May 10th, 2005

Books

Stiff, by Mary Roach

Just finished Stiff: the curious lives of human cadavers, by Mary Roach. Usually when I read a non-fiction book, I know a little about the subject. Not much always, but at least a little. I read a lot. I have to say I don't think I knew anything that was in this book. Totally cool subject and a great read, though perhaps not for the squeamish.

Chapters cover:

  1. Dissection
  2. Grave-robbing
  3. Decomposition
  4. Human crash test dummies
  5. Airplane crash investigation
  6. Bullets and bodies
  7. Crucifixion
  8. Brain death and location of the soul
  9. Head transplantation
  10. Cannibalism
  11. Human composting
  12. Remains of the author
How can that not be interesting?

So far, this is my favorite book of the year.