Some members may not find this topic appealing, so beware. The author takes a look at the history of scientific study of cadavers. She approaches the subject with humor which makes this book readable and interesting. You will certainly learn new things, some you may not want to know! It can lead to topics concerning; death, funerals, ethics, life-after-death, religion, and others. Good discussions, not a "fine piece of literature," but good.

I loved this book, but im on that same track in my career. I found it very educational for the layman who may never get a chance to see a cadaver as that. It was humerous and a fast read.

STIFF: The Curious Life of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach

For anyone interested in the “messy” part of human science, this is the book for you. Mary Roach has a unique sense of humor that makes her off beat topics fun to read. You will learn many facts while being amused and bemused.
STIFF tells what happens to the human body after death whether that death is natural or not. You will discover how long decomposition takes and exactly what happens. You will find out who did the first autopsy and the first anatomical dissection and why those activities were and continue to be important. Roach covers plane crashes and gun shots and automobile crashes among other ways humans die. She discusses funeral practices and all the other topics dealing with death that you might (or might not) have ever wondered about.
The style is straightforward, no medical background is necessary. Teenage boys will love it. Girls will be grossed out and parents may be dismayed, but everyone will learn something – rather painlessly

A little graphic, maybe not for the squemish, this book describes the many varied ways we deal with dead bodies. "Oddly compelling" describes it best.