Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach

Reviewed by Lori
Stiff: The Curious Lives Of Human Cadavers
Title: Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers

Author: Mary Roach

Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 284472

Description: Describes the roles human cadavers have played in the development of science and medicine.

Rubric Rating: Level 3: Laud It

Why I Read It: I was looking to expand my non-fiction reading and I'm a fan of slightly morbid literature.


Lori's Notes: From body snatching to medicinal uses of corpses, this book runs the gamut of possible "ends" of the human body. Although the information sometimes becomes a bit dense Mary's humour generally makes this book a fun read despite its gory subject matter.  I particularly liked the footnotes interspersed throughout the book.  Ideal for senior high school students and anyone with an interest in forensic sciences and medicine.

Recommended Readers: Grade 10 and Up.  Anyone with an interest in Forensics or even perhaps biology.

Themes: Non-fiction, Science, History, Body Donation, Medicine, Body Snatchers, Mummies

Cross-Genre Links:
Wikipedia Search: Mummy
Media Search: Burke and Hare
You Tube: Crime Classics Radio Play - If a Body Need a Body Just Call Burke and Hare
Movie: Weekend and Bernie's (1989)
TV Show: CSI

Possible Discussion or Essay Topics: 

  • Have you thought about what will happen to your body after you die?
  • Would you want to be embalmed, cremated, or mummified?
  • Would you donate your body to science or medical research?  The whole thing or just parts?  Why or Why not?
  • Would you become an organ donor?  Have you signed an organ donation card?
  • How have views of the human body changed over time? 

Other Support Materials:
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers (Playaway Audio)

Other Titles by Mary Roach:
Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife (Playaway Audio)


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