You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
redhairedashreads 's review for:
This book takes you through eighteen different historical cemeteries and discusses how they shaped the funeral industry. It also discusses how the funeral industry has changed over time, including current changes that are happening, and what the future of death might include.
This was a very interesting look at the history of these cemeteries and how each one changed future cemeteries. Most of these cemeteries I had never heard of so it was very interesting learning all about their history. My two favorite cemeteries discussed in this were The Chapel of the Chimes and Nature’s Sanctuary, both of which I had never heard of before this. They are completely different ways of being buried and brought up a lot of questions about what I want to do with my body.
What I found most impactful about this book was the portions discussing racism around cemeteries and burial. I knew racism impacted how black people were buried, but I didn’t realize the depth of it or how it was still influencing some cemeteries. Not only does he go into the racism aspect of funerals, but he also discusses how it impacts the poor and homeless populations who can’t actually afford to be cremated or buried. It just really made me question all the inequalities around burial and cemeteries there are and how it will affect my own decisions.
Overall, this was a very informative and well researched book about some very interesting cemeteries. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot about a bunch of places I hadn’t heard of before.