Smoke Gets in Your Eyes & Other Lessons from the Crematory

Caitlin Doughty pulls back the curtain on the funeral and cremation industry in this first-person account of her apprenticeship at a crematorium.  From procedures, to politics, to religion, to the outright weird, Caitlin answers many of the “burning” questions that people have about mortal remains and their treatment.  She also makes a case for cremation and more natural forms of interment, citing embalming as environmentally toxic, overly expensive, and generally ineffective method of remains disposal.  Some gross parts and shocking truths would earn this book a “PG-13,” in the movie industry, so reader beware.  Still, a very interesting, recommended read.