fuzz” happens next Thursday at the Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library.

There is no cover for “Author talk with Mary Roach” happening Saturday, Nov. 1. at 1:30 p.m. Find more information at hcplc.org/AuthorEvent.

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