Mary Roach’s Stiff is an engaging and accessible dive into the fascinating and often taboo subject of cadavers and their role in science, history, and society. Roach’s trademark wit and curiosity shine through, making potentially grim topics approachable and humorous. The anecdotes and historical details are well-researched and captivating, offering a fresh perspective on a subject most people rarely consider.

That said, while I didn’t always jive with her humor, that’s more a matter of personal taste than a flaw in the book itself. Because the book covers a wide range of topics—from crash test dummies to body decomposition—it’s easy to feel more invested in certain chapters than others. It reminded me of reading a short story collection, where some sections resonate more deeply. Additionally, some of the information feels like common knowledge now, though it was likely more surprising and groundbreaking when the book was first published.

Overall, Stiff is a fantastic starting point for anyone curious about the science and history of human remains. It’s informative, thought-provoking, and entertaining, even if it’s not the definitive read on the topic for me.