Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers
Books | Science / Life Sciences / Human Anatomy & Physiology
3.9
(1.7K)
Mary Roach
Beloved, best-selling science writer Mary Roach’s “acutely entertaining, morbidly fascinating” (Susan Adams, Forbes) classic, now with a new epilogue. 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 confirmation surgery, cadavers have helped make history in their quiet way. “Delightful—though never disrespectful” (Les Simpson, Time Out New York), Stiff investigates the strange lives of our bodies postmortem and answers the question: What should we do after we die? “This quirky, funny read offers perspective and insight about life, death and the medical profession. . . . You can close this book with an appreciation of the miracle that the human body really is.” —Tara Parker-Pope, Wall Street Journal “Gross, educational, and unexpectedly sidesplitting.” —Entertainment Weekly
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More Details:
Author
Mary Roach
Pages
320
Publisher
W. W. Norton & Company
Published Date
2004-05-17
ISBN
0393069192 9780393069198
Ratings
Google: 4
Community ReviewsSee all
"It took me almost a year to finish this book (for personal reasons), but looking back, I realize this book isn't one you have to read quickly. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of cadaver life that could take place. One could even argue that you don't have to read them in order, though the author (Mary Roach) does create transitions in between so the book flows from chapter to chapter. It's also very informative, so reading it slowly allows you to process the information better. I would also like to note that this isnt a book that just dumps facts on you, Roach makes sure to add her own voice and opinions and thoughts to make the book more digestable. If you're interested in forensics, I would definitely recommend (though this is a specific aspect of it, so maybe take into consideration you won't find any crime scenes here)! Also, if you're not already, consider becoming an organ donor :) 8/10💀"
"I did okay until the end, which is a credit to this very funny author. Fascinating and creepy."
L
Laura
"I love Mary Roach's approach to this subject matter. It was VERY informative. It really forced me to think about what I want done with my body when it's not being used by me anymore. And the fact that I NEED to put it in writing and let my loved ones know. Anyway, really informative and also entertaining enough to make you want to keep learning from the book."
"Fascinating and entertaining "
9 M
9uh Malone
"Great audiobook! "
J E
Joshua Escobedo
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