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Grave Matters: A Journey Through the Modern Funeral Industry to a Natural Way of Burial
By the time Nate Fisher was laid to rest in a woodland grave sans coffin in the final season of Six Feet Under, Americans all across the country were starting to look outside the box when death came calling.
Grave Matters follows families who found in "green" burial a more natural, more economic, and ultimately more meaningful alternative to the tired and toxic send-off on offer at the local funeral parlor.
Eschewing chemical embalming and fancy caskets, elaborate and costly funerals, they have embraced a range of natural options, new and old, that are redefining a better American way of death. Environmental journalist Mark Harris examines this new green burial underground, leading you into natural cemeteries and domestic graveyards, taking you aboard boats from which ashes and memorial "reef balls" are cast into the sea. He follows a family that conducts a home funeral, one that delivers a loved one to the crematory, and another that hires a carpenter to build a pine coffin.
In the morbidly fascinating tradition of Stiff, Grave Matters details the embalming process and the environmental aftermath of the standard funeral. Harris also traces the history of burial in America, from frontier cemeteries to the billion-dollar business it is today, reporting on real families who opted for more simple, natural returns.
For readers who want to follow the examples of these families and, literally, give back from the grave, appendices detail everything you need to know, from exact costs and laws to natural burial providers and their contact information.
Grave Matters follows families who found in "green" burial a more natural, more economic, and ultimately more meaningful alternative to the tired and toxic send-off on offer at the local funeral parlor.
Eschewing chemical embalming and fancy caskets, elaborate and costly funerals, they have embraced a range of natural options, new and old, that are redefining a better American way of death. Environmental journalist Mark Harris examines this new green burial underground, leading you into natural cemeteries and domestic graveyards, taking you aboard boats from which ashes and memorial "reef balls" are cast into the sea. He follows a family that conducts a home funeral, one that delivers a loved one to the crematory, and another that hires a carpenter to build a pine coffin.
In the morbidly fascinating tradition of Stiff, Grave Matters details the embalming process and the environmental aftermath of the standard funeral. Harris also traces the history of burial in America, from frontier cemeteries to the billion-dollar business it is today, reporting on real families who opted for more simple, natural returns.
For readers who want to follow the examples of these families and, literally, give back from the grave, appendices detail everything you need to know, from exact costs and laws to natural burial providers and their contact information.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
44 people are currently reading
1885 people want to read
About the author
Mark Harris
1 book10 followersMark Harris is a former environmental columnist with the Los Angeles Times Syndicate and the author of the book on green burial, Grave Matters: A Journey Through the Modern Funeral Industry to a Natural Way of Burial (Scribner, 2007).
The book follows a dozen families who conduct natural burials for their dead, including burials in backyard grave sites and "natural cemeteries," as well as sea burials and funerals at home, among other strategies.
Mark lives with his family in eastern Pennsylvania.
The book follows a dozen families who conduct natural burials for their dead, including burials in backyard grave sites and "natural cemeteries," as well as sea burials and funerals at home, among other strategies.
Mark lives with his family in eastern Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
March 24, 2018
Picked up this book out of curiosity. Harris shares various ways we send our dearly departed off to meet their maker, The first chapter is embalming and that is NOT the way I prefer to go. Unnatural, bad for the environment and $$$. Other chapters describe cremation, burial at sea, the home funeral... The book is ten years old, so assume it's fairly accurate and up to date with state laws and prices, but mostly I just thought it was interesting to think about and to share ideas with loved ones. Hopefully not needed in the near future though ;) Also I think the title is clever.
April 15, 2017
Good information about what options are available to everyone. You can become part of a reef.
February 13, 2009
This is one of those books that smacks you in the head and makes you think very hard about long-held beliefs. After reading about the conventional funeral--the type I had always assumed that I would have--my preferences are now starting to go towards the unconventional. For example, while fancy metal caskets were never my thing, the old-fashioned pine box is looking better and better to me after reading about the downside of today's standard casket (this book probably isn't for the squeamish, so if you are, just trust me when I say that there most definitely IS a downside).
Harris covers everything from cremation to at-home funerals to various methods of scattering ashes and natural or "green" burial. He lists numerous resources for further information on each type of burial and he writes about all of these with the same matter-of-fact, informative style that oddly enough takes much of the fear away from a generally distressing topic. Highly recommend.
Harris covers everything from cremation to at-home funerals to various methods of scattering ashes and natural or "green" burial. He lists numerous resources for further information on each type of burial and he writes about all of these with the same matter-of-fact, informative style that oddly enough takes much of the fear away from a generally distressing topic. Highly recommend.
March 3, 2012
After opening his book with a fictionalized description of a funeral director guiding grieving parents through selecting the services and planning their 18-year-old daughter's funeral, Mr. Harris presents a walk-through of the embalming process. As a contrast to this “standard funeral industry” approach, Mr. Harris spends the rest of the book chronicling the experiences of several people who chose more natural alternatives.
While it should be apparent that “no matter how it's sealed inside the coffin, a corpse, even an embalmed one, will eventually decompose,” many decisions made in a modern approach to dealing with a loved one's mortal remains seem designed to stave off the inevitable as long as possible, and to maintain an illusion of perpetual preservation. Mr. Harris decries the use of gallons of toxic chemicals in embalming bodies which are then buried in the ground, sealed inside a metal or wood box, which in turn is often placed inside a concrete vault, to add layer upon layer of removal from the elements. Unfortunately, even the strongest seals eventually break, metal corrodes, wood rots, the ground shifts, water seeps in, and those toxic chemicals seep out into the surrounding soil. Mr. Harris emphasizes that the more natural burials he describes are “little more than a return to long tradition.” Prior to the past hundred years or so, “much of what constitutes natural burial...was once standard practice in this country, the default, not the exception.”
Cremation is one option that can avoid some of the cost, environmental effects and pomp of a standard funeral, depending on how it is approached; however, it's also possible to spend just as much on a cremation as on an earth burial with the same pomp and significant environmental costs, as well. Burial at sea, generally by spreading ashes, is increasing in popularity among those who feel an attachment to the ocean. One variation on burial at sea that I found intriguing is called a memorial reef. After cremation, the ashes are mixed in with concrete and shaped into “reef balls,” large, hollow, spherical modules. These reef balls are then added to artificial reefs designed to attract ocean life and rebuild the natural coral reefs that are dying. The family members highlighted in this chapter speak of the comfort they receive knowing that their loved one “would have loved the idea of returning to the sea, and creating a place for life there” as “the remains of the dead literally lay the foundation for new life under the sea.”
The last four chapters eschew almost every aspect of the modern funeral industry with their focus on simplicity and intimacy. Home funerals, while certainly not for everyone, allow for a much more personal setting than a funeral parlor. “Plain pine box” burials forgo expensive caskets and other trappings in favor of an humble, handmade “vessel for another vessel that we're done with.” Backyard burials, or natural burial on privately owned, rural land, can be particularly meaningful for those left behind who may live close by and easily visit the gravesite frequently. Natural cemeteries, also called ecological cemeteries, emphasize returning to the elements where “the dead literally nourish and sustain a living forest.” Many of these cemeteries prohibit not only embalmed bodies, but also vaults and metal caskets, and large or obtrusive grave markers, in order to maintain as natural an environment as possible.
After each option outlined, Mr. Harris provides a “resource guide” to indicate where to go for further information and additional insights into how state or local laws may differ. Make sure, of course, that you do your own research as laws can change and new options become available. In the five years since Grave Matters was first published, interest in green burials has grown significantly. For example, where Mr. Harris only listed five natural cemeteries in the entire United States, there are now at least four in my state of Washington alone. If you are curious about more natural alternatives to the modern standard of an embalmed burial, Grave Matters is an excellent place to start gathering ideas to make your funeral truly your own.
For more book reviews, come visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
While it should be apparent that “no matter how it's sealed inside the coffin, a corpse, even an embalmed one, will eventually decompose,” many decisions made in a modern approach to dealing with a loved one's mortal remains seem designed to stave off the inevitable as long as possible, and to maintain an illusion of perpetual preservation. Mr. Harris decries the use of gallons of toxic chemicals in embalming bodies which are then buried in the ground, sealed inside a metal or wood box, which in turn is often placed inside a concrete vault, to add layer upon layer of removal from the elements. Unfortunately, even the strongest seals eventually break, metal corrodes, wood rots, the ground shifts, water seeps in, and those toxic chemicals seep out into the surrounding soil. Mr. Harris emphasizes that the more natural burials he describes are “little more than a return to long tradition.” Prior to the past hundred years or so, “much of what constitutes natural burial...was once standard practice in this country, the default, not the exception.”
Cremation is one option that can avoid some of the cost, environmental effects and pomp of a standard funeral, depending on how it is approached; however, it's also possible to spend just as much on a cremation as on an earth burial with the same pomp and significant environmental costs, as well. Burial at sea, generally by spreading ashes, is increasing in popularity among those who feel an attachment to the ocean. One variation on burial at sea that I found intriguing is called a memorial reef. After cremation, the ashes are mixed in with concrete and shaped into “reef balls,” large, hollow, spherical modules. These reef balls are then added to artificial reefs designed to attract ocean life and rebuild the natural coral reefs that are dying. The family members highlighted in this chapter speak of the comfort they receive knowing that their loved one “would have loved the idea of returning to the sea, and creating a place for life there” as “the remains of the dead literally lay the foundation for new life under the sea.”
The last four chapters eschew almost every aspect of the modern funeral industry with their focus on simplicity and intimacy. Home funerals, while certainly not for everyone, allow for a much more personal setting than a funeral parlor. “Plain pine box” burials forgo expensive caskets and other trappings in favor of an humble, handmade “vessel for another vessel that we're done with.” Backyard burials, or natural burial on privately owned, rural land, can be particularly meaningful for those left behind who may live close by and easily visit the gravesite frequently. Natural cemeteries, also called ecological cemeteries, emphasize returning to the elements where “the dead literally nourish and sustain a living forest.” Many of these cemeteries prohibit not only embalmed bodies, but also vaults and metal caskets, and large or obtrusive grave markers, in order to maintain as natural an environment as possible.
After each option outlined, Mr. Harris provides a “resource guide” to indicate where to go for further information and additional insights into how state or local laws may differ. Make sure, of course, that you do your own research as laws can change and new options become available. In the five years since Grave Matters was first published, interest in green burials has grown significantly. For example, where Mr. Harris only listed five natural cemeteries in the entire United States, there are now at least four in my state of Washington alone. If you are curious about more natural alternatives to the modern standard of an embalmed burial, Grave Matters is an excellent place to start gathering ideas to make your funeral truly your own.
For more book reviews, come visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
February 19, 2018
The tittle of this one pretty much explains its contents...going from a "traditional" modern american funeral to a natural burial in the woods of North Carolina, the author gives voice to the families of the deceased on how each in their own way looked towards dealing with their loss and honoring their dead.
We accompany these families, and here the author is very clearly and respectfully giving them voice while taking a step back, they tell their story and give their reasons for these different choices, he is merely a gatherer of tales and a weaver of all of them into a cohesive and respectful book - allowing us the readers to make our own minds.
The beginning of the book with the traditional option that includes embalming the body might not be advisable read on a full stomach...you are warned...but like i said, he puts all the information out here for you to make a choice and perhaps even consider options for your own remains when the time comes.
At the end of each chapter information is included that allows us to research each of these different burial options and even the laws that govern each american state's view of handling funerals and corpses.
Very practical book, with a note of respect for the stories told, but clearly intended as an eye opener for american society and its "obsession" with insanely expensive rituals.
Happy Readings!
We accompany these families, and here the author is very clearly and respectfully giving them voice while taking a step back, they tell their story and give their reasons for these different choices, he is merely a gatherer of tales and a weaver of all of them into a cohesive and respectful book - allowing us the readers to make our own minds.
The beginning of the book with the traditional option that includes embalming the body might not be advisable read on a full stomach...you are warned...but like i said, he puts all the information out here for you to make a choice and perhaps even consider options for your own remains when the time comes.
At the end of each chapter information is included that allows us to research each of these different burial options and even the laws that govern each american state's view of handling funerals and corpses.
Very practical book, with a note of respect for the stories told, but clearly intended as an eye opener for american society and its "obsession" with insanely expensive rituals.
Happy Readings!
February 7, 2022
A thoughtful and detailed introduction to green burial- the narrative stories ground all the facts in a great way. I cried (but in a nice, life is beautiful and people are loved, kind of way).
Read
July 29, 2011One of the greatest books ever written. Excellent writing, storytelling, and research. Each chapter centers on a type of burial, blending research with an intimate story of a family who used that type of burial. I got teary eyed during pretty much every chapter, yet as a whole the book made me feel more okay with death. It kind of reminded me of the Buddhist belief in using the contemplation of death in order to live life better. Like the title suggests, the first chapter pertains to the most common type of American burial and then each successive chapter discusses a more "natural" type. Along the way, the history of American burials is discussed. At the end of each chapter is a summary with the main points, laws pertaining to the burial, prices, and contacts to get more information. This is book is informative, spiritual, intimate, and an agent for social change all in one!
February 9, 2017
A thought provoking look at alternative ways to say goodbye to your loved ones after death. From cremation to natural burials this is a great book for those looking for a more natural way to return a body or cremains back to the Earth.
February 17, 2018
This was an informative book about 9 different burials from least green to most green. The first is about the standard funeral of embalming the body, putting it in a casket and burying in a graveyard. After reading about the embalming process and the sewage of embalming waste, and then hearing about the sealed caskets which let anaerobic bacteria thrive and turn the body into a soupy toxic stew there is no way I would want to be embalmed. And then the graveyards. Ugh...why on earth would we want to be in one for eternity? What a horrible place to end up. Of course it's just our soupy remains that are there. Either way..."we" are not there it's just the shell of the person.
For a nicer option and the greenest one is the natural cemetery. It looks like a forest with woodland animals and true nature. Not like the contrived lawns with similar and in some cases identical headstones. There is also much less bodies buried there as it s not the cemetery "industry".
Instead of ending up in a military cemetery which is quite boring, sad, and bland all military and their families can request a burial at sea. I thought that was kind of neat and much better than a military cemetery.
And as to the sea. There is another neat option of giving back. Your ashes can become part of a reef.
Interesting read about burial options.
For a nicer option and the greenest one is the natural cemetery. It looks like a forest with woodland animals and true nature. Not like the contrived lawns with similar and in some cases identical headstones. There is also much less bodies buried there as it s not the cemetery "industry".
Instead of ending up in a military cemetery which is quite boring, sad, and bland all military and their families can request a burial at sea. I thought that was kind of neat and much better than a military cemetery.
And as to the sea. There is another neat option of giving back. Your ashes can become part of a reef.
Interesting read about burial options.
May 15, 2019
I'm living for this book!
March 4, 2013
This book was brought to my attention several years ago when I heard of the tragic death of a young girl. But I was very intrigued by the way her family chose to bury her; in a pine box, no embalming, simply wrapped in a sweet homemade quilt made by someone in her family. This appealed to me in so many ways. I was having a conversation with a group of friends about this strange, comforting idea when one of them told me I needed to read a book called Grave Matters. Finally after years I have just finished reading it. Wow.
This book is extremely informative. To say the least, even after visiting a morgue while in high school, I was completely ignorant of what happens to a body at embalming. Be warned reading this chapter is not for the weak stomached! I also was not aware of the other options instead of embalming. I thought it was legally required.
I learned many things about having a funeral in your own home, caring for the body, and burying your loved one. There is a chapter about home cemeteries as well. This may seem a strange subject to be reading about, especially when I have no plans on any one in my family passing in the near future, but it is something that you have to be aware of and informed about before hand. It is not something you can pull off after the tragedy happens if you are not some what prepared. I like to be informed and know all my options. The author suggests reading another book that has many resources and more specific details on paper work and legalities that I am planning on reading as well.
This type of more natural burial may be intriguing to others for the thousands of dollars that you will save also. It's worth reading if for no other reason than that. But honestly I will do everything in my power to be prepared for other less invasive preparations if in the tragic case I'm ever faced with burying a loved one. After learning more about embalming I feel like it is a desecration to the human body.
This book is extremely informative. To say the least, even after visiting a morgue while in high school, I was completely ignorant of what happens to a body at embalming. Be warned reading this chapter is not for the weak stomached! I also was not aware of the other options instead of embalming. I thought it was legally required.
I learned many things about having a funeral in your own home, caring for the body, and burying your loved one. There is a chapter about home cemeteries as well. This may seem a strange subject to be reading about, especially when I have no plans on any one in my family passing in the near future, but it is something that you have to be aware of and informed about before hand. It is not something you can pull off after the tragedy happens if you are not some what prepared. I like to be informed and know all my options. The author suggests reading another book that has many resources and more specific details on paper work and legalities that I am planning on reading as well.
This type of more natural burial may be intriguing to others for the thousands of dollars that you will save also. It's worth reading if for no other reason than that. But honestly I will do everything in my power to be prepared for other less invasive preparations if in the tragic case I'm ever faced with burying a loved one. After learning more about embalming I feel like it is a desecration to the human body.
April 7, 2009
This book is an difficult but empowering read. While I read it, I actually felt sick to my stomach as I went through the chapters about "modern" embalming and burial in the United States. I began to cry as I thought of the indignities suffered in death by my father, grandparents, and friends. I was filled with anger at the lies told by the funeral industry to customers who are grieving and do not think to question what they are being explained.
After reading this book I also felt very much at peace with my mother's decision for cremation and my own decision for cremation after I die.
The author goes through examples of various types of methods of burial or cremation, based upon his research with actual funeral directors, crematories, service providers, and families. He begins with the "traditional" funeral services, complete with embalming and burial. He then offers alternative options, with a complete set of references and resources for each method: cremation directly from a crematory, cremation and spreading of ashes at sea, cremation and burial of ashes as a natural ocean reef, caring for and waking the deceased in your own home, burial without embalming on your own property, and burial without embalming in a "Green" cemetery.
I will not lie - this book can be gruesome, but it can also be touching and beautiful. (Warning: this is not a book for kids!) I feel that it is a must read for anyone who wants to be empowered in their life choices.
This book is for anyone who wants to take control of what happens after they die. You DO NOT have to accept what society or funeral directors tell you and your family about what you "should" do. Funeral services can be planned that honor your religious beliefs and practices, while not harming the earth or causing your family to suffer emotionally or financially.
After reading this book I also felt very much at peace with my mother's decision for cremation and my own decision for cremation after I die.
The author goes through examples of various types of methods of burial or cremation, based upon his research with actual funeral directors, crematories, service providers, and families. He begins with the "traditional" funeral services, complete with embalming and burial. He then offers alternative options, with a complete set of references and resources for each method: cremation directly from a crematory, cremation and spreading of ashes at sea, cremation and burial of ashes as a natural ocean reef, caring for and waking the deceased in your own home, burial without embalming on your own property, and burial without embalming in a "Green" cemetery.
I will not lie - this book can be gruesome, but it can also be touching and beautiful. (Warning: this is not a book for kids!) I feel that it is a must read for anyone who wants to be empowered in their life choices.
This book is for anyone who wants to take control of what happens after they die. You DO NOT have to accept what society or funeral directors tell you and your family about what you "should" do. Funeral services can be planned that honor your religious beliefs and practices, while not harming the earth or causing your family to suffer emotionally or financially.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2011
This book is a must-read for virtually everybody since we will all face death eventually. It explores the funeral industry, including a description of what a funeral director does from the moment he is contacted by a family memeber of the deceased (including a detailed description of the three-step embalming process). The author goes on to describe various funeral options including cremation, caring for the dead at home, natural burial, and even burial at sea. Many sources are mentioned throughout the text which makes this book handy for the consumer who may be interested in green funeral options: green cemeteries, organizations that support green funeral options, and even recommendations for where to buy a simple wood coffin. For anyone who wants to plan their own end-of-life care or who simply wants to get involved in the green funeral movement (one which is gaining momentum), this book is a great starting place.
April 2, 2023
I read the first part where Jenny is "fixed up" for her funeral. Oh god, it's horrible what happens to a body once it dies. My mom died around 10 years ago and I hate to think that her body had to go through all this. I'm sure she did, because we didn't understand what would happen. At least I know she wasn't there to feel or watch the events. What I would like to happen to me is something that doesn't involve my family and the outrageous price tag of a funeral. Put me in one of those "farms" where they document what happens to the body after death. I don't need this body where I'm going. Thank goodness.
September 20, 2009
Guess what? Not only do you not have to be embalmed when you die, you also do not have to be buried in a casket. So much of what the funeral industry is pushing is absolute crap; we have become so far removed from the realities of death that we have allowed them to sanitize it and guilt trip us into spending thousands of unnecessary dollars and pollute the earth. This book is a well-researched look into ALL of our alternatives - from traditional embalming-hardwood casket-burial plot funeral to really amazing green burial options. A very cool book - highly recommended!
November 4, 2013
I recommend this book to everyone who cares about the environment and the people, animals, and plants that will live on it after s/he is dead -- who wants to feel good about the impact his/her remains will have on this Earth. My own choice is to be cremated in an environmentally friendly crematorium with the proper filters to keep mercury and such out of the air and water and then to have those ashes mixed with concrete to form a reef ball that will be dropped into the ocean to expand and support life in a coral reef. Out of my death will only come life.
February 5, 2009
"Cremation trims much of the thirty million board feet of lumber that's diverted to coffins annually [in the U.S.:]. . . Cremated bodies leach none of the 800,000 gallons of formaldehyde that are injected into embalmed remains every year." And there's the conservation of space factor(which has led the UK to cremate at 80%).
Now, how d'ya feel?? The book outlines several other alternatives to traditional funerals/burials, some of which may be a little surprising.
Now, how d'ya feel?? The book outlines several other alternatives to traditional funerals/burials, some of which may be a little surprising.
July 17, 2009
Mark Harris explores the details of the standard toxic funeral with visual imagery of the anaerobic fuzzy-mold putrefaction of embalmed remains that were sealed in a coffin in an earnest intention to protect the body. After Harris shatters the illusion of the preserved corpse, he presents greener and perhaps more comforting options. Read entire review at http://www.examiner.com/x-4002-Green-...
July 28, 2009
Creepy but fascinating. The environmental effects of a typical American burial is something I knew nothing about. It's absurd really, this quest to preserve the body. It ends up making a terrible toxic stew and it's a giant financial rip off as well. Just wrap me in a sheet and plant me under a tree please. Preferably on a quiet mountain side.
Quite informative.
Quite informative.
January 8, 2011
I think this is an absolute must read for everyone. It is an eye opener and will help you to make the necessary decisions regarding the care and disposition of your remains. There are many more options than most of us realize and this knowledge can help you save your family some money and unnecessary stress in the end.
March 9, 2014
Very fascinating read about the funeral industry. I had always considered having a "traditional" funeral (when the time comes), but this book made me disgusted with how costly and wasteful a funeral can be. This book takes you through alternative forms of burial, that are more eco-friendly, personal and in a strange way - more lovely.
October 12, 2023
A bit dated - almost 20 years old at this point - but offers interesting perspectives on alternate methods of the death and dying process. At one point while discussing home burials, this book refers to plantation slaves during the Civil War Era as "beloved hired hands." This left me questioning the integrity of the entire book and significantly reduced its rating.
January 17, 2008
Resourceful! Have you ever thought about what your options are, following your death? This book stretches beyond the embalming/cremation categories. Not gory, just perfect research and communication. Take a peek. There is more to your final disposition than you think.
June 23, 2009
Boning up since I know I won't survive another winter like this one.
July 4, 2013
A little more "how to" and a little less information / research of the kind I was expecting, but it was a pleasant and fairly informative read all together.
October 25, 2018
Grave Matters is a thoughtful and poignant overview of the American Way of death and how more traditional and green alternatives are making their way back into modernity. Harris handles each story with grace and dignity, and remains honest throughout about laws, regulations, and the finances when it comes to the last acts of caring for our deceased. This book is a great place to start if you or someone you love is curious about funeral options in the US!
Note: This book is now over 10 years old however! Laws may have changed in your area; always make sure to ask questions and know your rights. And talk about death with the people that you love-- there is never a right time, but it's important conversation to have. Also, more natural preserves have opened since this writing, and there are more ways than ever before that you can choose from in disposing of your own corpse when the time comes.
My favorite resources are The Order of the Good Death and Mother Death's (i.e. Caitlin Doughty) Youtube channel, "Ask a Mortician."
Note: This book is now over 10 years old however! Laws may have changed in your area; always make sure to ask questions and know your rights. And talk about death with the people that you love-- there is never a right time, but it's important conversation to have. Also, more natural preserves have opened since this writing, and there are more ways than ever before that you can choose from in disposing of your own corpse when the time comes.
My favorite resources are The Order of the Good Death and Mother Death's (i.e. Caitlin Doughty) Youtube channel, "Ask a Mortician."
April 11, 2021
Going through this phase of reading a lot about the funeral practice along with my interest in cemeteries and all things connected. Could it be because I'm edging up on 66 and my mortality is staring me in the face? Let's just say that I have always been interested in looking at the other side of prescribed anything; I prefer to look at other options. So, this discusses various ways of dealing with your end of life from having the typical funeral with casket and embalming to having none of that and being buried in a lovely forest. Just be aware that the funeral industry is about profit and, should you have the time and energy, you can avoid it altogether, or mostly. Apparently there is no "free" option in dying and disposing of your body. The "Natural Cemetery" chapter really moved my heart as well as "A Plain Pine Box." I'm afraid my landlord would have something to say about a "Backyard Burial." Enjoyable and thoughtful sort of manual of choices.
February 18, 2018
Lovely. A straightforward but touching little look at the different options of burial in today's modern culture, starting from least environmentally friendly and going all the way to most. Not only is this book full of personal stories, it's a resource that shares candid information such as price estimates for different services, laws surrounding different burial practices, and even contact information for certain funeral homes and organizations that fit the bill. A must read for anyone who supports the death positive movement.
October 13, 2018
A phenomenal book to explore non-traditional burials and of caring for the dead. It took me a long time to read it because I spent a lot of time pondering each chapter. I appreciate the author’s research efforts to present this book, and for the families that assisted the author by inviting him or sharing with him their moments of profound grief. Death and grief is something our society doesn’t spend too much time considering, yet we’re each touched by it. I am inspired to explore some different options for myself and loved ones.
June 5, 2017
Good Overview of Afterdeath Options
This book gives a range of options for taking care of a body after a person has died. It is roughly organized from least to most ecologically sound in terms of the methods. Each chapter is anchored by a poignant story of a family using the particular method being discussed. Each chapter ends with additional resources. I wish it had more practical information but maybe that's better placed in a separate volume.
This book gives a range of options for taking care of a body after a person has died. It is roughly organized from least to most ecologically sound in terms of the methods. Each chapter is anchored by a poignant story of a family using the particular method being discussed. Each chapter ends with additional resources. I wish it had more practical information but maybe that's better placed in a separate volume.
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