Death: Corpses, Cadavers, and Other Grave Matters

Everyone dies . . . but what happens inside the human body when death occurs? What body systems are key for holding on to life? And what value does studying death have for those of us still living? Explore all of the answers with a forensic scientist who takes a look at the body’s interconnected cellular systems and the links between life and death.

"Murray's closing words would work just as well as an introduction: 'Death is part of life.' Meticulously organized and admirably levelheaded, this tour through life's final act is best suited for future medical professionals or resolute realists―the afterlife is given only a cursory shrug in favor of page after page of hard truths. One could divide the book in half, with the first four chapters cycling through the properties of life (basically, homeostasis) and death (defined as when 'a certain number' of cells stop working), while sidestepping the sadness of near-death scenarios with a sober bedside manner. The final three chapters move into the realm of mortuary operations, autopsies, forensics, and decomposition. The colorful layout features plenty of photographs cropped just short of being icky, and sidebars proliferate, the most fascinating of which are job profiles (hospice nurse, body donation manager). Hot-button issues (stem cells, Terry Schiavo) are seamlessly integrated throughout. There's not enough attitude to make this the YA equivalent to Mary Roach's Stiff (2003), but it delivers almost as much morbid insight." --Booklist

"From the conditions necessary to keep a body alive, to disease and other causes of death, to post-mortem changes and the final stages of decomposition, this book takes a head-on look at the subject. Murray's informative text is enhanced by well-chosen photos and sidebars, which also help to lighten the impact of the sometimes difficult subject matter." --The Horn Book Guide

"This excellent book gives a comprehensive overview of the processes that delineate life and death. In the body, the many different systems, composed of organs, tissues, and cells, work cooperatively to maintain homeostasis. When homeostasis is not able to be maintained, pathology will occur. Death, whether sudden or gradual, is a process that may take a few minutes or much longer. The changes, with examples, from the cellular to the systems level, are explained. The difficulty of determining a time of death is noted, and some medical and legal aspects of death are outlined. The aftermath of death, such as preservation of the scene, the need for an autopsy, and the part that forensic scientists may play, add to the story. Postmortem changes are defined, and the role of agents of decomposition (e.g., insects and microorganisms) in the continuing web of life is elucidated. The prose is lucid and free of jargon, and difficult physiological concepts are presented clearly. Excellent diagrams and real-life stories of people (e.g., a young man with cystic fibrosis and a woman who will be donating her body to science) put a human face on the subject. Timely topics such as hospice care, euthanasia, organ and body donation, cryogenics, and burial practices are included. This volume would be a useful discussion tool." --Science Books & Films

"Murray, a forensic anthropologist, has written a book that deals with the scientific aspect of life and death. Her experience as a teacher of anatomy and physiology comes through as she explains the living body, what happens when systems shut down, and how postmortem remains can give evidence to solve crimes and the mysteries of diseases. Some controversial subjects such as stem-cell research and euthanasia are presented but readers are left to develop their own opinions based on the facts offered. First-person accounts of terminally ill patients and those working in the fields of pathology, hospice, and anatomy clarify subjects presented in the chapters. Color photographs are included throughout, some of which are potentially disturbing. The glossary and bibliography are extensive and helpful. This book provides information for those who are curious about a subject that is not easy to discuss." --School Library Journal