Mary Roach’s Spook is an examination of how science (and pseudo-science) have studied the after-life and the soul. The book is in the same vein as her previous book, Stiff, and so it draws a lot of comparisons, most of them not in this books’ favour. Spook just isn’t as engaging a read as Stiff, but I don’t think it’s because of Roach’s writing. The subject matter’s just not as compelling. The various ways that scientists (and other people) tried to measure or demonstrate the existence of soul – through complicated weight scales and containers, ectoplasmic tendrils, and out-of-body experiences – are interesting, but some chapters sometimes leave you wanting a little more. A step down from her previous effort, but still a good book.

I want answers after Wendy’s death. I’ve always been a rational person, but since she died, I’ve had some, uh, mystical experiences. Not nearly as many as I would like, though.

The book is a pretty good microhistory of scientific investigation into the afterlife, though the author’s jokey style is often irritating. She ought to have more confidence in her subject matter and research or, at least, have better jokes.

I just finished a chapter today about electro-magnetic fields and their effect on the brain’s right lobe. Essentially, the right EMF can create hallucinations in some people that feel ghosty.

She points out that the stress of grieving can release hormones that do the same. I have to admit that my heart sank when I read that.