The anonymous cadavers that are the subjects of STIFF could hardly have asked for a livelier or more sympathetic chronicler than Mary Roach, who has managed to write a book that balances sensitivity and respect with a wonderfully sharp wit. In fact, STIFF is unexpectedly and quite blessedly hilarious, although the humor never comes at the expense at the dead bodies that populate its pages. Instead, Roach uses humor as a kind of psychic safety valve, a vital and much-appreciated tension release from what is, at times, some very intense subject matter.

The real highlights of this book are the sections that delve into some of the more disreputable uses of cadavers. There is a droll and utterly hilarious history of body snatching and a short overview of medicinal cannibalism (human mummy confection, anyone?). ThereOs a fascinating catalog of the methods historically used to make sure that a dead body was in fact dead. This chapter culminates in what is surely the most spectacularly strange section of the book, in which Roach relates the story of Dr. Robert White, a neurosurgeon who in the mid-1960s performed a series of surgeries constituting what could be considered the first head transplant (or full body transplant, depending on your point of view). A wonderfully engrossing book on a subject most of us are reluctant to talk about.


Good Book with Some New Perspectives on Death   April 28, 2003
 96 out of 101 found this review helpful

First, Mary Roach has a terrific sense of humor. She takes a challenging subject and finds ways to make you laugh just when you need it. Her humor is irreverent, but never disrespectful. She can laugh at some of the absurdity, yet still appreciate the pain dying can bring.

This is well written, well researched, and thorough. My one, very minor complaint is with the organization of the book. I feel as though it starts much more strongly than it finishes. So, for example, she might have considered organizing the chapters differently.

I don't think you need a particularly strong stomach to read this book. Only one item actually turned my stomach. But when it did, it *really* did.

The book succeeded in making me think about my own death. It also made me think about my mother's death and made it easier to accept certain events. ...

I hope this book will make you laugh and then think too.


Would you be my best friend?   April 5, 2004
 28 out of 32 found this review helpful

I first opened the book to the middle and read something about what happpens to bodies when they are donated to science. It was a little hard to read but fascinating information. Then I turned to another page and read about what happens to a human body even after embalming. By then I didn't feel so good. Was it the book or the Mandarin chicken I had for lunch? I kept reading.

I decided I might not be ready to read this book after all. I meant to put it down put somehow found myself starting from the beginning and reading every word. By the time I got to page 22, "You cut off heads. You cut off heads. You cut off heads." I decided that I wanted the author, Mary Roach to be my best friend. The book reads like an histerical conversation between friends about an absolutely morbid topic. The humor helps you through the information you need to know.

The book made me feel a lot better about donating my body or body parts to science. And, I feel a lot better about being a journalist and writing as well. A fascinating read.


Dead On!   June 3, 2003
 27 out of 32 found this review helpful

Once I heard Mary Roach on NPR, I knew I HAD to get this book. It exceeded my expectations. I found it ran the gamut from laugh out loud hilarious to deeply touching. The chapter about being a brain dead organ donor was very life affirming. Now one caveat, if youre a person who thinks your own scabs are 'icky', won't take the kishkas out of a roaster, or dosen't perk up your ears when you overhear a conversation about entomological forensics, then this book is not for you. For those among us who enjoy a good gross out if it dosen't involve people in pain-then youre in for a treat with this one. Mary Roach leaves no stone unturned (sorry) as she covers everything from head transplants to ancient mummy powder aphrodesiacs.
I was very curious about the evolution of the human relationship with the dead. One can read about elaborate tombs of the aristocrats to the lowly common pits of the plauge years, but the interesting question for me remains why people decided to do, or not do, things with the dead. For example, dissection was prohibited, but surgery could be performed for an audience without anesthetic. A lot of those inconsistancies had to do with the good old mediaeval church, and its committment to preserving docterine at the expense of scientific accuracy (for an even better account, check out Papal Sin, by Gary Wills). Before I got too smug about our modern enlightenment, I learned that every day, we let gallons of usable blood go to waste becasue we won't take it from those who die in hospitals.
Besides learning the history of what mankind did with dead bodies, you learn about all of the amazing things that can happen to your corpse if you donate it to science. I personally love the idea of being smashed in a big flaming car wreck (have you driven a Ford lately?), or getting a free posthumous nose job.
We all have the power to save lives after death, and Roach asks us to give the matter serious consideration. But besides the noble pursuit utilitarianism, Roach boldly investigates such burning human questions like: so what does human flesh taste like? Are corpses good compost? and can we possibly avoid rotting?
I liked Mary Roach's style very much, but I don't think its for everyone. Some might feel uncomfortable at her sharp humor with regards to the dead, but see if you can withhold judgement until at least the middle. I found that her heart is very much in the right place, but who knows where it might end up?


And you thought death was depressing---   July 24, 2003
 26 out of 26 found this review helpful

Mary Roach did her homework, and it shows. She has written and information packed, insightful, educational, respectful, and, yes, funny book on what happens to these bodies of ours when we get tired of hanging out in them. I have a newfound respect for all who have donated their bodies in the name of science. Not that I give it a lot of thought, but I figured cremation would be the most logical choice. After reading this book, heck, they can do whatever they want with me. I've always felt an obligation to help others, and if I can continue to do so after I have left this world, then HOORAY.
Meanwhile, expect some odd looks when you are sitting there reading a book obviously about the dearly departed, and you started sputtering, and can't help but laugh out loud! Quirky humour, but that's my favorite kind. Thank you, Mary Roach.
I recommend this book to anyone in healthcare, or the clergy, or anyone even dealing with people who experience loss. It gives you a new perspective.
On the other hand, I will have a hard time ever eating gelatin again...