Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? And Other Questions About Dead Bodies

Mortician Caitlin Doughty responds to the anatomical and forensic inquiries pose by children regarding what happens to a human corpse after death. The text provides scientific explanations for post-mortem phenomena such as rigor mortis, the decomposition process, and the logistics of cremation. Doughty addresses specific scenarios, including whether a person can have a formal burial in outer space, how hair and nails appear to grow on a cadaver, and whether a household pet will consume its deceased owner. She explains the physiology of scavenging and the chemical breakdown of tissues.

Curious readers and those interested in death positivity read this book to demystify the physical realities of mortality. It serves individuals who prefer blunt, biological facts over euphemisms. The reader walks away with a practical understanding of funeral industry practices and the natural cycles of decay. By using humor to handle morbid topics, the book provides a framework for discussing the end of life without fear or discomfort.

Outward-looking and clear-cut; an easy read.

Best for readers like The Curious Generalist. Which reader are you?