SKU: 5804902661

Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers

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Description

Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human CadaversStiff is an oddly compelling, often hilarious exploration of the strange lives of our bodies postmortem. For two thousand years, cadavers some willingly, some unwittingly have been involved in science's boldest strides and weirdest undertakings. They've tested France's first guillotines, ridden the NASA Space Shuttle, been crucified in a Parisian laboratory to test the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin, and helped solve the mystery of TWA Flight

Stiff is an oddly compelling, often hilarious exploration of the strange lives of our bodies postmortem. For two thousand years, cadavers--some willingly, some unwittingly--have been involved in science's boldest strides and weirdest undertakings. They've tested France's first guillotines, ridden the NASA Space Shuttle, been crucified in a Parisian laboratory to test the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin, and helped solve the mystery of TWA Flight 800. For every new surgical procedure, from heart transplants to gender reassignment surgery, cadavers have been there alongside surgeons, making history in their quiet way.

In this fascinating, ennobling account, Mary Roach visits the good deeds of cadavers over the centuries--from the anatomy labs and human-sourced pharmacies of medieval and nineteenth-century Europe to a human decay research facility in Tennessee, to a plastic surgery practice lab, to a Scandinavian funeral directors' conference on human composting. In her droll, inimitable voice, Roach tells the engrossing story of our bodies when we are no longer with them.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Published: 04/17/2003
ISBN: 9780393050936
Pages: 320
Weight: 1.08lbs
Size: 8.47h x 5.94w x 1.12d
Award: Garden State Teen Book Award - Winner
Award: Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers - Nominee
Award: Tayshas Reading - Commended
Award: Alex Awards - Winner
Award: Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award - Nominee
Award: Green Mountain Book Award - Nominee

Review Citations: Library Journal Prepub Alert 12/01/2002 pg. 96
Kirkus Reviews 02/01/2003 pg. 216
Publishers Weekly 02/24/2003 pg. 60
Library Journal 03/01/2003 pg. 113
Booklist 03/15/2003 pg. 1263
Entertainment Weekly 04/18/2003 pg. 75
BookPage 05/01/2003 pg. 13
People Weekly 06/02/2003 pg. 44
School Library Journal 07/01/2003 pg. 153
Entertainment Weekly 12/26/2003 pg. 152
SLJ's Best Books 12/01/2003 pg. 51
Booklist Ed Choice Adu Bk YA's 01/01/2004 pg. 778
Voice of Youth Advocates 02/01/2004 pg. 514
ALA Best Books Young Adults 03/15/2004 pg. 1280
Library Journal 12/01/2002
Entertainment Weekly 04/18/2008 pg. 68
Entertainment Weekly 03/22/2013 pg. 67

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 77823 / Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers
Reading Level: 9.4 / Interest Level: Upper Grade / Point Value: 16
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SKU: 5804902661

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Chelsea H.
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 3
Weird smell
Color: White-cooling Basic, Size: Queen(Pack of 2)
The pillows are great for someone looking for something cool and comfortable. We loved them so much that we bought a second pair. However, we were seriously disappointed with the odor of our last purchase. They give off a strong and indescribable chemical/burning plastic smell so nauseating that it’s difficult to sleep with. We’re hoping this issue will resolve with a couple more washes of the pillow cases, but am worried the source is the stuffing itself.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2026
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Ken Hill
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 5
helped treat my sore neck
Color: White-cooling Basic, Size: Camping Pillow(Pack of 1)
This pillow — after dialing in the right amount of shredded foam — has greatly helped my sore neck. Initially, I had to remove some foam. Then I gradually added foam until it reached optimum comfort and support. It is also CPAP-friendly — especially when I position my head near the pillow's edge. (I am a left-side sleeper.) I like the travel size because I use a bulky hugging pillow to ease stress on my shoulder and elbow. That makes my side of the bed feel cramped if using a larger head pillow. A smaller pillow is easy to flip end-to-end in the middle of the night. I have spent lots of money on pillows over the years, but this is the best I've ever had for relieving [1] neck pain and [2] CPAP mask seal problems. Very comfortable, supportive, and affordable. I did not notice any unpleasant smell — and I am usually sensitive to that kind of thing. Would highly recommend.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2026
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Molly Farrell
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Love them!
Color: White-cooling Basic, Size: Queen(Pack of 2)
Love them! After 10 years with our MyPillows, they finally lost their fluff. The reviews I read of the MyPillows of today were not good; they didn’t have as much filling as they used to. These pillows remind me of how fluffy our new MyPillows were 10 years ago!! You sink right into them and can mush them however and they stay. These are way cheaper than the Coop and it’s the same concept; add or remove the filling as needed. The cooling side is a huge plus too! You won’t be disappointed with these pillows!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2026
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Donna Bohn
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Best pillow ever!
Size: King (2 Pack)
I love this pillow. I like a softer pillow and my partner prefers a firmer pillow. With these pillows you can adjust it to the comfort level you desire. For mine I took out quite a bit of the shredded memory foam (I call it fluff). I took out one 13 gallon trash bag of the fluff. After I slept on my pillow for a couple of weeks I found it was getting to soft so I took my saved bag of fluff and added it into the pillow. Now it's PERFECT! The cooling side works great. When you lay your head down on it you can feel the cool pillow. Helps falling a sleep easier. I would highly recommend this pillow!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2026
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Sindy chicas
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Great Pillows for a Good Night’s Sleep
Size: Queen (2 pack), Size: Queen (2 pack)
These pillows are very comfortable and supportive. They keep their shape well and provide great neck and head support throughout the night. The material feels soft and high quality, and they helped improve my sleep. I wake up without neck pain and feel well rested. Definitely worth it.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2026

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