Robert asked Mark Haskell Smith:

I just finished Naked at Lunch. Honestly, one of the best books I've read in years. Maybe because I am so in touch with the subject matter. To wit: how do I get my wife to 1) read the book, and 2) possibly become my research assistant? Pressure is not the answer: we just retired in 2019 and she is an ex-commercial real estate lawyer. But I saw some similarities in your wife & mine. Most importantly, thank you!

Mark Haskell Smith Hi RJ! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the book! And those are both excellent questions. Maybe you can tell your wife the book is funny and that there is some travel and adventure and history. And, maybe I'm biased, but I found the history of nudism to be completely fascinating.

As for question number two. Well, my wife became something of the hero of the story in a way, a lot of people relate to her reluctance and ultimate good-sports(wo)manship. It wasn't easy to convince her at first, but I promised to make it fun, and neither of us had ever been on a cruise ship, so she didn't want to miss that. Ultimately she had a good time and it's great to share an adventure with your partner. Now she enjoys coming along on my research trips! But it was a process. Good luck!

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