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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 (113 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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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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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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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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Erie

this is great for people who don't mind morbid. certainly learn alot in the history of cadavers. can be quite disturbing some of it knowing it's all true. #audible1

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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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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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Very Interesting!

Great narration and a very interesting read. I don't recommend eating while reading this book, but if you are in the mood for something off the beaten path, this is it! Roach's sense of humour softens the subject a bit, but not in a distasteful way. She has given me an even greater respect for the human body and for those who have selflessly given their bodies in the name of science. Just a great read (or listen)!

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Overall: Great Experience

Lately, I have been feeling pervious to new ideas, that's how I came across audiobooks in the first place, and the topic of cadavers, well... I don't think about it very often. I have to say, this book did it. It's fascinating how much there is to know about the human body, science, history, and culture, all of it in the context of... Cadavers.

The genuine curiosity of the author, Mary Roach, makes every question surprisingly relatable and her light/clever sense of humor makes it all more digestible. Although, I do not recommend listening to this book over a meal as there are plenty of food related analogies that may upset your stomach or ruin your favorite snacks forever.

The narrator definitely adds to the experience. I very much enjoyed visualizing imagery of dreadful nature as it was being depicted by the very appeasing voice of Shelly Fraiser. A juxtaposition that lingers for the entirety of the book.

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