Book Review - Final Exits: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of How We Die by Michael Largo

I don't know about you, but I stock a fairly extensive "quick-read" library in various bathrooms around my house. Issues of Newsweek, National Geographic, and a few newsletters from Boardroom Reports are usually in ample supply, as well as the occasional book formatted for the all-important quick read.

I recently added a copy of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, by Patricia Schultz to the bathroom bookshelf. For a quick pit stop read, this is a wonderful directory of must-see places to go and things to do in the US and overseas. I'm happy to report this travel compilation includes a few sites I've actually seen so maybe now I'll die a little happier because I saw Paris. (I like the happier part, not so sure about the dying part.) But here's the question ...

Can someone actually die of happiness?

I didn't find happiness listed in the new book, Final Exits: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of How We Die, but I did find hundreds of other documented ways that folks like you and me "kick the bucket", "sleep with the fishes", and "buy the farm". This is addictive, fascinating and lively reading (yes, I did say "lively") about the American way of death and dying that you're going to thoroughly enjoy.

The more advanced the technology, the more ways to kill or be killed.

Did you know that in 1700 there were less than 100 causes of death and that today there are 3,000? Me either, but you'll learn this and a lot more as Final Exits details the many ways we die. Alphabetically organized, this engaging sourcebook of death begins with a straightforward retelling of the history of "Abactio ... the medical term for abortion or premature labor induced by street drugs, herbal concoctions or homestyle surgery" and concludes with "Zoofatalism ... a psychological disorder in which the afflicted get dangerously close to wild animals or keep wild animals as pets against better judgment." (Ouch ... can you say Siegfried & Roy?) The in-between is packed with well-researched information told with a dry, wry touch.

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Article Author: Roberta Rosenberg

Roberta Rosenberg is a direct response marketing & SEO consultant, copywriter and coach (MGP Direct), popular etailer (AdoptShoppe), and mom to 3, two adopted from Korea (Adopting from Korea) with a strong need to share about issues I care about it.
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