Reviews with content warning for Child death - Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory

this book was fantastic. it gives you another perspective on death but also reminds you of your humanity. reminds you that you are faced with death every day. this also taught me so much more about crematories and what goes on with our physical bodies after we pass. told in a great voice like an old friend talking about it.

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wai's review against another edition

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adventurous dark informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

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apoppyinthewind's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

I enjoyed this one though it is a heavier read. If you're up for reading some rather vivid details about cremation and the completely natural processes our bodies go through when we die then yes, check this book out. I appreciated the honest & humorous way the author discusses death, it's refreshing and makes me wish that death could be talked about so openly in general. I listened to the audiobook and having the author do the reading made it one of the best audiobooks I've had the pleasure to listen to.

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miafromorchardstreet's review against another edition

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dark funny informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

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scrummyb's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

Phew, this book is not for the faint hearted. Absolutely fantastic read, would recommend 100%, but with a cautionary warning. In my opinion, this book is mainly about two things: the actual nitty gritty (which will definitely have you gagging and shuddering) of death of the body, and an examination of rituals (or lack thereof in American society) around death. I made my way through this book with equal parts melancholy and also hopefulness. Hopeful about a new way to view death and how I can pay honor to it for both a loved one and myself. It's not only an informative read, but an entertaining one. The author tells her own story detailing her fascination with death (including her own suicidal thoughts), that reads funny, honest, and thought provoking. If you do decide to read this, be prepared that she discusses in detail what happens to all deceased bodies, including babies, suicides, violent deaths, and bodies donated to science. So if you're not ready to face that reality, I would hold off. Expect also some dark humor, that some might find crass, but I found appropriate considering the author's line of work.

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just_jeffrey0597's review against another edition

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informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

Very informative and leads to a thought provoking experience about death and dying in American society

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