69 pages • 2 hours read
Mary RoachStiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2003A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach explores the two-thousand-year history of deceased human bodies in research, leading to significant medical, scientific, and mechanical innovations. Through twelve chapters, Roach examines varied practices involving cadavers, from facial surgery and body snatching to impact studies and human composting, blending investigative reporting with engaging historical accounts. The book discusses decapitation, cannibalism, and traumatic studies that may be sensitive to some readers.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Mary Roach's Stiff is lauded for its witty, humorous approach to the macabre topic of cadavers, offering educational insight with a light-hearted tone. Critics appreciate its detailed research and accessible writing style. However, some find the humor inappropriate given the subject matter. Overall, it's celebrated for making a difficult topic engaging and informative.
Who Should Read Stiff?
Readers who relish quirky, science-infused explorations of unusual topics will enjoy Stiff by Mary Roach. Comparable to fans of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, they appreciate humor and insight into macabre subject matter, particularly the fascinating world of human cadavers and their posthumous journeys.