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Stiff

The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers

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Stiff

Written by: Mary Roach
Narrated by: Shelly Frasier
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About this listen

 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. Biological Sciences Medicine & Health Care Industry Science Sociology Surgery Funny Witty Heartfelt Amish

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)
All stars
Most Relevant
Recognizing this topic may not be comfortable for all readers, it's a book that helps to open the eyes and mind to parts of our human existence that are rarely discussed let alone probed with fact-based, reality-informed details about our mortal form. I recommend it highly and promise that even while it educates, it will also generate more than just a few good laughs!

Informative and delightfully humorous

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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.

A must for the curious mind

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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”.

A little light reading?

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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!

interesting and well delivered

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

excellent and hilariously gory

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