I am. Stiff, the Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach. It's here.

Just like the cover says, it's interesting, educational and funny.


First Chapter: A Head is a Terrible Thing to Waste

"The human head is of the same approximate size and weight as a roaster chicken. I have never before had occasion to make the comparison, for never before today have I seen a head in a roasting pan. But here are forty of them, one per pan, resting face-up on what looks to be a small pet-food bowl. The heads are for plastic surgeons, two per head, to practice on. I'm observing a facial anatomy and face-lift refresher course, sponsored by a southern university medical center and led by a half-dozen of America's most south-after face-lifters.
The heads have been put in roasting pans-which are of the disposable aluminum variety-for the same reason chickens are put in roasting pans: to catch the drippings."

Give it a read. I think you'll likey.

This is one of those books that I've been meaning to pick up for a long time, but never got around to it. Lend me your copy, Heather.

Living with Art
Those Who Can, Teach
Exceptional Lives
Computer Literacy for IC3

Textbooks, that's all I have time for

oh gee, and just when I thought I was gonna keep my saltines down

I'm afraid you're third in line to borrow it.

Thanks Heather!! I'm going to pick up a copy.
Sounds like its right up my alley...

boe is back!!

We now return to your regularly scheduled forum.....

OK folks, I'm stuck on a christmas present. My brother-in-law likes to read fiction based on historical events. I thought I had him covered when I bought The DaVinci Code, but he's already read it. He's also read Memoirs of a Geisha (excellent read, by the way). I asked about "The Five People You Meet in Heaven", and was told no way. Don't think the Human Cadaver book would interest him. Anybody have any suggestions?

How about What If? The World's Foremost Military Historians Imagine What Might Have Been ?

I'll paste the description from Amazon and if you think it might interest you, I can try to explain it better. Some of the scenarios are more interesting than others, but all in all, it's a good read.

The Farming of Bones

"...this will be a story of furious violence and nearly unbearable loss. The setting, the Dominican Republic in 1937, when dictator Trujillo was beginning his policy of genocide, is a clue, however, to the events that Amabelle relates. She and her lover, Sebastien Onius, are Haitians who have crossed the border. Amabelle is a servant to a patrician family, while Sebastien endures the brutal conditions of work in the cane fields. The lovers each have poignant memories of parental deaths, and other deaths enter the narrative early, subtly presaging the slaughter that is to come. When a military-led assault against them does erupt, it is a surprise, however, and as Amabelle barely survives a massacre by soldiers and an equally bloodthirsty civilian population, the narrative acquires the unflinching clarity of a documentary. In addition to illuminating a shameful, little known chapter of history..."

The Kite Runner

He manages to provide an educational and eye-opening account of a country's political turmoil--in this case, Afghanistan--while also developing characters whose heartbreaking struggles and emotional triumphs resonate with readers long after the last page has been turned over.

Just finished Predator by Patricia Cornwell and I think that will be the last book I read of hers.
Not terrible but nothing new and the whole Dr. Scarpetta series is just tired. The last 2 in this series were major disappointments.

I do have a holiday recommendation...... "The Stupidest Angel" by Christopher Moore
Awesome! Funny!

I highly recommend A Country Such as This by James Webb.

Sman, was told today that the book you suggested would never make it past the donation pile. Apparently, he's not into military-ish stuff. Before he retired, he was a health inspector and a systems analyst. Yet, Heather's suggestion of The Farming of Bones is kindof similar to the story line of Memoirs of a Geisha. Maybe he'd go for that....

I haven't read any Patricia Cornwell since Hornet's Nest. Take that back - I've got a really great Italian cookbook written by her - supposedly Kay Scarpetta's recipes. Not diet food.

I am happy. One up on SMan. [Do a little dance ]


I want to see Memoirs of a Geisha.

I found exactly what I was looking for this weekend. If he doesn't like this book, I give up. Here's the write-up from Amazon:

The River of Doubt : Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey

From Publishers Weekly
In a gripping account, Millard focuses on an episode in Teddy Roosevelt's search for adventure that nearly came to a disastrous end. A year after Roosevelt lost a third-party bid for the White House in 1912, he decided to chase away his blues by accepting an invitation for a South American trip that quickly evolved into an ill-prepared journey down an unexplored tributary of the Amazon known as the River of Doubt. The small group, including T.R.'s son Kermit, was hampered by the failure to pack enough supplies and the absence of canoes sturdy enough for the river's rapids. An injury Roosevelt sustained became infected with flesh-eating bacteria and left the ex-president so weak that, at his lowest moment, he told Kermit to leave him to die in the rainforest. Millard, a former staff writer for National Geographic, nails the suspense element of this story perfectly, but equally important to her success is the marvelous amount of detail she provides on the wildlife that Roosevelt and his fellow explorers encountered on their journey, as well as the cannibalistic indigenous tribe that stalked them much of the way.

Sounds interesting and exciting!

YES! Let me know if he likes it.

I bought the Post Secrets books, compiled by this guy:

http://postsecret.blogspot.com/

Heather feather was the one who pointed me to this site. Great fodder for short story ideas.

Hi! I am new to this post, but decided you all are even better than re-runs of "Raymond", so here I am! I suspect that I'm a little older than most here, but love to read! I have always been a fan of spy novels and love Robert Ludlum, but since he died and his estate hired a new writer in his place, the novels are just not the same. Anyone else notice that?

Also, for a really fun read (especially if you are female) try Lisa Scottoline's novels. Kinda a cross between "I love Lucy" and "James Bond". I laugh out loud. All about female attorneys' office and cases.

I guess that's a compliment! Welcome, Checkingin.