Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers: Non-Fiction Book by Mary Roach

Death is a medical topic a person doesn't bring up in conversation for fun or fascination. That is, except if you are reading Mary Roach's book, Stiff, the Curious Lives of Human Cadavers. Yes, the weird hesitant, "Oh really?" questions and raised eyebrows are common reactions, but they are so worth it. Mary Roach shoves the reader in head-first joining her in childlike wonder about human bodies' adventures after death.

Stiff is funny yet informative for readers of about age 14 and up. Publisher's Weekly calls it "Uproariously funny." There is no need to have medical knowledge to enjoy this book, as it is written at about the eighth grade reading level. The book leads the reader through the maze of industries thriving on death and forensic science in America. It is surprising, gory, funny, sad, educational, and respectful of human remains all at the same time.

Stiff Answers Questions You Never Knew You Had

Stiff, the Curious Lives of Human Cadavers answers the questions you never knew you had about the science possibilities of the human corpse after death. Even something as simple as the choice between traditional casket burial and cremation is not left out, and not as straight forward as you might assume. Roach is factual and instructional, but when it feels like you can't take any more, she throws in a morbidly funny footnote and you burst out in laughter.

Cadavers discussed with Humor, Sensitivity, and in History

Stiff is comical but treats each cadaver subject with surprising sensitivity. The author shares amazing research accomplished by some cadavers in a quiet area fenced carefully and numerically to assist in crime scene investigations. On the other end of the spectrum, the book includes the odd practices and history of body snatching and cannibalism.

We might all treat our bodies better and think twice about neglect and potential harm to self and others, if each of us were required to read Stiff about every ten years or so, as if we were renewing a driver's license. It is the perfect book of truth for each and every independent, self-responsible human's required reading material from about age 14 throughout life.

Book Distinctions, Awards, Rating and Details

Stiff, the Curious Lives of Human Cadavers has earned several distinctions, according to Mary Roach's author web site, including a place among the coveted New York Times Best Seller List. It has earned 'Best Book' selections in six publications, Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Book Award, Amazon.com Editor's Choice Book, and more.

Book Rating: 5 of 5 for entertainment value, subject knowledge and educational value for ages 14 and up

Book Details: Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company - 2004; Library Edition 2008
* Average Retail Prices: Kindle $8, Digital E-book $9, Hardcover $16, Paperback $10, MP3 $16, CD $24
* Available at: Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, Powells.com, Borders, and Booksense
* ISBN-10: 0393324826 and/or ISBN-13: 978-0393324822

Disclaimer

The reviewer is an avid reader who personally enjoyed this book, writing about and recommending this book based solely on Lynn Pritchett's own opinions. Lynn Pritchett was not compensated or influenced in any way by the W. W. Norton & Co, Mary Roach, or any party connected to the publication or marketing of the book, Stiff, the Curious Lives of Cadavers.