Stiff is a great read - funny, insightful, and well-written. Roach just pulls you along from one chapter to the next - it is so hard to put down.

The details and descriptions of what is done to corpses, and has been done to them historically, are fascinating. I would have given it 5 stars if I were able to talk about any of this book with my husband or circle of friends. Without the context of the book the people around me think any details I attempt to discuss with them are horrendously gruesome.

The inevitability of every body's decay - no matter what method of burial (or other) is chosen - was definite food for thought for me.

It's not the author's fault that time has marched on since she wrote the book, but I did find the info about Body Wars at the end outdated (and her feelings that it would never be welcome in North America haven't rung true).

Great book, great read, so INTERESTING.

I found this book to be really interesting. Obviously I'd thought of organ donation before but had never really even thought about the other valuable uses my corpse could have to society. I've learnt a lot from this book, even about what happens to the human body in general if you just stick it in the ground. I think this book is a good thing for those who want their body to go down one of these community beneficial paths when they no longer can use it themselves, to give to their relatives who will be ultimately giving the go ahead, so they can understand the answer of why and more likely respect your wishes. It's also just a fascinating read for those who wonder exactly what happens to a corpse as it decomposes? How do airline investigators use bodies to find out if there was an explosion and not just the burning of the ocean waterskin from examining the corpses? What do the people who use these bodies for their own surgical educational requirements or as researchers think of the corpses? How do corpses and parts of them help prevent injuries and deaths in the automobile industry?

There's just so much information in here, you wouldn't have come across before unless you've researched it before in textbooks and journals. That's the thing about this book, the style is well written for your everyday person, it's not textbooky or medical journally in style. In fact as the chapters go on, Mary roach seems to increase the amount of humour in the footnotes and so on. It's a non fiction adventure that reads like a fiction novel, like in the first chapter (about heads for surgical training) , where she had her arch nemesis the head lopper lady who was giving her dirty looks and on the phone trying to get rid of her. That sort of stuff being included just made the tale that much more readable, relatable and put you in the room amongst the action.

You won't necessarily agree with the author's opinions, I certainly don't agree with her doing what the family members want and not the deceased wishes but she does present her arguments well for her opinions. Nor is the writer a comedian so you're not going to falling out of your chair laughing, think normal journalist humour when you see it on TV or in print, it's like that.

There are some areas of the death industry that aren't delved into much or at all such as what goes on in a normal funeral situation. A few months ago I read a funeral industry set fiction novel called Weepin' Willie which is a very good book but also gives a fair amount of history and interesting facts as told by the mortician (Willie hence the title) on the funeral industry and dealing with dead bodies. If you like this book, you'll enjoy that one as well!

This book never really went into if any of these options organise taking your corpse for free or even pay your estate for it. Funerals are expensive, if they did this would increase participants purely for the financial relief to their families. I would think the plastic surgery industry should (with the exception of severe burns reconstruction and things like this). I'd certainly consider it if money went to people in my Will by doing so, but wouldn't just to benefit some ageing or vain person who wants to look better or younger.

This books was so fascinating and had me laughing out loud. I have been recommending it to everyone. It's true that you probably don't want to read it while you are eating, but I think it is fantastic. Read it!

This book is a great read. It reads like a journalistic series, with each chapter its own article. It's an easy, engaging read, really thought-provoking and informative and funny.

One of the best books I've read. Amazingly hilarious while talking about science, a very morbid one at that... I strongly recommend this book. If you are a physician, you will love it. If you are a medical examiner, go buy it right now!!

Lots of interesting facts and I was impressed at how the author managed to write about this subject. Seriously, if someone told me they were going to write a book about cadavers and it was going to be a best seller, I wouldn've thought they were crazy. That being said, Mary Roach did manage to write a best selling book on the subject, although some of the information and description of the facts made my stomach churn. Maybe I'm just squeamish, but her descriptions on the way the human cadaver were used throughout history made me a bit nauseous. Also, I don't know why people thought this book was hilarious. Interesting maybe, but hilarious? I don't see it. Some of the facts she uncovered were amusing (in an interesting way,) but I didn't fall down laughing. If you're interested in knowing what happens to human cadavers and has a strong stomach, then this book is pretty informative, but if you want a funny book, go somewhere else.

This was one of the best non-fiction books I have ever read. The author really cuts to the chase and asks the questions everyone really want to know. I could not believe how laugh out loud funny this book was, yet she was never disrespectful to the topic, the people she interacted with, nor the "dearly departed". I recommend this to anyone who has even the slightest interest in what happens to our bodies after death. It has opened my eyes to some choices I didn't know I had (composting is intriguing...). I am so glad she didn't include pictures.

If you have ever wondered to yourself what happens to bodies when they die, this book offers that and more. Much more. I was astounded at what is done - both stateside and abroad - with the physical body. Who'da thought? The humor keeps you from being entirely grossed out and I found myself somewhere between morbid fascination and uncontrollable laughter. Super book.

This book is an enthralling read about journey of the cadaver. Roach goes into great detail about things like organ donation, medicinal uses, crime scene usage, cannibalism and a whole host of research and experimentation that have been done to cadavers. Also covered are ways to dispose of your own corpse-compost heap anyone?

This book is not for the squeamish. Roach goes into very detailed accounts of every trial a cadaver is put through. So if you don't like watching surgery on TV, I would not recommend this book.

I found this book much easier to read than Bonk, Roach's book about the history of sex research. The material is not as dry and the book never bogs down like Bonk did. In fact, when I reviewed Bonk, I gave it 4 stars but after reading Stiff I would give it only 3.

Had I done so, I would have missed out on one of the funniest books I've read in a very, very long time. When I first saw this book I asked myself, "who in the right mind would write a book about dead bodies?" Even more disturbing to me was, "why would anyone want to read such a book?" Just the same, I thought I'd pick it up and glance through it (maybe that could be called the "National Enquirer Effect?"). Surprisingly, my cursory glance through it seemed to tell me that this might, just might be interesting to read.

I did not; however, decide to purchase it right away. Instead, I looked at a lot of other books (all of which seemed to on more altruistic topics) before I finally decided to pick up a copy on my way to the checkout counter. Even though, I couldn't help but wonder - what is the clerk going to think of me if I buy a book on DEAD BODIES.

Then, to compound matters, I came down with a summer cold (what could be worse?) later that evening and, not feeling like doing anything (even reading was tough) so I picked up what I thought might be the most mindless (no pun intended) book in my pile of things to read - and this was a no-brainer. While I'm not quite over the horrible summer cold yet (between the meds, sleeping, and normal cold things), I've spent the last couple of days laughing all the way through this amazingly hilarious and yet highly informative book (I admit, I have had to put it down many times whenever my coughing hacks and postnasal drip got the best of me).

Stiff was not only highly entertaining (and a good respite from the death grip my cold had on me), but was actually an extremely fascinating and enlightening look about one of the most taboo topics in our culture - what happens to our bodies after they die. Not wanting to provide any spoilers (many others already have), I will say that Roach looks at just about everything imaginable (with the exception of turning your dead grandmother into a diamond - a process that may not have yet been invented at the time Stiff was written).

Never in a million years would I have thought I might recommend a book on cadavers to anyone. After reading Stiff, I would recommend this book without hesitation - believe me, it'll just kill you. :)

With bright humor, wicked insights and a strong stomach, appropriately-named author Mary Roach pierces the veil that separates -- if not death from life -- then the dead from the living. Ever wonder how crash test dummies so closely mimic the human body's frailties? Ponder on how plastic surgeons practice the craft of sticking knives into people's faces? Curious about how analysts can tell whether a plane crash victims were killed by explosions or by impact with water (hint: it all about broken ribs skewering lungs)? Perplexed about whether footwear worn by mine clearers will protect their feet? Wonder no more! Roach explains how human beings -- at least their corporeal remains -- find usefulness even when their current occupants no longer do. Her travels to her to embalming rooms, anatomy classes and open fields where cadavers are set up to study decay rates. While she does not meet with any truly ghoulish characters, the activities of the people she does interview engage in activities that are as gruesome, distasteful and repugnant as they are necessary and even potentially lifesaving. She deals with the ethics of damaging dead bodies in the name of science and safety, and whether relatives have a right to decide whether Granddad will get slammed into a wall to test a new airbag design. Roach also deals with how medical people and others try to depersonalize their test subjects -- who so easily "read" as people -- not test dummies. There's enough talk of beheading, putrefaction, maggots and cadaver bashing to make the squeamish think twice. But Roach, gauging her text by her own limit of repulsion, draws the veil shy of the disgusting to reveal a world in which the recently dead still have a chance to serve the living.

This book is fantastic FUN! Roach is an interesting and hilarous writer. She thinks like most of us do and isn't afraid to put her thoughts on paper.
A must read for anyone!

I picked up this book, curiously enough, at the Our Bodies: The Universe Within exhibit in Ohio. I've often wondered about human body donation and just what happens to all the people who opt for that.

I found this to be an enjoyable read. It's a little slow at times, but the humor is sparkling in just the right areas. It kept me interested, especially the history behind cadavers being used in scientific experimentation.

It's not a book for everyone, but after reading this one, I'm definitely going to check out her other two books. I like her style, not too text-book, not too tongue-in-cheek, just right!

I was told about this book from a working in a bookstore.. and trust me I didn't really know what it was going to be about. I took the rish and have come to love this book. It's interesting, entertaining, funny and fresh. I guess for me, one of the biggest things i took away from the text outside of making my own decision about donating my body to science, was the fact that these people treat the dead well. And in fact the dead often receive my dignity, respect, and honor that the living are ever given.. It makes you think about bestowing those things on the living while they are there to enjoy them...

This was a very interesting book. It was unlike anything I have ever read. Mary Roach described the many uses for cadavers with great humor. This gave me a different perspective on cadavers.

Ms. Roach writes quite well. Her chapter on auto safety and the role that cadavers have played in its development over time is worth the price of the book alone.

My only complaint is that she could have cut her use of humor towards the end of the book, as it seems to increase needlessly as the chapters went by. I also thought the chapter on religion and the dead could have used a better editor - I don't think she portrayed religious beliefs that accurately. But still, when you can link the Amish, Hindus and Reform Jews in one sentence, you're dealing with someone who has a good grasp on the subject matter.

I absolutely adore this book. While I didn't fall off the bed laughing, I certainly had a fun time reading it. It is very rare to read an intellectual author who is both informative and charming. I couldn't put the book down. A definite read for anybody who is interested in the physical body after death.

Funny, fascinating, and extremely informative. Stiff was a great read from beginning to end, and gives a unique look at the science and policies of working with dead bodies. This is a great read for anyone in the medical profession, or for fans of shows like "CSI".

Interesting subject for a non fiction book,cadavers, but who is not a little bit curious what happens to us after we die. Very informative, very funny, curiously touching impecably reseached. Mary Roach deserves kudos for what she put herself through to bring us this little gem.

I found myself laughing out loud and fascinated, as well. Very well written and researched; plus, gave me pause for reflection regarding my own "donation(s)". Be warned, however, some may find the subject matter offensive.

I bought this book in audio format to fit it into my busy life. I just wanted to plug the excellent reading of this most excellent book. Shelly Frasier as narrator is virtuoso. She fully transmits the conversational style of the writing along with the humor. It is almost like hearing the author herself narrating her own work. I join the others who enjoyed this book. You will learn much that you never knew before. I particularly liked the historical accounts on various aspects of the subject matter. It has been a long, winding road to our present day attitudes concerning the dead helping the living via research.

This is an educational book about the history and future of cadavers. Learn more about mortuaries, human crash test dummies, and freeze drying the dead. Mary Roach writes with a frank, compassionate, and witty voice. She manages to show respect for the dead while introducing cocktail party snippets about herself.

I enjoyed this book; Some people that I talked to didn't want to know the outcome (squeamish I am sure). Roach did a great job with Stiff; I now know what becomes of us when we die. She was right it's not easy to deal with if it's a loved one.

"Stiff" by Mary Roach is a remarkably funny and informative romp through what could have been a pretty creepy topic - what actually happens to our bodies when we die. Bouncing from what happens if you sign that organ donor card to the history of medicine to cannibalism to what does a soul weigh to the gory details of decay to dozens of other topics, Ms. Roach has just the right touch of quirkiness and hilarity to transmit an astonishing amount of information in a way that doesn't result in losing one's lunch. Highly recommended for anyone who would like to understand physical death in an unemotional way.

This is one of my favorite books - as someone who has done a cadaver discection, who works in the health care profession, and as someone who is planning to donate their body to science, this was a witty, eye opening, and educational book - AND made me laugh out loud on occasion. I found myself wanting to share all the interesting things I was learning while reading this book with anyone who happened to be in the vicinity while I was reading. I never knew a book on this subject could be so interesting and such an engaging read. I have recommended this book to many people - those in the medical field and those who are not. Perfect book to read either all the way through, or to pick up once in awhile and come back to.

The book tells you everything you ever wanted to know about what happens to the corpse after a human dies. It takes you from scientific testing to new ways of giving the body back to the earth. Especially interesting was the information about how cadavers played a role in biology in the past, and the crimes associated with the research. All written in layman's terms and mixed with a small bit of tasteful humor. It makes for a great read.

I think the book is extremely fascinating, and thought provoking (i.e. I now feel like I owe it to the world to donate my body to research when I die). She tactfully describes some very gory and grotesque scenes in a way that helps the reader cope just as much as she had to make herself cope being in front of the action. Even as the reader, you feel you have to respect the cadavers you are reading about as previously living beings, but at the same time, realize they are now nothing more than lifeless masses that offer a lot of valuable knowledge to the living.

She was able to respectfully describe the humor in certain situations in the book (such as the serious, but comical, mishaps of the people trying to prep the cadaver for the shoulder impact test for the auto crash study). But I thought her attempts to try to be comical (not describing something that was comical, but using plays on words, puns, one-liners, etc.) were forced, used too liberally, and rarely funny. Maybe it was an attempt to add additional levity to a very serious matter, or maybe it was just her simply trying to be funny. Either way, I thought the book could have just as easily done without.

But overall, I would highly recommend the book. I don't know how accurate a lot of the 100+ year old historical references are, but they are very interesting and add greatly to the book nonetheless.

This is a great book. I loved it. There is so much in this book that i didnt know about. Each chapter brings you down road of what happnens/options for a dead body. You will learn a lot from this book

This book is just too funny, however I am sure a few readers will be grossed out by some of the details. A good read indeed!

My anatomy teacher recommended this book as an interesting read and it proved to be one for sure. It shows that it is possible to find humor in almost anything, and does a very good job of explaining almost all of the different things that human cadavers are used for while still keeping a light mood throughout the book.

Overall, this book was OK -- the first few chapters were certainly what I expected, but I found myself trudging through the closing chapters with limited interest.

I found the author's writing style to be distracting bordering on annoying; she tended to change tense from past to present (writing about a past experience in the present tense is a pet peeve of mine), and she apparently could not resist the urge to insert smarmy remarks either within the text or as a footnote at the bottom of the page. The book was absolutely full of her "humorous" musings which added little to the quality, in my opinion. Lastly, the closing chapters tended to be somewhat disjointed; she had the tendency to get off on tangents partially or completely unrelated to the topic of the chapter.

It is hard to believe this book received a serious editorial review prior to publication.

In "Stiff" Mary Roach achieves the delicate balance between the ghoulish macabre and the fate that awaits us all while never losing her sense of honest curiosity, reverence, and gallows humor throughout.
This book was highly recommended to me and I was initially skeptical as to whether it was worthy of all of the high praise. I needn't have worried. The book is both educational and fun, yes fun. Of course I'd heard of body snatchers, but had no idea that they referred to themselves as 'resurrectionists'. Guess I know who Karl Rove was spinning for in the 18th Century, yes?
I believe that anyone with an interest in life, death, and especially the genesis for so many tales of horror and the like should do themselves a favor and pick up a copy of this book, draw the curtains, pour a 'stiff' drink and turn the page. Oh, and you might want to light a candle and turn that bust of Poe toward the wall...at least for a day or two.

As a high school student studying vertebrate anatomy and physiology, I was assigned a book project and chose this book to read. I found it immensely entertaining and informative. The subject matter ranged from decomposing body facilities to gelatin being used to simulate human thighs. Although some of the chapters weren't as entertaining as others, overall I believe this is a great read for anyone interested in anatomy.

i read this book right before i started a tissue recovery job here in california. it's an interesting study on what happens to various cadavers donated to science. Roach goes through the history of post-mortem science as well as contemporary practices with humorous anecdotes while keeping very respectful of the donor. i recommend this book to anyone who is interested in medical history and/or post-mortem science who has a sense of humor!

Mary Roach, Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers (Norton, 2003)

So what happens to us when we die? Not in the metaphysical sense, here-- what happens to the corpses our spirits, if you believe in such things, leave behind? Mary Roach asked herself that question, specifically as it involved corpses that had been left to science over the years, and Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers is her attempt at an answer. Yeah, probably not the kind of question one normally asks oneself. So what is it that explains the book's popularity? I don't know. I do know that the answer, while not complete-- I doubt such a question could ever have a complete answer-- is entertaining, compelling, and readable.

While much of the book focuses on bodies that have been donated to science (some of which end up in dissection labs or surgery tutorials, some of which end up as crash test non-dummies, some of which end up on Bill Bass' body farm, and many other options), Roach diverts every once in a while into even more interesting, and less documented, territory, such as the long, storied, and questionable history of cannibalism in China (the subject of a recent, and very amusing, Hong Kong film, Dumplings; the main character's list of sources justifying Chinese cannibalism is almost a dead-on match for Roach's source list, quotes in her chapter on, you guessed it, human dumplings-- one wonders whether Mary Roach and Fruit Chan talked this over, late at night, over a plate of-- oh, you know).

What makes Roach's book so readable, I think, is that Roach takes much the same tack as many of the doctors whom she interviews-- a sort of gallows humor coupled with detachment. You can see her struggling to maintain her composure in some passages, just as you can see her interviewees doing the same at times. Was this conscious? I don't know. Does it matter? Not one bit. I wanted more detail in some places, but I can understand leaving it out where such squeam-inducing subjects are concerned (and where such detail simply doesn't exist). Well, that, and she actually does answer the question. To an extent, anyway. *** ½

While some people may be put off by a book containing the contradicting words "lives" and "cadavers" in the subtitle, readers of this indeed intriguing novel will be pleasantly surprised. Stiff by Mary Roach is an educational, yet humorous book about the things you never wanted to know about life, well, what could happen, after death. Roach covers numerous topics ranging from cadavers being used as crash test dummies to crucifixion experiments.
Each chapter has a new and exciting topic involving dead human bodies. Roach mixes each chapter with a personal encounter of the process being completed on the cadaver and some history that gets filled into the pages that relates to the topic. While two chapters, "Just a Head" and "Eat Me" become a little too history heavy for my liking, mostly all of the captivating sections of the novel are well balanced between the present and the past. From explaining the dead bodies composing under a tree, to surgeons practicing nose surgery on a potential relative you may have never laughed so hard or opened you eyes so wide. New territory is covered, and you won't know what to do with all the fascinating, odd facts you learned about the lives of these curious cadavers.
Roach has impeccable writing techniques that will leave you reading until the last page. Roach uses just enough details as to not overwhelm, but simply inform to and satisfied capacity. She wasn't afraid to offend, and told the bold truth in each chapter. This book is oddly addicting, and you will never think about dead bodies the same. I would recommend this book to anyone, any age. It's too well written and explained too perfectly to pass up. Stiff is absolutely fascinating; a thought provoking and riveting book that balances sensitivity and respect.

This book is utterly fascinating. It is very well researched, and Mary Roach writes with surprising humor. At times, the book unfolds almost like a story. I loved the chapters which covered the strange historical uses for cadavers.

I couldn't bring myself to read some of the chapters because they were too gruesome. (Crucifying cadavers, the study of accident victims, and the study of how corpses rot.)

Overall, even though I really wanted to like the book, it left me with such a grim and disturbing feeling that I had to skim over the second half. It seemed as if the author didn't believe in an afterlife and her writing reflected her beliefs in a way that disturbed me. I was OK with the fact that the book forces the reader to think about his own dead body, but it felt so hopeless to believe that life ends there.

Composed almost as an amalgamation of magazine articles, 'Stiff' is an informative journey into what each one of us will have to face: Death.

Well, not exactly. Stiff pertains to what happens after you die and not necessarily what causes death (thought the chapter on plane crashes is a little too real for my taste).

And, to that extent, it is a great book. Mary Roach is both tactful and hilarious in her depiction of the dead. Her assiduous research helps to strengthen an already stellar bit of writing. Without her constant data, one might find her style tongue-in-cheek or flippant.

To reiterate her point, there is nothing funny about death, and, really, neither is there anything truly funny about cadavers. But the cover says it best: what happens to us after we die is curious. If you can suspend your abhorrence that far, then Mary Roach will have you hooked after that.

I'll admit, reading a book on 'decedents' is a trifle morbid, but it is also enthralling, especially since it is so well-written. The only shortcoming in the book is that it does not offer solace to those who want to find some kind of comfort in death.

But, then again, that's not really the author's job here.

Others tell about the contents - let me just add that I enjoyed reading it, and laughing now and then while learning some very interesting facts about cadavers.

Very interesting book. I never really thought about bodies that are given to science or the decaying process before reading "Stiff". Ms. Roach really did her research. This book is very informative and tastefully done.

I love the way this author writes and especially what she writes about. Not just the same 'ol stuff. I learn more from her than most. She asks about things you want to, and don't.

It's not often that you'll find an enjoyable read on a "life after death" topic without delving into issues of spirituality and religion that can quickly raise the volume level of well meaning people. Stiff avoids the theological conundrum by just focusing on the mortal coil that we eventually shed... the bones, organs and such that are contained within the skin of the recently deceased.

Mary Roach takes a journalistic and historical look at how dead bodies are used (and in some cases abused) for various purposes, and she does it with an appealing sense of inquisitiveness and humor. Thank goodness for the humor! Her wit will help get you by some aspects that may strike the reader as less than pleasant. She makes no serious effort convince anyone that their body should be treated in any specific way, but she certainly will enlarge your knowledge of the various options available. Those options range from traditional embalming, cremation and such to anatomical studies, forensic studies, scientific experimentation (crash tests conducted under the most controlled and respectful of circumstances), and even composting (don't cringe or snicker, it just might be the next great thing in funerary practices).

I'll grant you that I didn't necessarily need the information in the chapter entitled "Eat Me", but Ms. Roach's humor, particularly her reporting of her efforts to track down the story of a restaurant in China that had once featured dumplings of a suspect nature.

Questionable imagery aside, I enjoyed it immensely! But on a more personal note, Stiff reinforced a perceptual shift that I've undergone over the past few years. Years ago, a family member announced to us that she wanted her body donated to a school of medicine. While respecting her wishes, I was appalled at the thought of a group of 20-something med students snickering over my poor remains. My evolution from that mindset began with the passing of that family member, and the sensitive fashion in which the med school assured us of their gratitude. Ms. Roach's book will make you feel far more comfortable with how the remains of your loved one are treated. Good job Mary!

I found the book to be very informative, even fascinating in some chapters. At first, Mary held me captivated with her wit so as not to make the material seem too gruesome. I was disappointed in how the book lost the initial attraction about halfway through. It became boring, almost a chore, to finish reading.

The book is funny, except for the parts that made my stomach hurt about the things we do to animals. There is a lot in here about what has been done to animals, and what is still being done to them, it breaks my heart. I don't mind experimentation on dead animals but it should be illegal to do anything to a living animal, no matter who it benefits, and I can say that if an animal experiment would have saved my mother I (nor she) would have signed off on it. If it were to save my life I say no, we don't have the right. For the most part the book is funny and educational.

Or who doesn't after reading this book? Roach is an amazing writer. She approaches this delicate subject with a good balance of humor, respect, and enthusiasm, and the reader can't help but be absorbed immediately.

Each chapter is spent discussing a possible "life" for a human cadaver. There are many expected courses, such as anatomy dissections and cremations, but also many unexpected courses, such as crash test dummy calibrator, ballistics assistant, compost, and ingredient for folk (and snake oil-type) remedies. If you are extremely squeamish, you may be well-advised to avoid this book, but chances are, if you are extremely squeamish, you're not interested anyway. Roach does a good job, however, of not immersing the reader in overly disgusting descriptions (at one point, she decides the word "maggot" is not very nice, so she refers to them instead as "haciendas"). She simply presents the facts as they are.

Roach has researched her subject extremely thoroughly and I came away with a treasure trove of fascinating facts (now I just have to figure out how to drop them into conversation!). One of the best aspects of the book is Roach's writing. She is hilarious, and I found myself laughing out loud in every chapter. This was an excellent, intriguing book, and I can't wait to read her next book, Spooks!

Ms. Roach has missed her true calling...I believe she could convince even John Bolton of her good intentions. The book was worth the $3.99 "used" price I paid. It's a light, humorous yet illuminating read if not somewhat contrived; in one section it is noted that victims' bodies aren't actually physically used in analyzing airplane crashes, thus their "lives" aren't so curious after all. Still they must be referred to as cadavers to agree with the central theme. This is a good nightstand book since you can well wait to see how it ends. R.I.P.

Ms. Roach has missed her true calling. I believe she could convince even John Bolton of her good intentions. The book was worth the $3.99 "used" price I paid. A light, humorous yet illuminating read if not somewhat contrived; in one chapter, airplane crash victims' bodies must be referred to as cadavers to agree with the central theme.

In my anatomy class my teacher said i HAD to read this book. But don't read if someone you know has recently passed or if this kinda stuff bothers you. Take it lightly and humorous.

Anything you never wanted to know about dead bodies you will read in this book. The author presents the information with a "Dry as a dry martini" sense of humor. Information that would typically not be discussed at the dinner table is what you will find in this book.

There is a variety of information, everything from how dead bodies are used to determine the best seats for airline crashes to the once considered disposal of the same.

One example is a gentleman in New York many moons ago that thought using human fat to keep the street lamps burning. He felt this was a good idea and a cost saving measure.

Another is how cremation came to be and various tried and failed techniques such as freeze drying bodies.

It is not a book of gore in the least, the reason it is not is the way the information is presented. This book is an all time favorite of mine. If you enjoy science, biology, and how things work you will enjoy this book.

This book is tied for first as my favorite book of all time. This book is informative, educational, and exceptionally well-cited. Beyond that, it is an easy and conversational read. The best parts (there are two) about this book are that a) it might be the funniest thing I have ever read. Yes, its about cadavers - whole ones, pieces of them, ones that are buried, burned or chemically digested, dismantled for research or organ donation - but Roach has an uncanny and remarkable sense of humor about the whole thing. I literally laughed out loud at several points during the book - this is not just something they put on the book jacket as a sales pitch. If you wish to be amused, pick this up. And b) my second favorite thing about this book is that it provides a new starting place for deciding about the way in which I wish to dispense with my own remains. She provides information about organ donation, donation of bodies to science, donation of brains, and the nitty-gritty of what happens to the body depending on which more traditional disposal method one selects. I'll spare you the details of my own decision about this, but suffice it to say, this book has given me a whole new set of things to think about. This book doesn't have to move you or impact your life or decision-making, but it can.

In all, a fantastic reading experience that I recommend to anyone with a sense of humor and even the slightest bit of morbid curiosity.