Thursday, October 6, 2016

Venom Doc

Venom Doc by Bryan Grieg Fry
Arcade Publishing: 10/4/16
eBook review copy; 316 pages
ISBN-13: 9781628726992
http://www.venomdoc.com/

Venom Doc: The Edgiest, Darkest, Strangest Natural History Memoir Ever by Bryan Grieg Fry is the very highly recommended memoir of a professional venom biologist.

In this very appealing conversational style memoir Bryan Grieg Fry, Australia's most renowned field biologist/venomologist, shares stories, jokes, close calls and quips. Ultimately it is all about what he loves: venomous creatures. Yup. Fry loves all things poisonous and deadly. He has been "bitten by twenty-six venomous snakes, been stung by three stingrays, and survived a near-fatal scorpion sting while deep in the Amazon jungle. He’s received more than four hundred stitches and broken twenty-three bones, including breaking his back in three places, and had to learn how to walk again." I know this may surprise all of you, but Fry lives a much more exciting, adrenaline pumped life than I do and I'm good with that.

Venom Doc (Check out the website for YouTube videos and more information)
YouTube Video
venom evolution chart
There are also many pictures to be found online of Fry and venomous creatures, but the book does include a section of black and white photos.

The great thing about Venom Doc is that you don't need a scientific background to enjoy it as Fry will explain any scientific or technical terms he uses and has made this memoir for the general public. While entertaining you, and you will be entertained (and maybe a bit horrified at his actions), he will also educate you. It is fast-paced and does not have any slow or boring sections, which is sort of what I expected and therefore was pleased about finding true. If you need to set this aside while reading it it will be because you needed the break, either because the action was overwhelming or creeped you out (guilty).  It's not all just for the thrills, though. Fry's discoveries have contributed to venom-based medications that can save lives.


Disclosure: My advanced reading copy was courtesy of the publisher for review purposes.

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