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Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers Audiobook
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(4.00) - 55,391 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
An oddly compelling, often hilarious exploration of the strange lives of our bodies postmortem.
For 2,000 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.
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"Another very interesting book, that did lead to a discussion with my husband about how to dispose of one's corpse after death and if we had any preferences. We didn't go so far as that, but did agree we were both happy to be organ donors. Surely that makes the book a success? :) "
— Kerry (4 out of 5 stars)
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“One of the funniest and most unusual books of the year…Gross, educational, and unexpectedly sidesplitting.”
— Entertainment Weekly -
Not grisly but inspiring, this work considers the many valuable scientific uses of the body after death.
— Library Journal -
“Uproariously funny…informative and respectful as it is irreverent and witty…Even Roach’s digressions and footnotes are captivating, helping to make the book impossible to put down.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review) -
“Fascinating, unexpectedly fresh and funny look at the multiplicity of ways in which cadavers benefit the living…entertaining, absolutely.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Stiff Listener Reviews
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Clara Sainsbury, 10/20/2018
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" This book was a very interesting read. It was not my typical genre, since I am not a non-fiction reader, but it captivated my attention the entire time. Gross, yet interesting. The author did a fabulous job of writing about the topic in a way that was humorous and entertaining. "
— Brianne, 10/11/2016 -
" One of the most interesting laugh-out-loud funny non-fiction books I've ever read. I love it! "
— Jessica, 2/19/2014 -
" The best book on death, dying, cadavers, and corpses you will have even read or will read. Informative, loads of fun, and a terrific source for every writer. "
— Nigel, 2/19/2014 -
" This was interesting. Had to skip the section on cannibalism (Yuck). "
— Lana, 2/11/2014 -
" I loved this book. Any one who describes death as being on a cruise will win me over. I dipped into this book over a few weeks as it's not really bedtime reading. "
— Sarah, 1/3/2014 -
" I liked this book. I did. Mary Roach does her research, clearly, and she shares it in a very accessible and often humorous way. I felt like I collected some really great cocktail party factoids, but....the details are definitely cringe-worthy throughout the book, and it wasn't one that I read while eating...EVER. Also, there were sections where I felt that Roach forced humor into what should have been more serious territory. Having said that, I would still plan on reading one or more of Roach's other books. "
— Squirrel, 12/22/2013 -
" Enlightening book about the use of cadavers. "
— Jeffrey, 12/11/2013 -
" Need to finish. Put it down some time ago. Halfway through. "
— Whitney, 11/26/2013 -
" finished my first non fiction book of the year "
— Sisiely, 11/24/2013 -
" This is one of my favorite books of all time. Not only does it deliver interesting information, it explores concepts that we take for granted, which I don't want to spoil. You do, however, have to have at least a little love of science to appreciate this book. "
— Kristina, 11/14/2013 -
" Was boring to me. I had to force myself to read. "
— Les, 10/30/2013 -
" I found this book very interesting and am glad my book club chose to read it. I enjoyed the author's humor, which made the subject easier to read. Not sure I'll donate my body to science (don't really want to be left naked in a field to decompose), but I will donate my organs. "
— Jeanette, 9/29/2013 -
" One of my all time favorites. So educational & interesting. It's an overview of the different things that cadavers are used for- not for everyone. "
— Tarra, 7/8/2013 -
" Loved this book about the after lives of cadavers. Well-written, humorous, and informative. Mary Roach really delved in and nailed the facts down. Do read it! "
— Dan, 4/20/2013 -
" Very interesting---have read multiple times. Mary Roach is a great researcher/writer! "
— Juliet, 4/20/2013 -
" An interesting subject matter but I didn't like the author's attempt at humour in certain sections. "
— Patricia, 1/18/2013 -
" As a person interested in all things anatomy-related, this was a great read. And Mary Roach's macabre sense of humor and genuine interest in the subject made it even better. "
— Rosa, 12/24/2012 -
" A smart and sophisticated piece of work. You can learn a lot about life by studying death. The really remarkable thing about this book is that it is often funny without ever being demeaning. Not an easy thing to do. "
— Randall, 11/6/2012 -
" Fabulous and fun read - recommended for all! "
— Ann, 9/21/2012 -
" I first thought it would be gross and disgusting, but it was very interesting, entertaining and I have to admit, I learned things I never knew, or even thought I'd need to know about corpses! "
— Joanne, 5/22/2012 -
" One of the best non-fiction books I've read to date. "
— Lauren, 4/14/2012 -
" Well-written, well-researched, funny. "
— Olga, 2/8/2012 -
" I enjoyed this book, but it left me with many questions. Truly fascinating details; definitely not for the squeamish. Should have been longer. "
— Kelly, 8/15/2011 -
" She writes like I would about this, with a healthy dose of humor and a bit of snark. "
— Samantha, 6/6/2011 -
" Mary Roach's take on a sensitive subject for some is humorous and maybe a little twisted. Enjoyable read. Didn't like hearing about the dog experiments, kinda ticked me off, but I'm a realist. "
— Brad, 5/28/2011 -
" This book sticks in my mind whereas many others I have read bleed together. Facinating. "
— Judi, 5/19/2011 -
" A fun read but about 2 chapters too long. "
— Georgie, 5/18/2011 -
" I read this in one sitting. Rad. "
— Laura, 5/18/2011 -
" Hilarious and informative. Not gross enough to stop me from listening to this audiobook while eating. "
— Non, 5/17/2011 -
" Fascinating, if often divergent, look at human death. I gave my copy away, and that makes me sad. "
— Grace, 5/16/2011 -
" i wish every non-fiction writer shared mary roach's sense of humor "
— Netts, 5/14/2011 -
" This is one of my favorite books-both fascinating and morbidly funny. "
— Dominique, 5/10/2011 -
" This book made me laugh and shudder. I'm not sure I can ever look at rice crispys the same. "
— Amber, 5/9/2011 -
" Wonderfully quirky, it is incredibly informative with a dry sense of humor. Definitely a must read for anyone thinking of donating their body to science...ergo, I'm making my husband read it! <br/> "
— Jennifer, 5/4/2011 -
" Great read, if a little morbid. Couldn't put it down! "
— Tara, 5/3/2011
About Mary Roach
Mary Roach is the author of several works of nonfiction, including three New York Times bestsellers. Her writing has appeared in Outside, National Geographic, and the New York Times Magazine, among other publications.
About Shelly Frasier
Shelly Frasier has appeared in many independent film and theater projects in Arizona and Southern California and has done voice-over work for commercials and animation projects. She trained at the Groundlings Improv School in Hollywood and South Coast Repertory’s Professional Conservatory in Costa Mesa, California. She has performed at theaters throughout North Hollywood and Orange County.