Gripping, chilling, and sure to spur media coverage," Body Brokers will make you look at death, and the family-run funeral home down the road, in a whole new way.
I predicted that would be the reaction of some readers.
My mother, many years ago, died of cancer; that cancer was so widespread that the doctors felt she was a rare case, having lived so long with the cancer. Her body was donated to science: If she saved one life, then it was worth it.
I will probably get this book, as I am dismayed about these "seminars", etc. But, let's face it-any business has its abuses with maggots biting at the bit.
The realities of human beings are sickening and that being said all human beings, myself included, seem to have a forbidden embarrassed fasination with death. One can see all the time on the television crime investigation shows. Why else would programs like CSI and ER be so long standing on the TV. None the less, this is no excuse for the corruption and desicration of a dead person's memorys that apparently goes on.
I've signed up as an organ donor but stipulated that I don't want my body to be used for education. Now I wonder if that request could be honored. On the other hand, I keep telling myself, if I'm gone, why should I care...
Our Health Care System needs an overhaul but obviously so does this system. If they can regulate organ donations why can't they watch this "industry" more closely. The need for body parts is there but why should corrupt people profit when families of the deceased can barely pay for the cost of the expensive embalming or cremation? I'm glad this book was written to bring more attention to the subject.
MC
I, too, have donated my organs by recording it on my drivers license. My husband does not approve. Like Mary, I also often think: If I am dead, why should I care? Also, if we are to believe we have a soul, we don't need the old body.
At first I found myself intrigued and upset, being a body donor myself. I agree that once your body's dead, you don't need it, why not let science learn from it or possibly let someone live. There probably does need to be stricter regulations, but I think the abuses are rare.
I think a lot of money and land is being wasted holding wooden boxes of bones.
...,like me, strangely fascinated by this dark topic. (I know you're out there!)
I have a great novel to recommend! It is "Final Arrangements" by Miles Keaton Andrew. It was just plain weird! I have to say that I found it hilarious and unlike anything else I have ever read. A real expose, in a novel, of the funeral industry, crematoriums, and retirement communities. Highly recommended!
I too, have wondered why I should care about what happens to me after I am dead, and shouldn't someone get some use out of my body?
I had the experience to go through medical training and use whole cadavers for anatomy class, and I can say, those people gave a wonderful gift to us. The knowledge we gained from that lab was invaluable due to working with real bodies. The idea of marketing bodies, as this book seems to be more about -I don't agree with. But volunteering, with understanding ahead of time the use of your body, can be a last gift, ultimately helping many.
