Creepy Meets Crazy Meets Comical

I should start with a couple disclaimers. 1) I am recovering from ankle surgery so I’m loaded with Percocet right now and might either get loopy or fall asleep before I’m done writing this up, but I also happen to have free time so here I am. 2) I am internet friends with the author of this book, but I think I can objectively tell you it’s a fun book even if I also know she’s a fun person. Kathy has written for Cracked and Mental Floss, so she’s got plenty of experience in writing humor, so you don’t have to take my word for that.

I have a macabre sense of humor–I love zombie comedies and I tend to laugh at really gory stuff, I loved the Deadpool movie, etc.–so when I saw Kathy had written a book about weird funeral rites around the world, I had to read it. It didn’t disappoint.  I’m not saying it’s gross or scary, but it’s both hilarious and obviously it centers around death and funerals.  The book is full of weird little death and funeral rituals throughout history and throughout the world, and Kathy’s style is so wry and friendly that you’re swept along and not grossed out even when she’s describing some creepy cannibalistic ritual.

I don’t know how she packed this book full of facts and tons of research, but it’s hilarious all the way through. It’s also disturbing (perhaps most disturbing to me was learning there’s a company in Ireland who books clowns for funerals.  NO THANK YOU.  That might be where Kathy managed to haunt my dreams.

If you enjoy things a little on the dark but funny side, you should read this book. It’s a delight and packed with weird little anecdotes you should definitely share at the next company party. For instance, you could tell all your coworkers about how the company LifeGem can create gems out of your cremated loved ones’ remains. Who doesn’t want to hear about that over appetizers and cocktails?  OK, the Percocet might be getting to me, but it really is a fun book packed with fascinating trivia.  It will also start you wondering how weird you could make your own funeral.