Grave Matters: A Journey Through the Modern Funeral Industry to a Natural Way of Burial (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: plain pine box, memorial reef, burial transit permit, Ramsey Creek, Eternal Reefs, New Jersey (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. Harris's case for an eco-friendly burial is also an argument for a graceful and productive afterlife. Avoiding embalming keeps funeral waste out of our sewers, while burial in a shroud or cardboard coffin saves trees; these approaches can also bring the living back in touch with the cycle of life, he argues. Following in the footsteps of Jessica Mitford (author of The American Way of Death), Harris discusses the ways in which Americans have shifted care of the dead out of the hands and homes of friends and family as he tours various burial options, from the most environmentally intrusive to the least. His graphic description of an embalming offers a sharp contrast to a burial in a biodegradable coffin in a nature reserve, where the decaying body will help restore the environment. Embalming is also expensive ($12,376) compared to burial in an artificial reef (between $995 and $4,995 after the $1,800 cremation). Acknowledging that burial requires a series of difficult decisions in the midst of devastating emotions, this practical, powerful and affirming book succeeds as a survey of burial methods, a collection of true stories and a resource guide. (Jan.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* In the face of the billion-dollar-a-year funeral industry, former environmental columnist Harris advocates green (i.e., chemical-free) burial, a concept that is gaining momentum among aging baby boomers. His slender tome is chockablock with information on a variety of burial options, the majority of them environmentally friendly. For many, the only options they thought were available involved choosing between a mahogany casket and a brass casket. Through his detailed if grisly explanation of the currently popular embalming and interment process, Harris just may open up entirely new discussions among family members whenever the topic of burial is broached. Indeed, after reading this book, many may find it impossible to make such decisions casually, whether they are planning their own mortal destinies or are engaged in the emotion-wrought decisions incumbent upon the passings of loved ones. They may consider it worse to leave everything in the hands of a funeral-home owner. Including specifics about probable cost, availability, and location regarding a number of green burial options (names and addresses of some sources and providers are given), Harris has created a well-organized, valuable resource for anyone considering the disposition of their own or a loved one's earthly remains. Donna Chavez
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Scribner (January 9, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743277686
• ISBN-13: 978-0743277686
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #180,571 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Grave Matters: A Journey Through the Modern Funeral industry to a Natural Way of Burial, January 21, 2007

By	Grace L. Schoedel (Urbana, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is an excellent exploration of several forms of disposition of a body leading chapter by chapter to a very logical concluding chapter on "green burial". Each chapter has been carefully researched and is given sympathetic coverage. The book is very well written and contains extremely useful information for anyone wishing to find out about the subject before actually needing to know! I highly recommend it.
Grace Schoedel
president, Champaign County (Illinois) Funeral Consumers Alliance

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely useful information everyone needs to know, January 22, 2007

By	A. Shortridge (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

With a completely objective approach, Mr. Harris has researched thoroughly many various aspects of burial/funeral procedures and options, giving the reader detailed information about specific processes and choices available to the consumer. Each chapter ends with a concise wrap-up of things you need to know - a great feature of this book. No detail is unexplored. What some may consider untouchable subject, Mark Harris has developed into a very professional and dignified outcome.

Every family should consider this book a MUST for the shelf. Though no one wants to think of the inevitable, all should want to be prepared early on, and this book gives you the information you NEED to know.

A Shortridge
San Diego, CA

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars NOT EVERYONE'S FAVORITE SUBJECT, BUT . . ., March 20, 2007

By	mcHaiku "nmi" (Brown County INDIANA) - See all my reviews

. . . would you want to be as ignorant about childbirth as most people are about 'procedures' at the time of death? The author's premise is that preparation for death, and burials, should be "GREEN" - - I happen to agree, and will donate my remains to a teaching hospital, me & my Pacemaker and all four replacment joints (if they'll have me).

The thinking of humans advances in pitifully tiny increments. In recent years the number of cremations has increased dramatically, and Green Cemeteries are no longer considered for space aliens only. Mark Harris shapes his book around ten persons who carried out decisions not relying primarily on undertakers and embalmers. Details about funerals held in the home, burial on one's own property, burial at sea, working with state laws, even the purchase of cardboard caskets for cremation . . . these are discussed quite fully in this book with sources given, costs, even the author's web site.

The book stresses the benefits of treating the death of loved ones in a totally personal way while honoring convictions about a green, less toxic world. Reviewer mcHaiku believes that the greatest hurdle in working one's beliefs seamlessly into discussions, and making satisfactory decisions about "bodies, the disposal of" . . . is squeamishness and the emotional reactions of the moment.

Knowledge can be 'freeing' and contribute towards amicable acceptance. Author Mark Harris has provided details, details (ad nauseam, for some). The book (Be sure to read the full title) is generous with information that will help all readers reach more 'environmentally correct' decisions because we owe this to our planet.