Rating: 
Summary: light-hearted narrative, serious content
Review: Mary Roach's book is perhaps the one nonfiction book that I've experienced the most fun while reading. Writing about cadavers probably sits on the top 10 list of morbid subjects to produce a book on, but Ms. Roach's wonderful (and mostly appropriate) sense of humor through it all is infectious. I still can't keep from supressing a smile on my face after learning about Sir Harold and his guinea pig experiments.She also has a delightful knack for including details that would spur the interest of a majority of readers who ever wondered about this particular topic. For instance, she includes chapters on embalming, the use of the dead to test vehicles for safety,forensic pathology,donor transplants, and cremation. Her details are engrossing and informative. In addition to studying scientific papers and other works (the traditional route for most nonfiction book writers on science), Ms.Roach has travelled across the country and overseas to interview first-hand the specialists on this particular field. As far as the grossness level, I would not worry about anyone losing their lunch because of this book. But then again, I am someone who watches "Operation" on TLC while munching on a pepperoni pizza. She does not include any graphic images that might be horribly ingrained in your memories. Meticulous detail and much description are the things mostly found in her writing.
She is by far one of the funniest writers I've ever read, but despite her light-hearted wit, she definitely treats her subject with much sensivity and respect. I encourage anyone with an inquisitive mind to read this!
Rating:
Summary: Unforgettable
Review: Stiff is the best book I've read this year. I picked it up half-heartedly, as something I thought I should read to make myself more comfortable thinking about death. But, I was wary. I thought that I would have a hard time reading about such a morbid topic. But, I was absolutely delighted by the book. Don't get me wrong -- parts are troubling, and I don't recommend eating a snack while reading it. But, Roach covers the topic brilliantly, with chapters dedicated to the history of the use of cadavers in medicine, the study of human decomposition, the use of cadavers in car crash tests, and the use of the guillotine as a means of execution in revolutionary France. The information she presents is riveting, and as a former travel writer, she's not afraid to go the distance, all the way to China in one case, to investigate. Moreover, I'm not sure how she does it, but Roach actually injects humor into her tale. How can she treat the subject with such respect and yet make it a laugh out loud, funny read? You'll have to read it to find out. You won't be disappointed. This is investigative journalism at its best.
Rating:
Summary: Stiff Isn't
Review: OK--I have to admit, when I first heard about this one--the curious life of human cadavers?--I wasn't exactly excited about reading it, but the reviews were so glowing, I had to give it a try. Stiff is a very interesting, and certainly unique read--certainly not for the squeamish or faint of heart. But it's funny, surprisingly funny. Mary Roach also manages to communicate much respect for those who have gone before us. Her humor works because she generally pokes fun at the living and, she's pretty funny. There is nothing offensive in here, just lots interesting facts, some fascinating, some weird, some surprising. If you are the slightest bit curious about the topic, give this one a try.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent for the "Obscure Subject" enthusiast
Review: Mary Roach has tackled this arguably taboo subject head-on with fascinating detail and a surprising amount of wit. Part history, part journalism she manages to hit on every concievable use that the cadaver has gone through. From forensic research on decay to being mummified in honey for a century. She also includes an enthralling chapter about experimental "recycling" technology, that hopefully will be available in a few years.
As far as the squeamish factor, I must admit that there is "something for everyone" here. There were a few times where you can't help but say "Yeechh!" But then again, you are reading a review on a book about cadavers, so I think you may be prepared.
Refreshingly unique, I bought this as gift before finishing it a few days ago. Mary Roach manages to bring respect and wit to a sentive subject. I'm on board for her next book, no matter what the issue. One of a kind.
Rating:
Summary: If you want details - read this book.
Review: I've never written a review before but this book moved me to do so. I read it within a couple of days (I could hardly put it down). I couldn't wait to get to the next chapter and then the next. It was fascinating and Mary Roach has a great sense of humor. I hope she is working on another book. She gives you all the details; doesn't hold anything back! The only thing that bothered me was learning a little more than I wanted to know about animal experimentation - but, it's a part of life (and death). I highly recommend this interesting, eye-opening book.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful, disturbing read...
Review: This is the book that you need to read if you want to know what happens to a human being's body after its death. If it is possible for a book to be wonderfully interesting, disturbing, scary and funny all at the same time, this is the book. The many varied stories detailed in this book will simply leave your mouth agape. You must read this book, but come with an open mind and plenty of antacid! Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Would you be my best friend?
Review: I first opened the book to the middle and read something about what happpens to bodies when they are donated to science. It was a little hard to read but fascinating information. Then I turned to another page and read about what happens to a human body even after embalming. By then I didn't feel so good. Was it the book or the Mandarin chicken I had for lunch? I kept reading. I decided I might not be ready to read this book after all. I meant to put it down put somehow found myself starting from the beginning and reading every word. By the time I got to page 22, "You cut off heads. You cut off heads. You cut off heads." I decided that I wanted the author, Mary Roach to be my best friend. The book reads like an histerical conversation between friends about an absolutely morbid topic. The humor helps you through the information you need to know. The book made me feel a lot better about donating my body or body parts to science. And, I feel a lot better about being a journalist and writing as well. A fascinating read.
Rating: 
Summary: Mom, Can I Have Another Helping of Torso?
Review: Did you know human meat tastes like beef steak when cooked? Did you know people who were forced to turn to cannablism in times of war actually developed a taste for human flesh, or that a decapitated head can still see after it's severed from its body? These are just some of the interesting things you'll discover in this book. Mary Roach takes a light-hearted approach to discussing death in all its glory. We're all curious, which is why traffic bogs down when there's a bloody car accident on the side of the road, but it's still a taboo subject in our culture. Interesting trips the author takes include everything from a human "flesh farm" in the South to a crematorium in China that is rumored to be serving up a lot more than ashes. The book does bog down at times, seeming to get lost in a wealth of too much information. You may find yourself flipping over pages to return to the good stuff. Overall, it's a good read that helps you realize what becomes of your body when you die...and that hopefully it doesn't involve being chopped up and served in dumplings.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: I loved this book and wish there were more books like this written!
Rating:
Summary: Got some funny looks in the coffee shop, but...
Review: it was well worth it! There is so much more adventure in line for my cadaver after I leave it. So many topics were covered in this book, and so many different aspects of death and death culture are explained from the point of view of a non-scientist. It was refreshing change of pace from the other non fiction I read (I'm a zoologist by trade). I loved it and highly reccomend it!
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