Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach
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Book Reviews of Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers
Book Review: funny, well-written, and filled with dead people
Summary: 5 Stars
I thought this book was excellent.
Mary Roach showcases dead people not as the living humans they once were, but unique instruments used in sciences and studies.
Though it sounds squeamish, it's really not (well, some things might be upsetting...). She explains historical uses of dead bodies, and what they are used for today (did you know that if you donate your body to science, you could be anything from a crash test dummy to a face lift head?).
It's a well-written (and funny!) book. Though it could have been organized better, even when it trains off, you will still be entertained.
Oh, a word of warning: this book will lead you to informing your friends about random facts that they might not enjoy over the dinner table. Please remember that most people don't want to know about maggots when eating mac and cheese.
Book Review: The Book of the Dead
Summary: 5 Stars
Mary Roach is a bit of loon. She's also a talented writer. It takes a certain amount of talent produce prose, on the subject of dead and decaying human flesh, that is well written enough to not only keep the reader turning pages but also wanting more at the end. (Her description of the process of human decay is at once memorable and entertaining.) It also takes a certain kind of reader to buy and read a book about the adventures of human cadavers. I'm not sure what kind of reader that is, but I'm now sure I'm one of them. For those curious about somewhat strange and morbid topics, and who also appreciate witty, intelligent writing, Mary Roach's book is definitely the ticket. You'll laugh, you'll learn a few things, and you may even end up a bit smarter for having read it. And you'll have some great new cocktail conversation...for people you want to frighten away.Book Review: Hilarious, educational and touching
Summary: 5 Stars
Death isn't a topic that people usually find funny, but reading Mary Roach's Stiff, it's impossible not to laugh. She approaches death and dying with an open mind and a sense of humor and the result is one of the most entertaining (and educational) books I've read in a very long time.
Roach doesn't shy away from the gorey facts of death and what happens to our corpses once we're no longer using them, but don't let the subject matter turn you away; this book is well worth the time to read.
Having read this book, I have a new-found respect for those who have donated their bodies (and organs) to science as well as a new appreciation for the strange and often humorous lengths science has gone to in their search to define what makes a person a person.
In short: highly recommended!
Book Review: Couldn't Put It Down!!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm the squeamish type. I can't watch the surgery shows on TV and have to turn away when there is too much violence in movies. But when I read the excerpt for this book on Amazon, I had to have it. From the moment it arrived I couldn't put it down!!!! What a fascinating read!!! Mary Roach approaches this subject with such humor and tact that you don't have a chance to feel disturbed or grossed out by the content. I laughed through most of this book at the many under-the-breath statements she makes; her wit is engrossing. This is now one of my favorite books ever!!! I recommend this book to everyone I talk to... the only problem is, most people don't want to discuss what happens to our bodies after we die and they get freaked out. Nonetheless, I can't say enough good things about this wonderful book!!!!!Book Review: Surprisingly compelling and I daresay humorous
Summary: 5 Stars
Let me begin by saying that this is no book I would have picked up on my own! A fellow student did a report on this book and I was fascinated with the tidbits of information he presented. So I went and bought the book. I was amazed at how humanely and even humorously Roach treats the subject of death. I learned so much about death and what happens to bodies after the person has left them. The parts on cannibalism and grave robbing were especially interesting. It turned out to be a quite fast and fun read- although it feels somewhat odd to use the word 'fun' to describe a book about death. After reading this book I made a few ascertions- 1. Get cremated 2. Don't give your body to science 3. Don't die in Sweden or you could end up as fertilizer. By the way, I don't recommend eating while reading this book!!