Book Review and Giveaway: The Science of Kissing

Title: The Science of Kissing
Author: Sheril Kirshenbaum
Publisher: Hachette
Date Published: January 28, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-446-55990-4
Pages: 272

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.

Synopsis:
When did humans begin to kiss? Why is kissing integral to some cultures and alien to others? Do good kissers make the best lovers? And is that expensive lip-pumping gloss worth it? Biologist and science journalist Sheril Kirshenbaum tackles these questions and more in The Science of Kissing. Topics range from the kind of kissing men like to do (as distinct from women) to what animals can teach us about the kiss to whether or not the true art of kissing was lost sometime in the Dark Ages. Drawing on classical history, evolutionary biology, psychology, popular culture, and more, Kirshenbaum's winning book will appeal to romantics and armchair scientists alike.

About the Author:
Sheril Kirshenbaum is a research scientist at the University of Texas. She blogs on Discover magazine's website, The Intersection, and contributes to a variety of blogs and science publications.

My review:
Kirschenbaum decided to find out what was behind kissing and why we like it, don't like it, and just why do we even do it in the first place. The book is a scientific research book to discover all aspects of kissing and it was a very interesting read. The author starts the Preface with "A kiss is one of the most significant exchanges two people can have, serving as an unspoken language to convey our deepest feelings when words simply will not do." The book makes the scientific research interesting and does not bog the reader down in trying to figure out the actual science of kissing, but to have an enjoyable read to discover something new about a common act of people all over the world. The author's research for the book is extensive and filled with interesting tidbits that I think most will find fun and perhaps will be great conversation starters at the next party they attend.


Giveaway:
I have one copy of this book to giveaway. Please leave a comment with your email address to enter. The winner will be announced on February 14. Be sure to watch the blog on Valentine's Day for more giveaways related to the book.