Kindle
$18.99
Available instantly
Audible Logo Audiobook
$0.00
with membership trial
Hardcover
$15.19
Paperback
$14.79
Buy new:
-42% $15.19
FREE delivery Thursday, May 16 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon
Sold by: Pearlzone
$15.19 with 42 percent savings
List Price: $25.99

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Thursday, May 16 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$15.19 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$15.19
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon
Ships from
Amazon
Sold by
Pearlzone
Sold by
Pearlzone
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$7.73
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
The book may have minor cosmetic wear like creased spine, cover, scratches, curled corners, folded pages, minor sunburn, minor water damage, minor bent. The book may have some highlights, notes, underlined pages. Accessories such as CD, codes, toys, may not be included . Safe and Secure Mailer. No Hassle Return The book may have minor cosmetic wear like creased spine, cover, scratches, curled corners, folded pages, minor sunburn, minor water damage, minor bent. The book may have some highlights, notes, underlined pages. Accessories such as CD, codes, toys, may not be included . Safe and Secure Mailer. No Hassle Return See less
FREE delivery Wednesday, May 15 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Friday, May 10. Order within 14 hrs 32 mins
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$15.19 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$15.19
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Kari Byron
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Crash Test Girl: An Unlikely Experiment in Using the Scientific Method to Answer Life's Toughest Questions Hardcover – May 8, 2018

by Kari Byron (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 327 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$15.19","priceAmount":15.19,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"15","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"19","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"oSpjErGArm2f%2Fy7%2BYpBQxjG%2FQ%2Fb%2Fy8ZempLQa2jFkQUkCNK6aCdsYwLpwv%2BqzCyhnpZ%2Fbmj2wbT4QINrTBmSTwKMhh5ulI%2BfrCkTNNcvQHmUuCk19BVoqcz6zdW98Icphq2yn01YqO%2Bdo0yG%2FAR2RZaua%2BgqV0xXij0Y6RX0xt5U9ZPDKuJaTkGnWRYhZlKJ","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$7.73","priceAmount":7.73,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"7","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"73","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"oSpjErGArm2f%2Fy7%2BYpBQxjG%2FQ%2Fb%2Fy8ZeuEYSkMwA9zeCkBsvMmF9tFfTwmUOeyTnHjTcO1oVFFLrVl6u6vsBTaE7x6GrTpogFNtK6bxyYDnY26b1aS6tS6Ddv0xFywO5svKZxlu0WDeGUN6iheSGp9DxTsbsY7AQT9PkIiN5baAs3jsFs9oRsByxvH%2FW8HjP","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

Kari Byron—former host of the wildly popular, iconic cult classic MythBusters—shows how to crash test your way through life, no lab coat required.

Kari Byron’s story hasn’t been a straight line. She started out as a broke artist living in San Francisco, writing poems on a crowded bus on the way to one of her three jobs. Many curve balls, unexpected twists, and yes, literal and figurative explosions later, and she’s one of the world’s most respected women in science entertainment, blowing stuff up on national television and getting paid for it! In Crash Test Girl, Kari reveals her fascinating life story on the set of MythBusters and beyond. With her signature gusto and roll-up-your-sleeves enthusiasm, she invites readers behind the duct tape and the dynamite, to the unlikely friendships and low-budget sets that turned a crazy idea into a famously inventive show with a rabid fanbase.

The truth is, Mythbusters was never meant to be a science show. But attaching a rocket to a car, riding a motorcycle on water, or lighting 500 pounds of coffee creamer on fire requires a decent understanding of chemistry, physics, and engineering. Thus, the cast and crew brought in the scientific method to work through each problem: Question. Hypothesize. Experiment. Analyze. Conclude. And as Kari came to learn in her own life, not only is the scientific method the best approach for busting myths, it’s also the perfect tool for solving everyday issues, including:

Career · Love · Creativity · Setbacks · Money · Sexuality · Depression · Bravery

Crash Test Girl reminds us that science is for everyone, as long as you’re willing to strap in, put on your safety goggles, hit a few walls, and learn from the results. Using a combination of methodical experimentation and unconventional creativity, you’ll come to the most important conclusion of all: In life, sometimes you crash and burn, but you can always crash and learn.

Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    HarperOne
  4. Publication date
    May 8, 2018
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.89 x 8.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0062749773
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0062749772
  8. See all details
Next page
The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

Crash Test Girl: An Unlikely Experiment in Using the Scientific Method to Answer Life's Toughest Questions
$15.19
Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Sold by Pearlzone and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
+
Every Tool's a Hammer: Life Is What You Make It
$13.29
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
One of these items ships sooner than the other.
Show details Hide details
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Crash Test Girl is a journey into the incredible mind and incredible life of Kari Byron, one of the smartest women in the business. This engaging book is the closest you’ll get to a roadmap of how to be smart and savvy no matter what life throws at you.” — Mayim Balik, New York Times bestselling author of Girling Up

“When I was a kid I wanted to be Kari Byron. Actually, who am I kidding, I still want to be Kari Byron. This book taught me how.” — Simone Giertz, inventor, maker, robot enthusiast and YouTuber

“ Supremely entertaining and surprisingly candid, Crash Test Girl is one part autobiography, one part live-your-life instruction manual, presented with the unique badassery that’s made Kari Byron a total rock star and one of my favorite people.” — Mike Senese, executive editor of Make: magazine

“Kari Byron smashes the stereotype of a scientist as a white male in a lab coat with a beaker. Her fascinating journey from ‘starving artist’ to  ‘accidental scientist celebrity’ gripped me at every page. Want to get more young women interested in STEM? Have them read this book!”
— Debbie Sterling, Founder and CEO, GoldieBlox  

“Kari and I have been through a lot over the years on the set of Mythbusters and beyond. This book is like a behind-the-scenes look into the most epic explosions, gnarliest discoveries, and hilarious outtakes that happen when blowing sh*t up is in your job description.” — Tory Belleci, former Mythbusters host, professional builder and science entertainer

About the Author

Kari Byron has been the most recognizable, honored, and beloved woman in science-based reality TV for over a decade. She is best known as a host on Discovery ChannelMythBusters but has gone on to host and produce shows spanning several networks: Head Rush; Punkin Chunkin; Large, Dangerous Rocket Ships; Thrill Factor; Strange Trips; America Declassified; White Rabbit Project; and Positive Energy. Currently she lives in San Francisco with her husband, Paul, and daughter, Stella.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperOne (May 8, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062749773
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062749772
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.89 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 327 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Kari Byron

Kari Byron

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

KARI BYRON has been the most recognizable, honored and beloved woman in science-based reality TV for over fifteen years. On the Discovery Channel, she hosted MythBusters, the network’s flagship show (and one of its biggest, longest running hits, with millions of viewers per episode) from 2003 to 2016. On the Science Channel, Kari hosted Punpkin Chunkin and Large Dangerous Rocket Ships, and produced, created and hosted Head Rush. She also stars in the NatGeo series Positive Energy. Kari’s passion for smart entertainment has led her around the world chasing the stories that keep us learning and laughing.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
327 global ratings
WOW - could not put down this book. Well written, fascinating, inspiring.
5 Stars
WOW - could not put down this book. Well written, fascinating, inspiring.
I read the book cover to cover in one weekend. It's the type of book that's fascinating, insightful, funny and a total page-turner. Kari is an incredible writer and story teller and I honestly can't tell you how much I loved this book. She's lived a fascinating life and has gained a lot of wisdom worth sharing along the way.The way she breaks up the book is so creative - you never get tired of reading. I loved the drawings throughout, the behind the scenes images, and the way she framed her live through the scientific method. At one point my husband looked over at me and asked "how are you almost done with that book already?" (I'm typically not a fast reader) I simply responded "It's so good!"Buy this for anyone who is a Kari Byron fan, they won't be disappointed. Buy this for creative, curious people in your life who are chasing after a dream - they'll draw inspiration and practical advice from this read. But ESPECIALLY buy this for women in your life because this touched my woman in STEM soul and every woman in STEM should have this.Is it too soon to ask for the next book?
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Emily C
5.0 out of 5 stars WOW - could not put down this book. Well written, fascinating, inspiring.
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2019
Verified Purchase
I read the book cover to cover in one weekend. It's the type of book that's fascinating, insightful, funny and a total page-turner. Kari is an incredible writer and story teller and I honestly can't tell you how much I loved this book. She's lived a fascinating life and has gained a lot of wisdom worth sharing along the way.

The way she breaks up the book is so creative - you never get tired of reading. I loved the drawings throughout, the behind the scenes images, and the way she framed her live through the scientific method. At one point my husband looked over at me and asked "how are you almost done with that book already?" (I'm typically not a fast reader) I simply responded "It's so good!"

Buy this for anyone who is a Kari Byron fan, they won't be disappointed. Buy this for creative, curious people in your life who are chasing after a dream - they'll draw inspiration and practical advice from this read. But ESPECIALLY buy this for women in your life because this touched my woman in STEM soul and every woman in STEM should have this.

Is it too soon to ask for the next book?
Customer image
Emily C
5.0 out of 5 stars WOW - could not put down this book. Well written, fascinating, inspiring.
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2019
I read the book cover to cover in one weekend. It's the type of book that's fascinating, insightful, funny and a total page-turner. Kari is an incredible writer and story teller and I honestly can't tell you how much I loved this book. She's lived a fascinating life and has gained a lot of wisdom worth sharing along the way.

The way she breaks up the book is so creative - you never get tired of reading. I loved the drawings throughout, the behind the scenes images, and the way she framed her live through the scientific method. At one point my husband looked over at me and asked "how are you almost done with that book already?" (I'm typically not a fast reader) I simply responded "It's so good!"

Buy this for anyone who is a Kari Byron fan, they won't be disappointed. Buy this for creative, curious people in your life who are chasing after a dream - they'll draw inspiration and practical advice from this read. But ESPECIALLY buy this for women in your life because this touched my woman in STEM soul and every woman in STEM should have this.

Is it too soon to ask for the next book?
Images in this review
Customer image
Customer image
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Aaron DeMott
4.0 out of 5 stars Get to know more about Kari Byron, and some behind the scenes with Mythbusters
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2019
Verified Purchase
First, clarification on my rating system, since everyone's is different.

5 stars - This is one of my favorite books of all time
4. stars - I loved this book, and couldn't stop thinking about it after I'd finished it.
3 stars - I like this book, and enjoyed reading it. I'll continue reading the series.
2 stars - I didn't like this book.
1 star - I hated this book, and will never read anything else by this author again.

I like reading biographys of famous people I like, and this is no exception. Not only do we get to peek behind the scenes of Mythbusters, but we get to learn more about Kari's life, who she is, and some lessons she's learned along the way.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Andrew L. Faber
5.0 out of 5 stars A fun read! (with some useful tips thrown in)
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2018
Verified Purchase
This is an upbeat, fun book, full of practical wisdom and good advice. In fact, I've given two copies to high school seniors, who I think will find Kari's optimistic view of life and opportunities to be a help as they confront the next stage of their lives. (As she puts it: going from "crash test girl" to "road-tested woman"). I should disclose that Kari was a high school classmate of one of our daughters; in fact, I first found out about the book a few months ago when Kari and other members of their group convened at our house for one of their yearly get-togethers. The fact that these school friends still re-unite 25 years later and still like each other says a lot about their characters. It's fun and gratifying as a parent to observe the various paths they have followed. Kari's is certainly one of the more unusual, and it's really delightful that she has been able to put some of her wit and charm into book form for the benefit of all of us. Highly recommended.
10 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Homer Hickam
5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book and couldn't put it down until the last page.
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2018
Verified Purchase
This is a great read with lots of life lessons plus some very interesting insights to MythBusters, the tv program that Kari worked on for so many years. After finishing her book, I realized she is an amazing woman in so many respects. With no technical background (she's an artist), she educated herself in science and engineering to keep up with the others on that show, far exceeding what might have been expected of her. She is a great role model, especially for young women. In her book, she provides prodigious advice about coping with the trials of life and love and I believe every youngster, especially the young ladies, should receive it as a gift from their parents, grandparents, or friends. Science teachers should also take note and recommend it to their students. I hope this is just the start of Kari's literary career. She has some important things to say!
10 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Rich S.
5.0 out of 5 stars Chaotic and fun. Worth reading for any Kari Byron fan.
Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2018
Verified Purchase
Byron is, as one would hope, a far more interesting person than the glimpses we got over the years in Mythbusters. She is complex, chaotic, and in her own way, glorious. As much about self-help and finding a way as it is a biography, the book is chaotic, honest, and doesn't pull its punches.

If you loved MB, and its cast, you'll appreciate the book, the plethora of behind the scenes stories and moments, and Kari's remarkably gung-ho life.

I thoroughly enjoyed it.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Cap'n Dave
4.0 out of 5 stars Good, fun book for Mythbusters/Kari Byron fans.
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2018
Verified Purchase
Enjoyable book. It was a fun read. Her life was fascinating. One thing to note. It's obvious what Kari's politics are, but unlike many other "Hollywood" types she doesn't insult or berate those who don't believe the same things she does.
Helpful
 Report
James Morehead
5.0 out of 5 stars Honest life lessons wrapped in the scientific method.
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2021
Verified Purchase
Both the audiobook (read by the author) and the physical book are excellent listens / reads. The approach - applying the scientific method to life - and no holds barred honesty make this an entertaining and valuable series of life lessons. Highly recommended.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
50's Kid
5.0 out of 5 stars A good read.
Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2020
Verified Purchase
Easy to read, and provides a lot of interesting biographical information on Kari and how she got to where she is today, and how she is helping to expand the STEAM movement in education. It also gives some useful insight into the reality TV environment. I finished reading the book the day before Grant Imahara passed away.
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
MaryAnn Cervin-Lawry
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for fans of the show
Reviewed in Canada on February 21, 2019
Verified Purchase
Very much enjoyed this book, both for Kari's writing and for the behind the scenes of the early days for the Mythebusters.
Report
M. Breidenbach
5.0 out of 5 stars Autobiografie und Selbsthilfe-Buch in einem
Reviewed in Germany on May 20, 2018
Verified Purchase
Habe das Buch gekauft weil ich Mythbusters (und natürlich auch Kari Byron)-Fan bin. Kari erzählt äußerst kurzweilig ihre Lebensgeschichte und spart auch ernstere Themen nicht aus. Zudem nimmt sie kein Blatt vor den Mund und ist auch selbstkritisch. Das Buch ist natürlich auf Englisch, aber leicht zu verstehen, wenn man einigermaßen des Englischen mächtig ist. Habe mit vor ein paar Monaten "Backwards and in Heels" von Alicia Malone geholt. Wer dieses Buch lesen konnte, wird mit "Crash Test Girl" auch keine Probleme haben.
Report
Evie Bee
5.0 out of 5 stars An incredible book written by an incredible woman!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 4, 2018
Verified Purchase
An extraordinary story told so honestly, beautifully and with so much Kari Byron kick ass humor! As a young woman studying to be a maker, struggling through some tough times, I foud this book truly relatable. Kari's unwavering strength and feisty attidude is contagious, a book that lights a fire in your heart and starts you hands itching to make stuff! 

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone (maker or not), it will restore your faith in humanity (and also help you see the funny side of it too!)

One can achieve anything if you just (wipe) work hard enough!
Report
Luc Jalbert
4.0 out of 5 stars Art vs Science
Reviewed in Canada on March 2, 2021
Verified Purchase
It was an interesting read. You get to go through her struggles to get through life in general, and coming out on top!
From other reviews, I knew this book was not "only" about Mythbusters... You get many stories about the show, stuff from the living part of being on the show, real relationships.
There are parts that are little "interludes" that are sometimes long enough to distract from the main story and some feel out of place.

Fans of Mythbusters will appreciate this book, as those in search of an inspirational book.
Report
Chris H
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 13, 2021
Verified Purchase
Kari Byron.
Amazing how the book is written including the doodles she made. Thoroughly recommend
Report