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Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers | Mary Roach
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
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Eggs
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I read this a few years ago for #AuthorAMonth. It‘s informative and clever - Roach is one-of-a-kind

#Cadaver

#WickedWhispers

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

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Kshakal
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30 likes1 comment
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CoffeeNBooks
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 👍🏻📚 1mo
perfectsinner Love her stuff 1mo
47 likes3 comments
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Karisimo
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#wickedwhispers #cadaver
A very interesting nonfiction story!
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

21 likes2 comments
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keepingupwiththepenguins
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Pickpick

On the whole, Stiff has held up well, and remains an excellent read for anyone who‘s curious about the macabre (or simply has the stomach for the more gruesome aspects of medical history). Full review: https://keepingupwiththepenguins.com/stiff-mary-roach/

Reggie I want to get freeze dried and shaken apart into mulch when I die due to this book. Lol 6mo
45 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Ladygodiva7
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This is a hilarious exploration of the strange lives of our bodies postmortem. I do not care what happens to me, blow me up, dissect, experiment, learn or plasticized me. A good read.

perfectsinner Love her books 6mo
64 likes1 stack add1 comment
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451Degrees
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Pickpick

Author Mary Roach does a deep dive into the “careers” of human and animal cadavers. Ranging from the obvious medical anatomy cadavers for education to crash testing cars and planes for safety to organ and tissue donation, Roach really went out of her way to find both modern and medieval knowledge on how societies have used the bodies of the dead to help the living. Roach writes with an edge of humor to soften the blow of a couple of topics here.

44 likes3 stack adds
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DinoMom
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I am a day late as it is Friday but here are my three!
1) Stiff- Mary Roach
2)Born a Crime - Trevor Noah
3)Forest Bathing - Dr. Quinn Li

@dabbe

Thanks for the tag @ShelleyBooksie

Karisa Oooh, loved those first two you listed too! Guess I better check out #3 then! Thanks! 8mo
dabbe More on the TBR! Thanks for sharing! 💚💙💚 8mo
ShelleyBooksie I loved Born A Crime ♡ 8mo
37 likes4 comments
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CRR
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Pickpick

Weird subject for sure but certainly interesting. I liked learning about different ways cadavers are used and have been used in the past. It was shocking at times but always interesting. I would like to read other books by the author now.

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dabbe
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Eggs Perfect 💀 1y
dabbe @Eggs 🤣🤩🤗 1y
60 likes2 comments
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Eggs
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Morbid? Yes. Reality? Yes, inevitable. Mary Roach is always entertaining but well researched.

#AboutScience
#MarchMagic
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

DinoMom I love her books! 2y
MissHel Mary Roach is the best! 2y
Eggs @DinoMom Agree 💯!! 2y
Eggs @MissHel My Planet was one of my favorites, but they‘re all excellent 👌🏼 2y
73 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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ReadingOver50
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Pickpick

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I borrowed this from a coworker. I really enjoyed the first half of the book. Learning about the way we use deceased bodies for medical research was fascinating. The last half of the book was not so interesting to me. Maybe I was just tired of reading about death, who knows. I did not like the chapter on medical experimentation with animals, trying to determine how long the head could live without a body.

Reggie I want to be freeze dried and shaken apart and given to family for compost after I die because of this book. Lol (edited) 2y
82 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Pageturner1
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#bookspinbingo

my list for January 2023

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2y
33 likes1 comment
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rachelsbrittain
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Pickpick

Where my morbidly curious readers at? This one's for you. Ever wonder what happens to corpses after death? From anatomy labs and cadaver farms, Mary Roach explores the uses the human body can be put to even after death. And now I know the safest place to sit on an airplane to boot!

stevesbookstuf1 I have looked at this one so many times but still haven't read it. But one day I will! :) 2y
50 likes1 stack add1 comment
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hissingpotatoes
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Pickpick

3.5/5⭐ #roll100

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Bookworm54
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This is my pick for #OminousOctober prompt #Dead

If you are morbidly curious or interested in all the things that could happen to your body after death (from decomposition itself, to cremation and composting!) this is an excellent read. I‘m sure there are many more things the body could undergo after death since this was written, but no one could tell you it like Mary Roach!

#Scarathlon2022 #TeamMonsterMash

Eggs Love Roach ❤️ 2y
33 likes1 comment
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IMASLOWREADER
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did 4 out of 5 of my goal for this readathon yay #superseptemberreadathon @Andrew65

Andrew65 Brilliant, thanks for playing along 👏👏👏🙌🥳🍾🥂 2y
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DisneyFan
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Pickpick

Entertaining AND informative!

Christopher_Tallon I love that book. Read it awhile ago and still think about the hands being the saddest part of a dead body to look at...
2y
annahenke @Christopher_Tallon oh how tragic. I can see that though. 2y
56 likes2 comments
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Christyco125
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Pickpick

I‘m not sure what it says about me when I say enjoyed a book about death. The author made this highly unlikable subject easy to read and provided some real insight into your corporeal options. It also knocked off another color, #Amazon , for #Pantone2022.

Clwojick Way to go! 🙌🏻🙌🏻 3y
49 likes1 comment
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MatchlessMarie
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Enough biology for today 😄

46 likes1 stack add
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MatchlessMarie
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Current Reads 💀 ⚰️

*plays Everything I Love Is Going to Die by The Wombats*

julesG I like your current reads. 3y
rabbitprincess I‘ve read the top 3 books in that photo and really liked them! I also really liked 3y
Hooked_on_books Oh man, this made me laugh! 😂 3y
MatchlessMarie @julesG ☺️ @rabbitprincess ooh thanks for the rec! I will add it to my list! @Hooked_on_books 😜 3y
49 likes4 comments
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Hilary427
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Pickpick

What an interesting book! Mary Roach writes with wit and humor about a subject that most would find witless and humorless. Very informative as well!
⭐️: 3.5/5

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ElleMNOpe
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Pickpick

Not for the squeamish. At once somehow reverent in its content and still containing a flippant writing style. A good range of content, including the historical treatment of cadavers up to modern use. Roach does a fantastic job thoroughly investigating. She takes you right in to the nitty gritty. For me, it was a very educational experience while still being delivered in a way that kept me entertained. Best for those with a little dark humor.

Lauren890 This book is so good! It probably changed my life - or at least my ideas about death and the body. 3y
20 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Adventures_of_a_French_Reader
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Panpan

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 mostly on the superficial layer of things. And Mary Roach's humor is juvenile at best... I was quite disappointed ?

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Cheshirecat913
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Pickpick

I did find this book interesting.
For me, it was just enough science, without being scientific, so it was a light read. I pretty much cringed through most of the book with a slightly digusted face on because decomposing bodies, and bodies parts are gross to me though.

LoverOfLearning Pretty interesting read right! I got my copy at the Body Works museum (or something like that) in Las Vegas. 3y
26 likes1 comment
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Megabooks
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Pickpick

Interesting book to finish up on Christmas Eve 😏😂

I had been thinking about my days back in veterinary anatomy class, so it was interesting read about all the uses for human cadavers (and some funeral practices). The part about head transplants freaked me out a bit, but otherwise she struck her usual balance between humor and information. She was a respectful when it was needed, which I appreciated. Not my favorite Mary, but a good read!

BarbaraBB What a book to read on Christmas Eve 😂🥰 3y
Megabooks @BarbaraBB right!? 😂 3y
Tianarose I read this earlier this year. Completely fascinating. I can definitely agree about the head transplant. 3y
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Cinfhen It‘s the right color scheme 😜 3y
Reggie I totally want to freeze dried and shaken into mulch when I die because of this book. 3y
Megabooks @Tianarose yes, it really kept my attention! 3y
Megabooks @Cinfhen for sure! 😂😂😂 3y
Megabooks @Reggie my grandparents cremains were buried in biodegradable boxes in a field of flowers. That sounds really nice too! 👍🏻 3y
Centique @Reggie yes! I want to get to be part of a tree finally. I haven‘t read this one yet but I hope there‘s a mulch option coming soon 🤞🤞🤞 3y
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BeeMagical
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Pickpick

Book 128📚
Thank you to @StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego for this one!👏🏻
This book was SO interesting!! All of the different ways body‘s are used after death ☠️
Definitely a morbidly hilarious read😂👌🏼

I‘m excited to read her newest book - FUZZ!🐻

DinoMom I love her books. This was one of my favourites! 3y
BeeMagical @StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego that one sounds super interesting too!! 3y
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galueth28
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Pickpick

Very informative and fun, for a book about death.

This was my October #bookspin and one of the books I wanted to finish for the #NovelNovember readathon, so 👍 for me.

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BeeMagical
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& I am sure there are TONS of 🐮 encountered during battle…😂

@StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego - Such an interesting read!👏🏻🖤

StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego I'm glad you're enjoying it, I love Mary Roach. 3y
Suet624 😆😆😆 3y
26 likes2 comments
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heylaurenmack
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Not my usual cup of tea despite how much I love true crime but my girlfriend takes it to the next level so I told her I‘d give it a go. Surprisingly interesting! And connects some dots for when you‘re sitting there going “how do they know that???”

11 likes1 stack add
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BeeMagical
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I couldn‘t sleep/wait any longer!!😂

@StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego EEK! I love it all so much!! The bath bomb smells (and looks) amaaaazing😍
I am going to rock the shit of of these socks and the white&gold 🎃 matches my decor perfectly😘👌🏼
The BOOKS!!! I can‘t wait to get into Contain! Just perfect for Covid life right!?😉
& Stiff!! This looks SO SO interesting!! And a HILARIOUS choice in reference to my “head in a box”😂😂 I love it!!! #AHS

BeeMagical Also - the card is SOOOOO CUTE!! I love the kitties! 🐈‍⬛ 3y
BeeMagical Thank you so so so much @StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego !! I know I will have more to thank you for tomorrow!!🖤🖤 3y
StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego Yay! I'm glad you like everything. 🎃🖤 3y
30 likes4 comments
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mcctrish
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Pickpick

I listened to this ( it was available while I waited for holds to come in) it is darkly informative and perfect for October. I had no idea some of the ways donated bodies are used, or that cannibalism is still a thing. MR has a very curious mind and a really engaging way of writing ( be careful eating during some of this if you are listening 🤢)

Tianarose I just finished this one today, very interesting read! 3y
mcctrish @Tianarose right?! I had no idea about so much in this book 3y
60 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Tianarose
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Feels like a good time of year for this one.

DinoMom I enjoyed this book. It was one of my favourites of this author. 3y
Tianarose @DinoMom! I‘m enjoying quite a lot so far! 3y
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monalyisha
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Pickpick

I knew this about her already but Mary Roach is a very visceral writer. I grimaced so hard through the first few chapters of this cadaveriffic book that I‘m a little worried about wrinkles. 😂 But I settled in.

I learned some things I won‘t soon forget: namely, the definition of “mellified man” & the intricate & bizarre details of a successful, real-life head transplant (performed in the 70s)! And, because it‘s Mary Roach, of course I laughed. 💕

monalyisha The Wikipedia entry for “mellified man”: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mellified_man. I live to serve. 💀🍯 3y
Chelsea.Poole Ummm thanks for that definition 😳 😱 😂 3y
monalyisha @Chelsea.Poole Oh, you are so very welcome. 😜 3y
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Mollyanna
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Pickpick

My first finish for #20in4. Also, my first Mary Roach book. This was an interesting look at what happens to bodies after death. Although it could have been completely gruesome, Roach presented the information in a unique and sometimes humorous manner. I‘ll definitely try another of her books.

This is my 2nd book for #14books14weeks2021

Readergrrl Such a great book. I‘ve bought this book multiple times because my students borrow it so frequently that it gets worn out or lost all the time! I‘m okay with that!! ❤️❤️❤️ 3y
Mollyanna @Readergrrl It was fascinating! I can see students being enthralled by this book. 3y
Andrew65 Well done 👏👏👏 3y
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Mollyanna @Andrew65 Thank you. 3y
Mollyanna @TheAromaofBooks Forgot to note that this was my April #bookspin. 3y
TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 3y
29 likes2 stack adds6 comments
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MaggieCarr
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Hmmm didn't expect the cadaver & food chapter "eat me" when I warmed up lunch but it is what it is. ?

Meghan1 I loved that book! Hope it didn‘t spoil your lunch! 😂🤣 3y
ChaoticMissAdventures I love Mary Roach! She is hilarious and informative. I am a weirdo who can watch surgery shows while eating though so this would not bother me 😆 3y
MaggieCarr 4⭐ This book has been on my TBR shelf quite a while after discovering that, as an adult, I enjoy non-fiction when more than I expected to. Written in 2003 the last few chapters are future thinking but are now reality such as the horticultural burials, absolutely a fascinating read. 3y
42 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Autumnscribe
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A little light reading.

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Jedi_Bruno
Pickpick

Morbidly fascinating. A fun read.

6 likes2 stack adds
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ChaoticMissAdventures
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#AlphabetTitles #LetterS #nonfiction
I have so many S titles it will be 3 posts.
I adore Mary Roach one of the best general nonfiction writers out there.
Selfish Shallow and Self Absorbed & Spinster books made for me it is so nice to have books that show you are not the only wierdo out there who does not want children or to live in a traditional relationship.
Stamped is the most important book here. Required reading for everyone.

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Hestapleton
Pickpick

We are taking a day off from moving so I‘m on a reading ROLL since this will probably be my last dedicated reading day for the month. I finally finished this #lmpbc pick, which was just as fascinating on my second read as it was for my first in high school! And I‘m even more committed to organ donation as I was before! @iread2much I‘ll get this in the mail as soon as I can!

iread2much Thanks so much! I‘m glad you liked it, although I am sorry you had to re-read it, but glad it was still interesting. And no worries about the time, I‘m glad to get it back when you can. 4y
Hestapleton @iread2much no don‘t be sorry! I first read it AGES ago, so it was a like-new reread for me :) 4y
48 likes2 comments
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EadieB
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Day 12 - #Stiff #MaryRoach #QuotsyOct20

I read this book last month.

42 likes1 stack add
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Hestapleton
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@EadieB you spoil me with your #lmpbc parcels!! 💜💜💜

Crazeedi @EadieB is the bestest!!💕 4y
EadieB @Crazeedi Thanks! I may have to check out your TBR list and send you some more books! Go through and take off the ones you do want or already have. Your birthday is coming anyway so that‘ll give me time to get the books together! lol (edited) 4y
EadieB @Hestapleton Enjoy your books! I love 💕 to spoil people. 4y
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Crazeedi @EadieB you are too much! I will check my list. But really not necessary, thank you for thinking of me. 4y
EadieB @Crazeedi I‘m getting rid of lots of books so I should definitely send some to you, my friend! 4y
Crazeedi @EadieB 😍❤️📚 4y
57 likes6 comments
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EadieB
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Pickpick

#Stiff #MaryRoach

This is an hilarious exploration of the strange lives of our bodies postmortem. Roach combines scientific information and makes funny comments to make the info go down easier. I read this with a group of Litsy friends who made comments throughout. It was interesting to see what others thought about the book. I look forward to reading another of her books and would recommend this book to those who love science.

perfectsinner Great book 4y
EadieB @perfectsinner I enjoyed it too! 4y
71 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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EadieB
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iread2much Yay! 4y
Hestapleton @iread2much I‘m going to be late getting this one back to you! We are in the middle of a move and I haven‘t had much time to read. I‘ve got less than 100 pages left so hopefully I can get it to you early November. Sorry!! 4y
iread2much No worries! Have a safe move! 4y
39 likes1 stack add3 comments
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wanderinglynn
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Panpan

The topic was fascinating. Unfortunately, this book fell short for me. The author inserted herself into this topic far too often and her humor was juvenile at times and downright off-topic and inappropriate in others. The constant use of footnotes to make snarky, side comments added nothing and detracted from the topic.

The underline quote from the book pretty much sums up my feelings. 2.5 stars

RamsFan1963 I'm glad it wasn't just me. I didn't care for it and ending up bailing 4y
wanderinglynn @RamsFan1963 Nope, you are not alone. I skimmed the last few chapters. Interesting topic, but she did not do it justice. 4y
julesG I liked the information. It made me Google a lot, just because I'm morbidly curious. 😁 But I agree, the humour was off-putting and I still haven't read the last chapter. 4y
wanderinglynn @julesG yes, the topic is fascinating. I think it‘s human nature to be curious about death and what happens post-mortem. But her style didn‘t work for me. 4y
84 likes4 comments
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CoffeeNBooks
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Eggs Great choice 💀 4y
perfectsinner Love this book 4y
aa_guer2021 This was a fun one. 💀 4y
79 likes3 comments
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wanderinglynn
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Self-care Saturday

Remembering RBG today. I am just devastated that we lost such an amazing person. She will greatly be missed and the Court will not be the same without her. 💔😭

Bette 😢 4y
SW-T 💔😢💔 4y
Bookzombie 💔 4y
Chelsea.Poole She was certainly amazing 😭 4y
Leftcoastzen So heartbroken & fear for the future of the court. 4y
133 likes1 stack add5 comments
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K.Wielechowski
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Pickpick

Absolutely fascinating!!
Stiff is about human cadavers who have been donated to science and all the different things they‘re used for from car crash testing to human composting, to plastification (think the BodyWorks exhibit).
It was a little tough right at the beginning but once I got used to the topic, it was great! The author is a layman and has humorous observations throughout so it didn‘t feel like a textbook.

13 likes2 stack adds
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EadieB
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#LMPBC #GroupE #Round9 #Stiff #MaryRoach

@Kaila-ann Just received my book. Thanks for sending it Priority Mail. Little expensive but got here in 2 days!

Looks like a very interesting book!

Sleepswithbooks Great book! 4y
Kaila-ann Well if I could get it together and have it out on time then I wouldn‘t have to keep using priority 😉. My own fault. Glad it made it safely and I hope you enjoy it!! 4y
EadieB @Kaila-ann Next time don‘t worry about sending priority as I can‘t read it til next week anyway. I‘ll just read it whenever the book comes. I hate to see you spend so much when media mail would be $2.80 for this book. I don‘t care if the book is late. 4y
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Kaila-ann @EadieB that‘s sweet, thank you!! I‘ve already started the next book and I‘m hoping to have it in the mail before I leave town for a week 🤞🏻. Hoping it will have plenty of time to get to you 😊 but thank you again! 4y
EadieB @Kaila-ann You‘re welcome! Take your time, no rush as I have plenty to read. 4y
perfectsinner Loved this book 4y
CassieT Such a fun book! I‘m about to reread it actually because I glazed over some of it last time due to some personal health issues going on. But I remember liking it! 4y
EadieB @CassieT Hope your doing better now and will enjoy the book. 4y
EadieB @perfectsinner Great to hear! 4y
iread2much I‘m glad it made it! 4y
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