Mary Roach is a bit of loon. She’s also a talented writer. It takes a certain amount of talent produce prose, on the subject of dead and decaying human flesh, that is well written enough to not only keep the reader turning pages but also wanting more at the end. (Her description of the process of human decay is at once memorable and entertaining.) It also takes a certain kind of reader to buy and read a book about the adventures of human cadavers. I’m not sure what kind of reader that is, but I’m now sure I’m one of them. For those curious about somewhat strange and morbid topics, and who also appreciate witty, intelligent writing, Mary Roach’s book is definitely the ticket. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn a few things, and you may even end up a bit smarter for having read it. And you’ll have some great new cocktail conversation…for people you want to frighten away.