Stiff

The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers

By: Mary Roach

Narrated by: Shelly Frasier

Length: 8 hrs

Publisher's summary

An oddly compelling, often hilarious exploration of the strange lives of our bodies postmortem.

For two thousand years, cadavers (some willingly, some unwittingly) have been involved in science's boldest strides and weirdest undertakings. They've tested France's first guillotines, ridden the NASA Space Shuttle, been crucified in a Parisian laboratory to test the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin, and helped solve the mystery of TWA Flight 800. For every new surgical procedure, from heart transplants to gender reassignment surgery, cadavers have been there alongside surgeons, making history in their quiet way.

In this fascinating, ennobling account, Mary Roach visits the good deeds of cadavers over the centuries from the anatomy labs and human-sourced pharmacies of medieval and nineteenth-century Europe to a human decay research facility in Tennessee, to a plastic surgery practice lab, to a Scandinavian funeral directors' conference on human composting. In her droll, inimitable voice, Roach tells the engrossing story of our bodies when we are no longer with them.

©2003 Mary Roach (P)2003 Tantor Media, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Alex Award Winner, 2004

"Uproariously funny....informative and respectful...irreverent and witty....impossible to put down." (Publishers Weekly)
"Not grisly but inspiring, this work considers the many valuable scientific uses of the body after death." (Library Journal)
"One of the funniest and most unusual books of the year." (Entertainment Weekly)

loved it

so informative, and funny at times! I may listen to this yet again! the narrator was good and it was great to listen to!

Entertaining and informative

This is another entertaining and informative work by Mary Roach. The subject matter this time may be a little disturbing, but it well worth learning about. I definitely encourage the listener to think long and hard about what they want to happen to their body when they die. Of course, everyone should ensure they are signed up to the organ donor registry if they haven't already. That's a given. There aren't many valid excuses to not do that, and it's unfortunate that the US doesn't assume organ donations by default, allowing people to opt out if they wish to.
Beyond that, what should happen to your remains? WIll you get an expensive funeral plot, taking up real estate in perpetuity? Or perhaps you will be cremated, polluting the air? Consider different approaches, some of which are described in this book.

Oddly, I found it clarified many things I have pondered.

My daughter asked me to be in charge of donating her organs. At 61, and a donor since College, having been asked by her to proceed should something happen to her...I looked into it further. The information made me more concerned. I found this book helpful on sorting through questions. I like medical books. This one gives pause to our preconceived ideas on many subjects. It is also just plain interesting to find out what happens to cadavers.

The narrator distracted me too much

She mispronounced too much. Distracted me from enjoying the book. Interesting subject- seemed very well researched by the author. I would probably actually read this versus listen, if I had a do over.

on point

Interesting and informative. Can be considered gross to some, but pointed in a progressive stream. No problem from here. Well done.

interesting

if you are curious at all about what to do with your body when your soul is done with it, this is the book. very well read, and actually enjoyable. funny ( in spots) and witty. lots of information you might other wise never of heard.

entertaining and informative

i had actually read other books by mary before o year this one. i was afraid it would be repetitive but it wasn't at all. I'd say this and gulp are her two best. the narrator really got her wry humor.

Definitely Hilarious, sometimes gruesome...

...and not for the faint of heart. I think each listener will have different parts that make them squirm, but overall it's worth it.
The narrator's mispronunciations are distracting, but absolutely strikes the right tone for the book.
For any fans of Caitlin Doughty and other similar writers and activists, this is a great read about the precursors of present-day death acceptance and body disposition options.

Absolutely Fascinating Stuff

Dying never sounded so exciting. Not in a rush here, but I know I've got options now!

Interesting

Definitely an interesting topic to listen to. I enjoyed the narrator's voice for the audio. Although, I will say I wouldn't recommend it if you're the squeamish type. Makes ya' think about all the stuff organ donors and what not go through.