Have you ever wondered what happens to your body after you die? Or maybe you’ve pondered some quirky questions like “What happens if you die in outer space?” or “If I die in ecstasy during sex, should I automatically send to hell?” Well, look no further than Caitlin Doughty‘s book, Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? And Other Questions About Dead Bodies. As a mortician and bestselling author, Doughty answers these questions and more in this fascinating and morbidly funny read.
One of the things I love most about this book is Doughty’s conversational tone. She writes as if she’s talking directly to you, which makes the morbid subject matter more accessible and less intimidating. Even if you’re not particularly interested in death or mortuary science, you’ll find yourself engrossed in Doughty’s stories and insights. She tackles questions like “What happens to a body in a casket?” and “What does embalming actually do?” with a mix of history, humor, and science. Admittedly, I picked this book because of the cat cover . . . being a cat lover.
Another aspect of the book that I appreciate is Doughty’s emphasis on death positivity. She argues that our modern society is too obsessed with avoiding death and sanitizing it, leading to a disconnect from our mortality and fear of the unknown. Instead, Doughty suggests embracing death as a natural part of life and reclaiming traditions like home funerals and green burials. This perspective might challenge some readers’ beliefs, but it’s presented in a thoughtful and non-judgmental way.
Of course, the titular question of whether your cat would eat your eyeballs (or any other part of you) is answered as well. Without giving too much away, Doughty explains the factors that would influence whether an animal would scavenge a dead body and puts to rest some common myths about postmortem pet behavior. She also delves into the cultural and historical significance of animals and death, such as the ancient Egyptian reverence for cats and the use of “ghoul dogs” in medieval Europe.
“He won’t be diving straight for the human flesh. But a cat has got to eat, and you are the person who feeds him. This is the cat-human compact. Death doesn’t free you from performing your contractual obligations.”
Overall, I highly recommend Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? And Other Questions About Dead Bodies. It’s a captivating and informative look at a subject that many of us shy away from. Doughty’s writing style is engaging and relatable, and her insights into death positivity are thought-provoking. Whether you’re fascinated by death or just looking for a unique read, this book is worth picking up.
AWARDS
New York Times Bestseller
Winner of a Goodreads Choice Award
First Edition:
Author: Caitlin Doughty
Genre: Humor
Publisher: Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc.
Publication date: September 2019
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