Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers

Stiff investigates the strange lives of our bodies postmortem and answers the question: What should we do after we die?

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Published Aug 31, 2021

320 pages

Average rating: 8.35

398 RATINGS

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What Bookclubbers are saying about this book

✨ Summarized by Bookclubs AI

Readers say *Stiff* is an insightful, informative, and oddly humorous exploration of what happens to human bodies after death. Mary Roach’s witty, cas...

Sue Dix
Mar 14, 2026
10/10 stars
One would not think a book all about cadavers could be anything but morbid and gross, but this book is entertaining and informative and funny. Mary Roach makes the subject approachable and educational. I had no idea about the many “lives” of cadavers. Includes an interesting chapter on burial/cremation/composting.
MRYBRY
Sep 20, 2025
10/10 stars
This book was fascinating! What an education!
It was dark, surreal, humorous, and intriguing.
Over a year ago I decided to donate my body to science when I pass away. Admittedly the beginning of this book raised some questions to my decision;
I listened to this book and I would find myself thinking about where my various body parts would end up but in the end I am sticking with my decision.
It’s not for the weak of stomach but for those who can find humor in dark topics. I recommend it!
BMC
May 23, 2025
9/10 stars
I really enjoyed this book. The author has such a unique writing style that kept me entertained and engaged, even when discussing some heavy and dark topics. I really enjoyed the mix of modern topics and historical review. I get the hype about this author now!
Amanda Boyd
Sep 09, 2025
8/10 stars
Very interesting read. I thought I would be a bit more grossed out by how things are used in this book, but the author had set it up in a way that made it sound like a procedure and not pure torture. Add a little wittiness and slight humor, it was a very educating book!
MarEnc
Aug 06, 2025
10/10 stars
I have always loved factual books that share information on a quirky way and this book checks the box. It's interesting to learn about all the ways cadavers are used and the funny add-ins by the author that makes one chuckle about a topic that doesn't seem like it could be funny.

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