In the tradition of Mary Roach’s bestselling Stiff and Jessica Mitford’s classic exposé The American Way of Death co...
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Jan 05, 2012
Aster
rated it: 
A very entertaining, broad overview of the business of death.
Though it didn't have a lot of what I really need for my personal research (information on older, foreign methods and rituals of death), most of the information is modern and helpful to those looking to understand the business of current American funerals. At least, I think it is. Not being an expert in that, I wouldn't know. But it did seem helpful.
It's written in a wry, no-nonsense tone that makes it enjoyabl More...
Though it didn't have a lot of what I really need for my personal research (information on older, foreign methods and rituals of death), most of the information is modern and helpful to those looking to understand the business of current American funerals. At least, I think it is. Not being an expert in that, I wouldn't know. But it did seem helpful.
It's written in a wry, no-nonsense tone that makes it enjoyabl More...
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Jul 15, 2010
Courtney
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This book is more or less death, in easily digestible, bite-size pieces. What really made me a little nervous is that, in many of the sections of this extremely entertaining book, the author mentioned books and websites from which he got his information. It wasn't the mentioning that made me nervous. It was the fact that, much of the time, my reaction was, "Got that," "Read that," "That's on the bookshelf," or "I love that website." Or worse, "Ooo
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Sep 16, 2009
Tara
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This is one I really skimmed through. It is a pretty comprehensive catalogue and is a good source for a lot of serious questions. The book does handle the topic of death in a "lively" manner, but seriously addresses many aspects of death, grieving, what to tell the children, etc. I picked it up due to the cover and the amusing description. I could never have read it in depth, but I do recommend people look through it. The portions on the history of how cultures handle all aspects of de
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Jul 09, 2009
Marjanne
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This was a fun read. It's nice to feed my inner Goth once in a while. I found this book very interesting. I liked that the author managed to be serious but also had a sense of humor. There were some very light sections, but some very helpful sections too. I was able to discover that I am a 'taphophile'. Naturally, because this book is about death, some readers may find of the various discussions a bit unappetizing (such as the description of decay). I think I may actually add this to my wish lis
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Jun 07, 2011
Westerville
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"I love these kind of books. Not death books, just ones that are filled with tons and tons of amazing and interesting factoids...It's written with a humorous bent, so beware if you take death too seriously." - Jessica, Adult Services Librarian
Reserve a library copy!
Reserve a library copy!
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Mar 22, 2011
Valerie
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this book probably is better read in segments and not straight through. so maybe in book form but I don't suggest to read it on the Kindle. so although it was detailed there were points where the author repeated information. suffice to say It is the whole catalog because I offically do not need to read anymore books on the subject. Mary Roach's Stiff is still the best book to read because it is light hearted enough to enjoy the read.
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Jan 25, 2010
Elizabeth
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A bit repetitive in parts, but full of amusing facts as well as potentially useful information.
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Jul 29, 2010
Jennifer
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This was a compilation of writings from other sources and I quickly discovered that I had already read a good deal of the information. This is somewhat alarming. It was a very insightful read if you have a dark and morbid fascination with death, dying and other such matters.
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Sep 11, 2009
Ryan
rated it:
One of those crazy amalgations of facts, anecdotes, references, suggested readings, myths, funny asides, and so much more. I believe the title will tell you about what.
The sardonic humour is lively enough. Some of the information is even helpful, such as creating wills and living wills or dealing with grief. It isn't a depressed in the dark kind of death book, for sure, I just felt a little confused by why he made this. I think just for the oddity of it, like Rudimentary Peni's " More...
The sardonic humour is lively enough. Some of the information is even helpful, such as creating wills and living wills or dealing with grief. It isn't a depressed in the dark kind of death book, for sure, I just felt a little confused by why he made this. I think just for the oddity of it, like Rudimentary Peni's " More...
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Jul 07, 2009
Cori
rated it: 
Very interesting - if you're into this kind of stuff - and I am.
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Nov 20, 2009
Anthrodiva
rated it:
Indispensable reference book. Fun for the whole family.
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Dec 13, 2010
Kpowers
rated it:
I have an interest in reading the macabre.
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Nov 11, 2010
Scott
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There is even a recipe on how to make an actual mummy.....the key ingredient is a freshest corpse.
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Nov 01, 2011
Jess
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I love these kind of books. Not death books, just ones that are filled with tons and tons of amazing and interesting factoids. This social history covers death in all its cultural facets; mythological origins, ads that were posted for death clothes, funeral laws, etc. It's written with a humorous bent, so beware if you take death too seriously.
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Apr 16, 2010
Trunatrschild
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A fun read and informative!
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Aug 13, 2009
Jennifer
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If you want to know everything about the funeral industry, the history of death rituals, and where to buy novelty chocolate coffins, this might be the book for you. Any book that has a chapter titled "Death Can Be Fun" is definitely unique.
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Aug 30, 2009
Vanessa
rated it:
An intriguing and comprehensive look at all things related to death, from gory to humorous. My only issue was that one of the bizarre deaths quoted from another book turned out to be an urban legend. Still, very well done.
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