Title: Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? Big Questions from Tiny Mortals About Death
Author: Caitlin Doughty
First published September 10, 2019
222 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780393652703 (ISBN10: 039365270X)
Rating: 4.13
Overview
Have you ever wondered what happens to your body after you die? Do you have burning questions about death that you’ve been too afraid to ask?
Look no further than Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? In this book, mortician and best-selling author Caitlin Doughty answers some of the most curious and morbid questions she’s ever received about death.
From what would happen to your body in space, to whether or not we can give Grandma a Viking funeral, Doughty leaves no stone unturned in this exploration of death rituals, science, and everything in between. With wit, humor, and a healthy dose of candidness, Doughty confronts our fears of dying head-on and provides us with honest and fascinating facts about what happens to our bodies after we’re gone.
Plus, this edition features an interview with a clinical expert on discussing death with young people, revealing some of the most revealing and insightful questions about death that we all have.
About the Author
Meet Caitlin Doughty – a mortician, author, and the mastermind behind “Ask a Mortician” web series and The Order of the Good Death. She is the genius behind the New York Times bestsellers Smoke Gets in Your Eyes and From Here to Eternity, as well as the recently published Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?
Caitlin is a proud owner of a funeral home in Los Angeles, where she resides.
Editoral Review
Caitlin Doughty, a mortician and author of two previous books, delivers an insightful yet entertaining exploration of death in her latest book, “Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? Big Questions from Tiny Mortals About Death.” Published on September 10, 2019, the book takes a unique approach to explaining death to children and adults alike.
Doughty’s writing style is witty, informative and straight-to-the-point. She answers some of the most bizarre questions surrounding death, such as “Can I keep my parents’ skulls after they die?” or “What happens if someone dies during sex?”.
With the help of her feline friend, Doughty demystifies the fear and taboos around death, providing readers with a new perspective and appreciation of death.
The book is divided into 32 chapters, each one exploring a different question about death.
Doughty covers historical and cultural practices surrounding death, scientific explanations of decomposition and embalming, and popular misconceptions surrounding death. Her sharp humor and clear explanations make even the most morbid topics accessible and engaging.
One of the greatest strengths of “Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?” is Doughty’s ability to blend personal anecdotes with factual information. She shares stories from her experience as a mortician, offering readers a glimpse into the real-life experiences of someone who has worked with death every day.
She also shares the tragic story of a family she encountered during her time at the funeral home, highlighting the importance of embracing death and grief in modern society.
At times, the book can feel repetitive, as some of the questions share similar themes.
Additionally, some of the chapters may not be suitable for children, as they delve into more graphic details about death. However, Doughty’s humor and engaging storytelling style keep the reader interested throughout.
“Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?” is not just for those who have an interest in death but for anyone looking to explore their own mortality. Doughty’s unapologetic approach to death encourages readers to reexamine their own views on the subject, inspiring a greater appreciation for the complex and mysterious process of dying.
With its mix of humor, storytelling, and factual information, “Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?” is a must-read for anyone looking to demystify the taboo surrounding death.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
While “Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?” is not for the faint of heart, it is a unique and enlightening read that provides readers with a fresh perspective on death. Caitlin Doughty’s engaging storytelling and witty humor make the book an accessible and enjoyable read for a diverse audience.
Whether you’re a curious individual looking to gain insight into the mysteries of death or a parent searching for a way to explain the topic to your children, this book is a valuable resource that should be on your reading list.
