Ever wonder how much you can eat before your stomach bursts? Or, if it’s possible for the human body to survive a bailout in space at 17,000 miles per hour? How do medical professionals uncover the details of a plane crash by examining recovered bodies?
If you’re feeling curious about answers you never knew you needed, you’re in luck! The Aurora Public Library District (APLD) is joining libraries across Illinois to be host to entertaining and hilarious The New York Times best-selling science author, Mary Roach, Wednesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. Mary’s curious mind wondered these unconventional questions and she dived into the world of science to find the answers.
In this event, Roach will discuss her frank approach to science, the importance of humor, and the exploration of the weird and wonderful world in which we live. The Washington Post has dubbed her, “America’s funniest science writer” despite her claim that, “people call me a science writer, though I don’t have a science degree and some times have to fake my way through interviews with experts I can’t understand!” Roach has explored topics including the curious lives of human cadavers, packing to visit outer space, the afterlife, the alimentary canal, and more topics. Roach claims to have no hobbies, but enjoys birdwatching, hiking, playing scrabble, and watching late-night Animal Planet on television.
Nature and cat-lover, and fellow science author, Annalee Newitz, will join Mary Roach in conversation. Newitz has a Ph.D. in English and American Studies from UC Berkeley and is one-half of the hilarious podcast, Our Opinions are Correct. On their show, Newitz delves into the weird, wonderful, and nerdy framework of science in pop culture. Their newest novel, The Terraformers, was released just last month and earned Amazon’s Editors’ pick for Best Science Fiction & Fantasy. You won’t want to miss this evening!
This event is presented in partnership with Illinois Libraries Present, a collaborative effort designed to bring virtual events with bestselling, esteemed, and diverse speakers to library customers across the State. More than 140 libraries have joined the second season of Illinois Libraries Present which is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a Department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).
The Weird and Wonderful World with Mary Roach will be held Wednesday, March 1 at 7 p.m.. The virtual event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To learn more and register for the event, visit www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/event/7724292. For more information, contact the Library at 630-264-4117.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.