Saturday, September 08, 2007

Stiff by Mary Roach

When her next book comes out, I am so there. I love Mary Roach. She tackles uncomfortable subjects with such vivacity and humor and interest...sigh. What a wonderful read.
Stiff is about human cadavers -- uncomfortable topic, indeed. Roach goes into the history of cadavers, including all the grave-robbing and unethical practices of the past. Any topic involving what might happen to your body should you decide to donate it to a scientific pursuit is examined, including airbag testing to see how actual bodies react to organ transplant to new "green" funerals which are gathering power in Sweden.
Honestly, I know it sounds like a really strange book, and I will say that when I sat in the car dealership waiting for my tire to be replaced reading this book, I tried to keep the cover out of sight. But her two books, Stiff and Spook, are without a doubt the most compelling and intriguing nonfiction books I have ever read. Just fantastic. And any question you ever wished to ask, but didn't for fear of seeming morbid or macabre? You'll finally get to know the answer.
In conclusion, read one of her books. Even if they seem a little morbid.