Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?

And Other Questions About Dead Bodies

Caitlin Doughty author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Orion Publishing Co

Published:22nd Sep '20

Should be back in stock very soon

Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? cover

This engaging book provides insightful and humorous answers to intriguing questions about death, such as Viking funerals and post-mortem body changes, all from the perspective of a knowledgeable mortician.

In Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?, Caitlin Doughty, a well-known mortician, addresses the intriguing and often taboo questions surrounding death that many people are too hesitant to ask. With a blend of humor and factual insight, Doughty tackles thirty-five of the most compelling queries she receives in her profession. This book is a delightful exploration for those curious about the mysteries of death, making it accessible for readers who enjoy works like What If? and Why Don't Penguins' Feet Freeze?

Doughty provides answers to a variety of questions, ranging from the whimsical to the macabre. For instance, she explores whether it’s possible to give a loved one a Viking funeral, the reasons animals don’t dig up graves, and the curious phenomenon of hair and nails appearing to grow post-mortem. Each answer is not only informative but also infused with Doughty's signature wit, making the subject matter more palatable and engaging.

Throughout the book, Doughty also delves into the science and lore surrounding decomposition and the physical changes that occur after death. She addresses why corpses can make unusual sounds, the transformation of body colors, and other fascinating aspects of mortality. By demystifying these topics, Doughty encourages readers to confront their fears and curiosities about death, ultimately fostering a healthier dialogue about a natural part of life.

Nobody likes to think about mortality, but if you're going to, there are far worse places to start than Doughty. WILL MY CAT EAT MY EYEBALLS? is funny, dark, and at times stunningly existential. As to whether or not your cat will eat your eyeballs? You'll just have to read the book to find out * Guardian *
Fascinating. Taking a no-holds-barred approach, Doughty writes in visceral and engaging detail about an often taboo subject * OBSERVER *
Consistently good fun * SPECTATOR *
There's serious science here, but also cultural lessons in death and dying, a little history, and a touch of gruesomeness wrapped in that shroud of sharp, witty humour * Philadelphia Tribune *
[A] delightful mixture of science and humour * Library Journal *
Doughty's answers are as delightful and distinctive as the questions. She blends humour with respect for the dead . . . Her investigations of ritual, custom, law and science are thorough, and she doesn't shy from naming the parts of Grandma's body that might leak after she is gone * Shelf Awareness *

ISBN: 9781474613415

Dimensions: 196mm x 128mm x 28mm

Weight: 220g

240 pages