Monday, October 20, 2025

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

I read Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty for book club. The book description says, "Armed with a degree in medieval history and a flair for the macabre, Caitlin Doughty took a job at a crematory and turned morbid curiosity into her life’s work. She cared for bodies of every color, shape, and affliction, and became an intrepid explorer in the world of the dead. In this best-selling memoir, brimming with gallows humor and vivid characters, she marvels at the gruesome history of undertaking and relates her unique coming-of-age story with bold curiosity and mordant wit. By turns hilarious, dark, and uplifting, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes reveals how the fear of dying warps our society and 'will make you reconsider how our culture treats the dead' (San Francisco Chronicle)."

This was a really unique and enjoyable read. There were parts that were kind of disgusting or sad or whatnot, but it was also enlightening and fascinating and eye-opening. I learned about a topic I had really not given much thought to and found the book to be a fun listen. I think it'll be a fun book club discussion book, and it was also a fun one to read around Halloween time. I really liked the author's perspective and her opinion that death needs to be less hidden in our country and culture.

* * (2/3 = Liked it)

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