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Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers

Mary Roach

Start date: February 2, 2014

Finish date: March 3, 2014

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What Members Thought

May 27, 2017 Andrea rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction, nonfiction-science-biology, read-sorted, nonfiction-science-medicine

Last year my man and I visited Calgary on our way to the mountains and spontaneously decided to check out the Body Worlds exhibit in the local science museum. Because, you know, hanging out with human cadavers for a few hours is our idea of a romantic outing. The majority of the exhibit was exceptionally fascinating and educational, and considering the subject, not too outlandish, until we reached the curtained room that illustrated human reproduction and sexuality. Here we were, with a bunch of Last year my man and I visited Calgary on our way to the mountains and spontaneously decided to check out the Body Worlds exhibit in the local science museum. Because, you know, hanging out with human cadavers for a few hours is our idea of a romantic outing. The majority of the exhibit was exceptionally fascinating and educational, and considering the subject, not too outlandish, until we reached the curtained room that illustrated human reproduction and sexuality. Here we were, with a bunch of other museum goers, facing a table with two cadavers perpetually suspended in a cowgirl position. I'm sure I wasn't the only one in the room wondering, Would these people donate their bodies to science if they knew they'd be displayed this way to strangers? Would this woman, now tenderly embracing a random chap underneath her, blush profusely and say, Nope, bury me six feet under? Needless to say, on my way out I just awkwardly shuffled past the sign up sheet calling for new donors.

See, I was still trying to assign human characteristics to the remains that seized to be humans long time ago. My logic told me that being the subject of studies that educate and contribute to life-saving research is the noblest way to go out, yet something primal in me urged to run for the hills. This is the subject that Mary Roach discusses in her book, Stiff. She argues that once a person passes it would make much more sense to be useful to humanity than simply laying in the ground. She investigates multiple branches of science that utilize cadavers, as well as explores ethical dilemmas and social stigmas associated with it. Bottom line: humans are uncomfortable talking about death and assign overblown meaning to dead bodies to avoid thinking about mortality, but they shouldn't.

I thoroughly enjoyed pushing the boundaries of my own comfort zone while reading this book. I actually started rethinking my views on cremation in favour of pod burials. And this review must officially seal my weirdo reputation on the Internet. Hello, prospective employers :) ...more

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May 03, 2011 Lani rated it it was ok

2.5 stars, really. I generally round up for half stars but I really couldn't give this book 3 stars.

I've been looking forward to reading this book for ages, so I'm pretty disappointed. The scientific and historical information is incredibly interesting but I had to power through cheesy humor to get there. Supposedly this book is funny, but the humor felt forced and flat and took away from me actually enjoying the book. Roach seems to think she is funny and in fact has several "haha I'm so funny" ...more

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May 04, 2018 Michelle rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook, reviewed, calibre, 2018, x-reading-university, non-fiction, science, medicine

Utterly fascinating look at what happens to our bodies after we die. As someone who is 100% behind green burials and organ donation, it opened my eyes to other options as well.

Some of you might find the subject matter gross, off-putting, or otherwise distasteful, but death is a part of life, and I really enjoyed all of the topics she covered. Mary Roach really knows how to dive into a subject and make it accessible. And as someone who really dreads flying, I especially enjoyed the plane crash s ...more

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Jul 25, 2011 Diane rated it really liked it

This as a fascinating book about the use of cadavers; in history and in modern times. Since I am a nurse I have had the experience of working with cadavers but I had no idea of the extent that research has used them; for example, as dummies for testing the safety of cars. I enjoyed this book (if enjoyment is the word for it!) and I certainly learned a great deal.

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Dec 06, 2011 Michelle rated it it was amazing

Shelves: nonfiction, humor

I'm pretty squeamish so parts of this book were a little tough to get through, but it was a really enjoyable in depth look at the science of using cadavers. I learned a ton from this book and it gave me a lot to think about as well. ...more

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