Rate this book

American Afterlife: Encounters In The Customs Of Mourning (2014)

by Kate Sweeney(Favorite Author)
3.8 of 5 Votes: 4
ISBN
0820346004 (ISBN13: 9780820346007)
languge
English
publisher
University of Georgia Press
review 1: I initially heard about this book when Kate Sweeney was doing an interview on the 'Stuff Your Mom Never Told You' podcast, and it sounded really interesting. I loved Mary Roach's 'Stiff', and I was assuming it would be in the same vein. While it was interesting, I found her lack of nation-wide research kind of frustrating. Most of her info and interviews came from North and South Carolina and Georgia. While that may be representative of the southeast culture/customs/demographics, I doubt those stats are similar in the Midwest, the northeast, etc. Personally, I would have enjoyed a more thoroughly researched book. However, I loved her personal stories, the fun facts/vocations/options, and the afterword updates.
review 2: According to the author, I am like most A
... moremericans in my avoidance of death and my hopeful belief that it is something I will not have to personally address until much late in life. What is fantastic about Sweeny's book is that it ushers us into the world of death gently, with a guide who is just as nervous as we are about the "foreign" customs taking place. It also forces one to think about death in a productive way...How would I like to be memorialized? How would I react when faced with the death of a loved one? And presents us with the full range of quirky and fascinating subcultures that are hidden just out of our view. This is a very funny and moving book, and also one of those engaging non-fiction books that presents fun facts and opinions that you instantly want to share a passage with the person next to you. A wonderful piece of journalism about a topic you might not expect to enjoy reading about. Also features gorgeous cover art to show off on your coffee table. 5 1/2 stars! less
Reviews (see all)
dashagnom
Hope to read an understand the thinking behind roadside memorials, windshield tributes and the like.
UnwindingPhantasy
Interesting read, and not sad considering the subject matter
maz
An amazing, entertaining, and eye-opening read.
Write review
Review will shown on site after approval.
(Review will shown on site after approval)