STRANGE BEDFELLOWS Adventures in the Science, History, and Surprising Secrets of STDs

Author/narrator Ina Park is the spoonful of sugar that accompanies the science and medicine of sexually transmitted infections. There may be nothing funny about genital herpes for the millions of Americans who have contracted it, but there is something hilarious about Park's young sons fighting over the herpes soft toy she uses as an educational prop. Park's enthusiasm is clearly apparent in her rapid-fire delivery; her voice is appealing, and she's so genuine that you can't help but get swept up in the flow. She delivers sobering news about antibiotic-resistant infections, optimism about the prevention of HIV infections, and an overall need to destigmatize sexually transmitted infections. It's all interspersed with interesting patient anecdotes and self-effacing stories about getting a Brazilian in Brazil and being a cervix model for premed students. A.B. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2021]