Life is truly educational, raising philosophical thoughts and also being revealing. The paths of life nowadays are extremely diverse. There are those who are at the forefront of medical development, the designers of safety equipment, the educators of students, the assistants of forensic medicine experts, the donors, the museum exhibits, and finally, the mortal remains that must be carefully preserved with respect.

The image presented here, with a width of 350 pixels and a height of 400 pixels, titled "description" and of class "gr-hostedUserImg" and loading lazily, perhaps provides a visual representation that further enriches our understanding of the various aspects of life described above. It could be a scene that encapsulates the essence of one of these life paths or a combination of them, inviting us to沉思 and reflect on the complexity and beauty of life.

Interesting subject matter accompanied by entirely too many jokes. One per page is already excessive. One per paragraph becomes truly annoying.

It seems that the author might have overdone it with the humor, which could potentially distract from the actual content.

The chapter on airplane crashes, however, stood out as the best. Perhaps this is because it had the least amount of jokes, allowing the information to shine through more clearly.

It provided some rather interesting and revelatory insights. For example, if one were unfortunately to crash in an airplane, it would be advisable to hope and pray that it was the day they got that upgrade to First Class, as it apparently has the highest chance of survival.

This bit of information is both fascinating and a bit alarming at the same time. It makes one wonder about the various factors that contribute to survival rates in such a tragic event.

Overall, while the book has its flaws in terms of the overabundance of jokes, the chapter on airplane crashes does offer some valuable and thought-provoking content.

Stiff was an extremely interesting and deeply researched exploration into what occurs to human cadavers.

It delved into various aspects, ranging from medical research to transplants.

I, being a naturally morbid individual, have long been fascinated by death.

The book provided many eye-opening details and insights that kept me engaged throughout most of it.

However, I must admit that towards the end, it seemed to lose some of its momentum.

Despite this, I would still highly recommend this book.

It offers a unique perspective on a topic that is often overlooked or avoided.

Whether you have a morbid curiosity like me or are simply interested in learning more about the medical field and the use of cadavers, Stiff is definitely worth a read.

It challenges our preconceived notions and forces us to confront the reality of what happens to our bodies after we die.

Overall, it is a thought-provoking and informative book that I believe many people would find interesting.

Dear Author,

what's the deal with the word "maggots"? I truly believe that if readers select something with "cadavers" in the title, there's no need to mince words with them. They're well aware of what they're getting themselves into. Or perhaps it was intended to be humorous? Oh, I see. Ha ha.

However, setting aside the strange joking at odd moments, it was actually a rather interesting book on a subject that far too many people prefer to shy away from. We don't like to envision ourselves as lifeless corpses, devoid of choices and voices. That's precisely why it's probably advisable to actually contemplate it and make decisions while you still have the ability to decide what will be done with you when you're deceased. And there are numerous options - well, at least in some countries, if not everywhere. The author provides us with a peek into some of the most unconventional ones. She also highlights another crucial subject - how our bodies, instead of slowly decomposing or being burned or otherwise, can be utilized for scientific purposes - to save lives in quite a few ways.

Moreover, there was an intriguing chapter about cannibalism. It was both interesting and creepy.

3.5 stars.

Cadavers or dead bodies are indeed not something that I have ever shown any interest in.

However, I was truly intrigued by Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers written by Mary Roach.

Roach delves into a wide range of topics, including medical laboratories, crash testing, funeral rituals, gunshot wounds, body snatching, death and religion, organ transplant, and even cannibalism.

Although the book details numerous aspects of death and dead bodies, it is far from being morbid.

Mary Roach approaches the topic with a combination of mirth and candor, which makes it both engaging and accessible.

I found myself smiling and chuckling at some of her humorous anecdotes and observations, while also grimacing at times due to the more graphic or disturbing details.

It's important to note that this book may not be suitable for the faint of heart, as it does contain some rather explicit descriptions and discussions.

Nevertheless, for those with an open mind and a curiosity about the human body and the various ways in which it is studied and used, Stiff is a fascinating read.

If the sight of severed heads resting in aluminum roasting pans intrigues you, rather than causing nausea, then this book is truly for you.

It is a fascinating read that defies expectations. Despite the rather macabre image I just described, the book manages to be surprisingly non-gross.

It delves into a world that may seem strange and off-putting at first, but as you turn the pages, you'll find yourself drawn in by the unique and captivating narrative.

The author has a way of presenting these unusual elements in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

So, if you're looking for something different, something that will challenge your perceptions and expand your imagination, give this book a try. You might just be pleasantly surprised.

This is really an extremely beautiful book! There isn't much more to elaborate on. However, if you are in the pursuit of a really cool non-fiction book that encompasses all the joy and personality just like that of a podcast, then this book is an absolute must for audiobook enthusiasts.

It offers a unique experience that combines the engaging nature of a podcast with the depth and substance of a non-fiction work.

The way it is presented makes it not only informative but also highly entertaining.

Whether you are on a long commute, doing household chores, or simply relaxing, this audiobook is sure to captivate you and keep you hooked from start to finish.

So, don't miss out on this wonderful literary gem!

Well, I am already halfway through this book, and it has truly become a huge disappointment.

What initially began as a humorous portrayal of what occurs with donated cadavers has taken a rather dreadful turn.

By the sixth or seventh chapter, the author seems to display what I can only describe as laziness. She added commentary on subjects that have nothing to do with her once-appreciated topic.

Now, I find myself skipping entire pages due to the lack of interest her writing generates and the tangents she goes off on. I imagine this is done for two reasons. First, she might have needed filler to extend the book. Second, she perhaps thought that by adding humor to the book, it would somehow deflect some of the gore. However, this is not the case.

It only gets 2 stars because it started off well, but unfortunately, I may not even bother to finish this one.

***** UPDATE *****

Okay, so I really can't say I completed reading this book because I didn't. All I can say to summarize it is that it was terrible. I am the kind of person who has a hard time leaving things unfinished, so to speak. Once I have committed to reading at least half of a book, I usually can't put it down. But this book was simply impossible for me to finish, and I can't fathom why it became a bestseller. Anyway, save your money and skip this one.

This is a very interesting 4.5 star read written in 2003. I finally have some time to pen down my review or thoughts. This book is not for everyone, especially those who are squeamish. However, it is truly fascinating. If you have an interest in the history of science and medicine, or forensics, then it is likely to appeal to you. Many of the blurbs seem to aim at getting the reader to open the book, even if they aren't initially interested in the subject matter, by claiming it was "unexpectedly sidesplitting" (I believe no pun was intended), or "a laugh-out-loud funny book". I didn't find this to be the case. Did it have some amusing anecdotes? Yes. Were her observations witty? Many times. Hilarious? Not quite. Nevertheless, her introduction gives you an insight into her humor. The way I see it, being dead is not terribly far off from being on a cruise ship. Most of your time is spent lying on your back. The brain has shut down. The flesh begins to soften. Nothing much new happens, and nothing is expected of you.

Roach begins with a discussion on the use of cadavers for anatomical dissection, covering both the historical aspects throughout the centuries and the current practice circa 2003 based on her observations in a couple of dissection labs. She mentions that as simulation labs become more common and obtaining cadavers sometimes becomes difficult, this practice on real bodies may decline. I asked a friend who takes students to the dissection lab about it. Our local medical school still uses cadavers, either whole bodies or prosections.

More history follows, focusing on body snatching or other crimes when it was either illegal or hard to obtain what anatomists (or others) needed.

A lot of people will be somewhat familiar with Chapter 3 if they have read or watched TV shows with a forensics slant regarding body decomposition. Recall trips to the "Body Farm" at UT. I recently read an article in my local paper about a new body farm associated with George Mason University that is being used to research bees to trace chemical signals of decay in the air, soil, and flowers. It's truly fascinating!

The next 3 chapters deal with the biomechanics of injuries (think crashes, falls, bombs, and bullets). My background is in trauma care, so this was all very familiar territory for me.

Crucifixion experiments - this was new to me and the start of 3 chapters that also scored some points on the weird meter for me.

Lastly, we come to the disposal of bodies. She explores both the traditional and new, more environmentally friendly ideas about it.

To top it all off for me, this was an IRL book club selection (before I was back in the fold) and not in the usual vein of reads with the group. I'm curious about who chose it and look forward to hearing what others thought of it when we meet next month.

One of the best bizarre non-fiction books that I have read lately is truly a captivating and mind-boggling piece of literature.

It takes the reader on a journey through a world of strange and extraordinary phenomena that one would never have imagined.

The author's vivid descriptions and in-depth research make every page come alive, drawing the reader in and keeping them hooked from start to finish.

From tales of ancient mysteries to modern-day scientific discoveries, this book covers a wide range of topics that are both fascinating and thought-provoking.

Whether you are a lover of the strange and unusual or simply looking for a unique and engaging read, this book is sure to satisfy.

It challenges our preconceived notions and makes us question the limits of what is possible in our world.

Overall, it is a must-read for anyone who enjoys exploring the unknown and expanding their horizons.

Re-read Aug2012
Group read & it has been a while. Wow, right from the start. Roach is able to be respectful yet humorous and insightful all simultaneously. The first chapter commences with a training session for plastic surgeons who acquire new procedures by operating on cadaver heads. She then follows up with a concise history of doctors obtaining corpses for learning purposes. It's truly amazing.



Original review from when I joined GR, read date end of 2005, early 2006

This isn't the ideal thing to read during lunch, yet that seemed to be the only available time for me. It's graphic and extremely well-written. Even before reading it, I had already determined that donating my body to science upon my death was the appropriate choice. This book has convinced me that I made the correct decision. She manages the subject matter really adeptly.

It's a rather grisly subject, but she once again demonstrates that she is an above-average writer. Her monthly column in Reader's Digest is an absolute'must-read' for me. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the macabre or those who want to gain a better understanding of the scientific uses of cadavers. It's a fascinating read that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the importance of body donation.

Mary Roach details a plethora of uses for human cadavers in this book. However, she overlooked a significant one. As Weekend At Bernies imparted to us, one can always utilize the corpse of one's boss to deceive one's way into a complimentary weekend at a beach house. That scientific research is all fine and dandy, but there is absolutely nothing here regarding the optimal ways to simulate a life-like corpse for one's own self-serving purposes. I gleaned more from Andrew McCarthy than from reading this!

Ah, but seriously, folks... This is the second book I have perused by Roach, and I hold in high regard the manner in which she can handle touchy and repulsive subjects such as corpses in this one or human feces in Packing for Mars. She treats them seriously yet still manages to maintain a sense of humor about them. While she always has one eye on the science, she never employs it to block out the normal human responses, and this enables her to offer a clear-eyed account of the uses and disposal of the dead. (One of my favorite segments entailed Roach inquiring of someone how heads were removed from cadavers for surgical practices and being informed that one woman in the lab removed them all. She later encountered the woman who actually did the chopping, and Roach admits that all she could think was, “You cut off heads!!”)

Consequently, we are treated to a grisly set of tales about how science employs corpses in a diverse range of ways, including the study of impacts for the auto industry, how a brain-dead woman's organs are extracted by a transplant team, and a field of bodies left to decompose for forensic research. We also receive an overview of how science has utilized or misused bodies to advance both legitimate research and outright quackery in the past. There is also a lengthy section reflecting on the best way to dispose of human remains since traditional burials and cremations are costly, environmentally harmful, and wasteful.

While I found this truly fascinating and relished Roach's writing and approach, there were moments when this book utterly disgusted me, and I possess a rather high tolerance for gore. One section concerning the history of various mad scientists grafting severed heads of dogs and monkeys onto other dogs and monkeys and actually managing to keep them alive for a certain period was nearly too much, and I sort of wished she would have omitted that chapter.

Nevertheless, this was a really interesting book. I simply wouldn't attempt to consume a plate of lasagna while reading it.