Comments (58)

Stiff

the Curious Lives of Human Cadavers
Community comments are the opinions of contributing users. These comments do not represent the opinions of Strathcona County Library.
What did you think about this title?
1 to 25 of 58 items
Jan 22, 2024margardenlady rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Roach has a colloquial style in her science books that I truly appreciate. She successfully digs to the heart of the story/issue/information, while managing a snide side comment every once in a while. I appreciate that. That said, this…
Dec 11, 2023forbesk3 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This book is straightforward and funny, off putting and honest in its review of death and the service of cadavers in letting all of us live a little longer. It discusses automotive impact research, forensics, the beauty industry,etc.
Oct 31, 2023Anneofwindypoplars rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
A great book! Minus .5 stars for some tangents not about human cadavers that I don't think added anything and for including Dr. Oz.
Jun 01, 2023728_emily rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Fascinating and hilarious - I'm very impressed by the author's ability to write about this subject in a way that was compassionate, educational, and so funny! I'm excited to read more by this author.
May 26, 2023s19lukas rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Entertaining and educational; the kind of writing about typically dark subject matter that makes you embarrassed to giggle, but it can't be helped.
May 24, 2023captaincearis rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Mary Roach is the master of the odd non-fiction story. If you're up for a well-researched if irreverent read, check out this book!
May 04, 2023
"It's dark, gross, wild, weird, and oddly captivating. This book is not for the faint of heart, but it is for those with morbid curiosities. Read Next: Gulp by Mary Roach" - Sarah N.
Dec 11, 2022KrazyKelli rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Entertaining read.
Jul 30, 2022bogwolf rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
4 and half rounded up because I laughed so often, because I told at least a couple people that in the "which authors would we invite to a dinner party?" Roach would be a fine addition. Irreverent in all its various applications: to…
Jun 19, 2022kcorum rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Enjoyed the author's explanations & comments. Very interesting read.
Jan 15, 2022Adventuresofafrenchreader rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
The use of human cadavers to further knowledge and science, and to improve vehicle safety for example is a very interesting subject. Unfortunately, this book is all over the place, it resembles a trivia book, a list of "fun" facts, staying…
Dec 06, 20212greyts rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
The author thoroughly (perhaps too much so) researches her subjects. “Stiff” is loaded with information, all extensively footnoted, and some of her trademark humor. The subject matter is tough, seldom disrespectful to the human cadaver,…
Nov 03, 2021Russ_A rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
This exploration of what happens to human cadavers is both grisly and entertaining. At least at times it is interesting and educational, although it is not for the weak of constitution. Roach approaches the subject by visiting a wide…
Apr 08, 2021murphyel rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
It was so fascinating to read about all these different uses for a cadaver! I had never really thought of it before beyond donating organs, so this was an interesting eye opener for what else is out there. A couple chapters made me…
Oct 16, 2020Elliot1949 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Definitely recommended, both for educational value and also, at times, humor. Small caveat--at times, not optimal for reading while eating!😉
Dec 29, 2019elyse0513 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Unusual prompt
Sep 03, 2019
This is the first book that's failed my 50 page test. Usually, if I read fifty I'll finish the book. But the details. If you can stomach them, read the book. Otherwise...
Dec 17, 2018AlyciaB rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
The book is fantastic for nursing students. The book is written with fluidity and comes full circle at the end. I give it a 10 out of 10!! I'll be looking for a sequel
Nov 28, 2018stege11573 rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I loved this book so much! I am not a huge fan of nonfiction, but this one blew me away. Mary Roach's snarky and honest approach to the science of death keeps you wanting more. In fact, I have read or listened to all of her novels since!…
Aug 26, 2018kingjohne rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This was the Washington State University common reading book of 2008-2009. It is truly a great read! However, be warned, it can be a bit... gruesome.
Jul 23, 2018mammothhawk229e rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Entertaining book on a macabre subject & who used cadavers as in investigating tool from medical students doctors, military officers, aircraft investigator(?), to automobile makers. Nice chapters on trying to verify cannibalism in news…
Jul 07, 2018KarenCharMeck rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Mary Roach managed to present normally uncomfortable information in an interesting way that didn’t feel wrong. It’s a tough topic, but she added humor so as to not drag down the entire book, and it worked in my opinion. How society…
Apr 30, 2018KungFuAndrew rated this title 1.5 out of 5 stars
Unlike most of the reviewers here (and the people I know who've read it), I didn't care for Stiff. In case you care, here's a few reasons why: - Lots of stories of animal cruelty in the name of science - that might have been tolerable if…
Mar 26, 2018GDWallis rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers. What a fascinating read! After working in the funeral industry for a couple of years, this book was, in a lot of ways, familiar to me. There were things I was…
Nov 29, 2017Doodle25 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic read! Mary Roach gives a unique perspective to a topic that many people are uncomfortable with or don't want to talk about. She provides wonderful humor in a book that spares no detail with corpses.