Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers in Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge

Nov 16, 2009 Jaime rated it liked it

Shelves: non-fiction, read-2009, audiobook, science

This book, about dead people and the sorts of things that are done to them in the name of science and mourning, completes our own personal Mary Roach trifecta. It was an interesting book… I didn’t realize all the different things that can happen to your body if you donate it to science. She even travels to China in search of a crematorium that allegedly used cadavers for dumplings in a family restaurant. It is definitely on the gory side, so if hearing about guts and bugs and unpleasant biologic ...more

Like · see review

Nov 15, 2007 Lianne rated it really liked it

Shelves: nonfiction, science

I thought this book was fascinating, though clearly not for everyone. As the summary describes, it is a book about the many potential uses for our bodies once we die. Mary Roach writes with both respect for the bodies and their previous owners and a great deal of humor. It's a fantastic combination that kept me coming back for more, even through some of the more graphic descriptions and unpleasant mental images. It also made me seriously think about some of the ethical issues surrounding death a ...more

Like · see review

May 03, 2010 Maggie Downs rated it it was amazing

One of my favorite books of all time. Utterly fascinating.

Like · see review

Aug 16, 2007 Kate rated it liked it

Shelves: nothappening, medical-ish

I liked it at first but found it to get old with time. In fact, I didn't even finish it completely - I kind of figured I got the point. Let me know if you want my copy... ...more

Like · see review