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  • Stiff

  • The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers
  • Written by: Mary Roach
  • Narrated by: Shelly Frasier
  • Length: 8 hrs
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (112 ratings)

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Stiff cover art

Stiff

Written by: Mary Roach
Narrated by: Shelly Frasier
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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.

What the critics say

  • 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)

What listeners say about Stiff

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting, respectful yet funny

As many others have said in reviews, the author managed to have a great sense of humour writing this book while still remaining respectful. I laughed many times while listening. The dignity and respect towards those who have donated their bodies is reiterated many times throughout the book. I learned a ton of things I did not know about the uses of cadavers and steps of decomposition the human body goes through. I enjoyed the first half more than the second. In my opinion, death is a bit of a taboo, dark subject but it's the only guarantee in life so the more comfortable and knowledgeable we are about it, the better. I'm really intrigued by the use of remains as compostable material. Worth the read and highly recommended!

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1 person found this helpful

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A must for the curious mind

It is with utmost fascination for the unusual subjects of Mary Roach’s books I have decided to peer into the world of cadavers and her take on it.

This book will leave a lasting impression not only on your knowledge of cadaver history and experiences, but also your cravings towards certain foods and feelings of intermittent nausea.

I do know that an important question will be raised while reading this book - should you donate your body to science and whether you will have control of what is done to your cadaver - a topic that will definitely leave you wondering of the appropriate decision.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Another great work from Mary Roach

Fun, educational, and at moments, touching. Mary Roach does it again. This title will be kept at the ready to listen to over and over again.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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An absolute joy of a listen

Very quickly this book became the center of my focus, and I looked forward to moments I could get to work and listen to Roach’s natural quips. Wonderful narration, hilarious writing, and incredible conversation starter (with the right crowd.)

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interesting and well delivered

One of the best voiceover performances I've heard (I drive for work and have listened to over 40 books this year). Interesting subject, explored and written well. A very engaging and entertaining listen. Wished for more!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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I love this book

Amusing and educational. I binged this easily and enjoyed every minute. Definitely recommend if you’re not the queasy type.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent storytelling

I love the way Mary Roach digs through topics in the most meandering, fascinating ways. This book was no exception. But I wish every non-fiction narrator had half as much natural humour and ability to create intrigue as Shelly Frasier did. She is a joy to listen to. Bravo across the board ladies.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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excellent and hilariously gory

such an eye opening and eye closing and eye popping exploration of so many aspects.

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Unexpectedly Awesome

Mary Roach is HILARIOUS
Very well researched and highly entertaining

Being one of those people who are afraid of not existing, I found comfort in her words and stories and experiences.

This may not be for the ‘squeamish’
Mary really covered all the bases.
Loved it and will start it again soon!

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A little light reading?

This was not what I expected- it was better!
I got this because I find anatomy and the workings of the human body quite interesting. I often have to wade through dryly narrated over-my-head scientific jargon to eke out the interesting stuff but that was certainly not the case here.
It was understandable without being insulting, it was engaging and humorous and extremely educating. The narration was about as good as it comes.
All round a very good “read”.

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