Discover books similar to "The American Way of Death"

Jessica Mitford

The American Way of Death

3.99

"The American Way of Death" by Jessica Mitford is a groundbreaking exposé of the funeral industry in the United States. First published in 1963, the book quickly became a bestseller and sparked a national conversation about the high cost and questionable practices of the funeral industry. Mitford, an investigative journalist and member of the British aristocracy, was inspired to write the book after attending her second husband's funeral and being shocked by the exorbitant cost and sales pressure to purchase unnecessary services. She spent several years researching the funeral industry, interviewing funeral directors, industry insiders, and grieving families. The book reveals a wide range of abuses, including price gouging, false representations of services, and the use of unnecessary embalming and other preservation techniques. Mitford also exposes the role of the American Funeral Directors Association, the industry's trade group, in promoting and protecting these practices. Mitford's writing is clear, concise, and often witty, making the book accessible to a wide audience. She presents her findings in a straightforward manner, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions about the industry. "The American Way of Death" had a significant impact on the funeral industry, leading to reforms and increased regulation. The book remains relevant today, as the cost of funerals and the practices of the funeral industry continue to be a concern for many Americans. In summary, "The American Way of Death" is a must-read for anyone interested in the funeral industry, consumer protection, and the ways in which American culture and business intersect. Mitford's thorough research, clear writing, and commitment to exposing the truth make this book a classic of investigative journalism...

List of books similar to "The American Way of Death":

Mary Roach

Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers

In 'Stiff', Mary Roach takes readers on a darkly humorous exploration of the strange lives of human cadavers. Fans of 'The American Way of Death' will appreciate Roach's examination of the practical and cultural implications of dealing with the dead. Through her witty and insightful prose, Roach raises questions about the meaning of death and how we choose to memorialize our loved ones.

Learn More

Rebecca Skloot

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

In 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks', Rebecca Skloot tells the story of a poor black tobacco farmer whose cancer cells were taken without her consent and became one of the most important tools in modern medicine. This book offers a unique perspective on the intersection of science, ethics, and race, and will appeal to readers who enjoyed Mitford's exploration of the funeral industry's exploitation of the American public.

Learn More

Ernest Becker

The Denial of Death

In 'The Denial of Death', Ernest Becker argues that human civilization is built on a fundamental denial of mortality, and that our fear of death shapes our culture, politics, and religion. This Pulitzer Prize-winning book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and will appeal to readers who enjoyed Mitford's examination of the funeral industry's exploitation of our fear of death.

Learn More

Isabel Wilkerson

The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration

In 'The Warmth of Other Suns', Isabel Wilkerson tells the story of the Great Migration, the mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North during the 20th century. This sweeping historical narrative offers a unique perspective on race, class, and identity in America, and will appeal to readers who enjoyed Mitford's exploration of the social and cultural factors that shape our attitudes towards death and dying.

Learn More

Jane Jacobs

The Death and Life of Great American Cities

In 'The Death and Life of Great American Cities', Jane Jacobs offers a powerful critique of urban planning and a vision for creating vibrant, livable cities. Readers of 'The American Way of Death' will appreciate Jacobs' examination of the social and cultural factors that shape our communities, and her argument that death and decay are essential parts of the urban ecosystem.

Learn More

Richard Preston

The Hot Zone: The Terrifying True Story of the Origins of the Ebola Virus

In 'The Hot Zone', Richard Preston tells the story of the Ebola virus, one of the most deadly diseases known to

Learn More