Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers

Rating:
Summary: Fun but Give Us More Meat
Review: Roach's book is fun. For those wanting to delve more deeply into the forensic side of human cadavers, read CORPSE, by Jessica Snyder Sachs. Corpse goes much farther, in a scientific yet lively way, into exploring the world of the entomologists, botanists, anthropologists, and pathologists who study the "ecology" of human remains.

Rating:
Summary: DEAD FUNNY
Review: To those wondering if a book on such a, well, still subject would be worth reading, particularly if you aren't of a medical bent: YES! This is as funny as it is full of interesting facts about the things that are done with our physical vehicle when we have left for the world yonder. The research is pretty well done, the anecdotes carefully chosen, and the writing is very accessible + captivating. Medics should have to read this, but even for the rest of us it is quite a treat. You shd consider giving it a shot if you can.

Rating:
Summary: All the details Jessica Mitford left out
Review: Mary Roach's book covers the gory funerary details from which Jessica Mitford "spares the reader", plus more. This well researched and highly entertaining book kept me turning pages. This book is not for everyone, but aficionados of the macabre will not be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Stiff
Review: Although this book is not for everyone, I loved it. I learned something about a subject I knew little about. Who knew all the different places your dead body could go if you donate it to science!

Rating:
Summary: The Other Side of Life
Review: Mary Roach had a hard task here: telling us what happens to many bodies after they die. Totally respectful but also entertaining: she tells you about the uses for bodies that are not buried. Whether used in the training of new doctors or the testing of boots resistant to land mines cadavers do have their uses. The book drags a bit in the second half but, on the whole, it meets it's goal of telling you about some of the bizarre uses of cadavers.

Rating:
Summary: Great!
Review: This book is terrific and I can't imagine anyone not enjoying it. After all, we have it in common that we're all alive now and we'll all be dead one day in the future. Ms. Roach does the tight-rope walking feat of all time by making her book both respectful and hysterically funny. To say nothing of endlessly informative. This is stuff you can't read, see or hear anywhere else and it's fascinating! One caveat: although written in extremely good taste, a bit of the material is (by necessity) a tad nausea-inducing. Still, I loved this book and highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Only slightly entertaining/informative
Review: While the idea of this book is quite a hook, the contents and writing style are mediocre at best. Maybe a long article for a magazine like People, but the book is another one of those with lots of filler, lots of space between lines and virtually no meaningful content. I definitely would not recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: And you thought death was depressing---
Review: Mary Roach did her homework, and it shows. She has written and information packed, insightful, educational, respectful, and, yes, funny book on what happens to these bodies of ours when we get tired of hanging out in them. I have a newfound respect for all who have donated their bodies in the name of science. Not that I give it a lot of thought, but I figured cremation would be the most logical choice. After reading this book, heck, they can do whatever they want with me. I've always felt an obligation to help others, and if I can continue to do so after I have left this world, then HOORAY.
Meanwhile, expect some odd looks when you are sitting there reading a book obviously about the dearly departed, and you started sputtering, and can't help but laugh out loud! Quirky humour, but that's my favorite kind. Thank you, Mary Roach.
I recommend this book to anyone in healthcare, or the clergy, or anyone even dealing with people who experience loss. It gives you a new perspective.
On the other hand, I will have a hard time ever eating gelatin again...

Rating:
Summary: DEAD-ON!!!
Review: don't be scared of this book because of its subject!! i am unbelievably squeamish and absolutely loved this book! you need to know how your seatbelt was perfected, how your doctor learned to perform that life-saving operation and why you shouldn't jump off a bridge (other than for obvious reasons). this book takes a potentially gruesome topic and spins it into sheer knowledge that is easy to swallow and entertaining to boot. everyone to whom i've recommended this book has loved it; my dad even read it in one sitting (he stayed up until nearly 4AM to finish it). this book is a real treat and should not be missed!!!

Rating:
Summary: Death has never been more entertaining
Review: The only negative about this book, is that people look at you very strangely when you try to explain what it's about and why you loved it.

Witty, page turning and amusing - one of the best books I've read in a long time. Better than the first season of "6 Feet Under"!