American Afterlife: Encounters in the Customs of Mourning Kindle Edition

Every once in a while I actually pay money for a book and in this case I rather wish I hadn't. Usually I go into a "positives vs negatives" analysis on books but in this case I think I'll opt for more of a "this is what this book is" concept.

Firstly, what I expected was hard non-fiction. I wanted a tightly-connected book that described the history of funeral practices in some level of detail. Instead what this book gives you is a rather loose cobbling together of a few historical tidbits and a surprising amount of memoir. Imagine something of the form, "roadside memorials have become increasingly popular; Steve built a roadside memorial in 1976 when his wife died in a terrible accident. She was blonde-haired and blue-eyed and stood 5'8 with a wispy figure and a penchant for pancakes that would make any man weak in the knees." OK, I'm making all that up but that's the general form we're talking about. The book seems to be about 15% history, 15% current day practices and 70% personal anecdote from the author's time writing the book. It's well-written certainly and entertaining in some ways but it's completely not what I expected when I plunked hit the 'buy' button.

The second important thing to know is that the book is not really terribly historical. The first chapter talks about funeral practices of days gone by from hair jewelry to cooling boards but the second chapter is about memorial tattoos and from there we're very much stuck in the present day. So this is a book about TODAY and only remotely historical.

In summary, it's entirely possible that you'll love this book. The author is a good writer and entertaining in a certain sense of the word but you should not buy this book with the idea that it's going to teach you much about the history of the mourning process. It contains a plethora of anecdotes both relevant and not; some entertaining and some not but if you, like I was, are just looking for an exploration of the morbid history of how we deal with those most final of destinations.... this isn't that book. Mary Roach's "Stiff" is probably more your cup of tea.

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Kate has written a very informative book about how Americans have responded to death in the past, and how some of us deal with it in the present. Customs following death during the Victorian age, how they were adapted through the Industrial period, and on into our highly technological society of today are explored. The people written about within these pages are earnestly seeking ways to honor and remember their loved ones, employing ways that mean the most to them. Some need to memorialize their dead loved ones, some need to feel pain in a different way, and others find very creative ways in the disposition of the remains. Kate explores the choices of each family here without judgment or inappropriate intrusion upon another's grief. Funeral customs and the evolution of undertakers into the funeral directors of today are particularly interesting as well.

American Afterlife is not morbid in any way, but rather enlightening, and really entertaining to read. It will be reread specifically because it IS entertaining.

According to the author, I am like most Americans in my avoidance of death and my hopeful belief that it is something I will not have to personally address until much late in life. What is fantastic about Sweeny's book is that it ushers us into the world of death gently, with a guide who is just as nervous as we are about the "foreign" customs taking place. It also forces one to think about death in a productive way...How would I like to be memorialized? How would I react when faced with the death of a loved one? And presents us with the full range of quirky and fascinating subcultures that are hidden just out of our view. This is a very funny and moving book, and also one of those engaging non-fiction books that presents fun facts and opinions that you instantly want to share a passage with the person next to you. A wonderful piece of journalism about a topic you might not expect to enjoy reading about. Also features gorgeous cover art to show off on your coffee table. 5 1/2 stars!

How can a tour of American mourning and burial customs be witty, entertaining, informative and compassionate, all in 213 pages? Kate Sweeney has managed it. She strikes just the right tone, exploring our funereal history as well as new and inventive ways of saying good-bye. We are introduced to several people engaged in the business of death and memorials, and left with the feeling that we have met them first hand. We know these folks. And we are left knowing ourselves a little better, re-examining our thoughts about what constitutes a good send-off. - Sara DeLuca

I work in the hospice environment with children and their families. This book was a clear and well written glimpse into the world of "saying goodbye". Enjoyed it and will explore the topic further now.

This author does an excellent overview of many mourning practices in a very easy and inviting writing style. I found the book to be a very enjoyable read. I think the most important point of this book comes in one of the final chapters, when the point is made that, ultimately each of us must be true to ourselves and grieve in our own way. There is no one way that is right for everyone.

a light and humorous read, with some unexpected insights as to how people deal with death and grieving. nicely done. can be a little wordy at times but worth it overall.

I strongly encourage anyone who may have to make "final arrangements" for someone (loved, or not) and/or for themselves, to read this book. The historical perpective and current insight combined with individual stories told with style, grace, and sensitivity prompts understanding and awareness of a topic we Americans too frequently avoid and suppress. Ms Sweeney has done us all a great service by providing these stories and great commentary.