Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers in The Complete Idiots Guide to the Ultimate Reading List

Mar 24, 2008 Claire Greene rated it it was amazing

I have been reading a few of the other reviews and just had to add my own two cents. I few bad reviews that I read dealt mostly with her style of writing and their dislike of her jokes and interjections, etc. Just goes to show you that it takes all kinds! I love this book! I thought it was very scientific and she had obviously done a LOT of research for the book. There is no point that I felt she was talking about something she couldn't back up or was venturing into her own opinion, etc. That be I have been reading a few of the other reviews and just had to add my own two cents. I few bad reviews that I read dealt mostly with her style of writing and their dislike of her jokes and interjections, etc. Just goes to show you that it takes all kinds! I love this book! I thought it was very scientific and she had obviously done a LOT of research for the book. There is no point that I felt she was talking about something she couldn't back up or was venturing into her own opinion, etc. That being said, I also loved that she was funny and personal the whole book. The book as the intimate style of someone telling you about a subject she knows a lot about. She asked the experts questions that many of us would have and would not ask - for decorum sake or being too afraid. But she does ask and I loved that! She was very respectful (I never felt like she was callous or rude about the deceased people she was writing about) but at the same time, she brought a curiosity and humor to what is naturally a difficult subject matter.

I didn't find her humor particularly course or "potty" humor. I thought many of her asides which were off topic, we done with footnotes, which you can choose to ignore and maintain the flow of the story or read immediately.

I also thought the subject matter was fascinating and she did a great job with it. Again, respectful when needed, a touch of levity when needed, etc. She really went in depth into the topic covering history, current practices, and all the many different things that happen to cadavers. My only complaint would be that she could have gone more in depth on certain topics!

So my basic opinion is that this is great reading for everyone. Just because the topic can be uncomfortable to think about doesn't mean that it isn't important knowledge to have. And to have it given to you with intelligence and wit - it doesn't get better than that! The only reason you would be disappointed is if you lack a sense of humor or if you were expecting an actual college text book with graphs, pictures and lab discussions. And I think that this SHOULD be a college text - it brings a humanity to a subject that is too often treated in a clinical manner. ...more

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Mar 23, 2010 Melissa rated it it was amazing

Shelves: bought, science, favorites

Reading this book opened up my view about death, most especially from a scientific viewpoint. Through the exploration about the past, present and possible future of cadavers, it makes me better understand accepting about the 'life' after death. Each chapter are full of fascinating details, even though it can be a little disorganized with the inserted facto, but does not put off for the readers who's information-oriented. It took me a bit longer than expected to finish it, but I am already thinki ...more

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Jul 16, 2008 Julianne rated it it was amazing

Shelves: best-of-09

Really enjoyed this one. I learned a lot. If I were a bit older, I would gill out the form to donate my body to science...even if it means they leave me out in a field to decompose. When I'm older I will. ...more

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