Cremation Books

I loved this poem and laughed...enjoyed...and re-read it. Just a fun tale and the illustrations are really quite vivid and enlightening adding a quality to the storyline.

I saw this book in my son's school library and bought it through Amazon the very same day. A great rhyming story to read aloud. My son and I both enjoy reading this book. Highly recommended!

I recently saw this poem recited in a vaudeville show in the Yukon. A couple of days later when I saw the book I just had to buy it. Although the story is morbid, I think the sound of the words and the colorful pictures will appeal to my 10-month old grandson (if he's allowed to hear it read). Great book!

This was one of my favorite books as a kid. My dad used to read it as a bedtime story. The pictures in this version are not as big as those in the original which was a little dissapointing. Otherwise the book is exactly as I remembered it.

I recently saw this poem used effectively with a sixth grade Social Studies class studying the Yukon Gold Rush. The poem with it's morbid/supernatural theme is intriguing to kids in the middle school years and the colorful yet somewhat archaic and ambiguous language led to a great beginning Socratic Seminar. This type of "picture book" should be used more often with older students and as another reviewer mentioned this poem would make a great extension to a literature unit on narrative poems or as a supplemental reading to a classic novel like Jack London's CALL OF THE WILD. And though I had never heard this poem before someone recently told me it is a classic to tell around the campfire especially when camping in the snow.

Thank you Laurel for your wonderful review. I really appreciate your "getting it."

With land for burial becoming scares in most cities and even some suburbs and with various environmental and health concerns this is an excellent book for those who want to learn about the history of cremation and why it has become the most popular form of 'burial' in Europe and Asia, and now even here in the states. Not at all a scary or macabre book but really thought provoking and informative.

A detailed and history-filled trip into the crematory, Fred Rosen sprinkles the topic with humor as a bonus for coming out the other side.

The reader learns that JFK, Jr wasn't so much "spread" as he was plopped into the Atlantic, along with other tips and minutia to dust off and impress the folks with.

A how-to, why-to and yes, you could wear a tutu guide for taking an eternal powder. --Laurel825

Let's face it, cremation (and death in general, I guess) is a pretty unusual topic. This book was recommended to me when we were looking into arrangements for a family member. I was a bit of a reluctant reader at first, but once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. According to the person who recommended it, there aren't any better books on the subject. (He works in the "business", if that's the right word.) Anyway, I would highly recommend this book for anyone thinking of using cremation as a burial option.

I read this book out of personal interest. My fiance and I had discussed what to do when either of us dies. We both agreed on cremation, so I naturally wanted to learn more about it. I am glad I picked up this book. For a non-fiction book, it is very funny and entertaining. It provides a good history of cremation within Western Society. It also provides a lot of "case studies" that highlight the ups and downs of this progress. The chapters flow tightly from one to another; and the text is easy enough for both adults and teenagers. There are also several chapters that focus on recent events; such as the Ted Williams fiasco, the crematorium scandals in Georgia and California, and of course JFK Jr. I believe every person who intends to get cremated should read this book.

When Death Occurs is a step-by-step manual that shows you how to pre-plan for a personalized funeral, memorial, cremation, even body donation. Rather than fish through lots of unnecessary information, you can go directly to the chapters that relate to your personal wants. The book tells you how to save [$], whether you choose to use a funeral home or plan a memorial yourself. Reigle focuses on personalization and planning a memorial that is meaningful and memorable to your family and friends.
I've decided that I wanted a really memorable memorial for myself, but without the financial burden for my loved ones. I looked into the available books on funerals, and none on the market tell you how to plan and save money for what YOU want. Rather take the philosophical route on what is the "best" way to go (burial, cremation, body and tissue donation, etc), Reigle chooses instead to let the consumer decide what is right for them and give step-by-step instructions on how to save money and still get what they want.
I've also heard that Reigle does some pretty great personalized "pre-planning" workshops to accompany the book; there's info to schedule one included in the book. I'm currently trying schedule one for my senior group.

This book is by far the best protection a person can have during times of suffering and grief. People will try to take advantage of others at all times, especially when experiencing the loss of a loved one. This book allows a person to familiarize themselves to the funeral processes by giving guidelines to follow during the most important decision-making process. Everyone should have this book in their family.

"As men, we are all equal in the presence of death." ~Publilius Syrus

I would recommend this book to prepare for your own funeral or as a way to help family members pre-plan their own funerals. There is a "Quick Reference for Those Who Face the Death of a Loved One." In the midst of grief, this book could also help you quickly select various services and methods of burial before arriving at the funeral home.

This is a book for people who are worried about "Death Care Professionals" taking advantage of them. The information in this book will encourage a more frugal approach.

John M. Reigle is an advocate for consumer rights in the funeral industry. He believes people should examine all their options and create a more meaningful service for the living, with less emphasis on caskets, urns and vaults.

While reading, you will discover:

1. The services provided by a funeral home should also include finalizing details after the funeral. I was amazed at all the details that can be taken care of by the funeral home.
2. The wide variety of funeral service options.
3. Sample Forms and checklists.
4. A Memorial Service Planner.
5. Pros and Cons of each burial situation.
6. Death Certificate Information Worksheets
7. Ways to save $1,000s on caskets. You might want to spend more on the actual service
8. Obituary forms.
9. Ideas on gathering information for a meaningful funeral service.
10. List of Body Donation Programs in the United States.

After reading this book, I can now understand why some family members in the past have chosen not to have funerals and also why some have chosen not to have open caskets.

The Services Presented in this Book Include:

Body Donation/No Service
Body Donation/With Memorial Service
Cremation/No Service
Cremation/With Memorial Service
Cremation/With Funeral Service
Burial/No Service
Burial/With Graveside Service
Burial/With Funeral Service

Once you read some of this information, you will definitely realize that the ways we "protect" the deceased can be less for the deceased's benefit and more for the survivor's benefit. There should still be some dignity in death. For the survivors, and for the deceased.

However, if you are not informed, under duress or don't have the time to compare prices of services, you could be taken advantage of and feel worse than you do already due to added financial burdens. I think this is a straightforward source for information on a wide variety of funeral services.

~The Rebecca Review

When Death Occurs: A Practical Consumer's Guide by consumer rights advocate John M. Reigle is a comprehensive, "user friendly", step-by-step guide to dealing with the practical and financial realities of funerals, memorial services, burials, cremations, and body donation. When Death Occurs is not a guide for dealing with the emotional pain of losing a loved one; it is a specific manual for handling what must be financially and physically necessarily done with respect to burial or cremation matters, concerns, and decisions. Because of its necessary information, enhanced with an abundance of practical advice (including identifying seven alternatives to traditional funerals), which is presented in a no-nonsense manner, When Death Occurs has the highest recommendation and could result in the savings of thousands of dollars of unnecessary, unneeded, or unwanted expenses.

Very informative and easy to read. A smart idea to read ahead of time, so you know how to handle the planning when death occurs.

If you are going to Mortuary School,or want all the details on funerals or are going to work at a funeral home or cemetery buy this book. This book explains in great detail the funeral process from the cemetery perspective.

The author has the folks interest at heart. This can be seen from the comment on Page 45. "Seniors need to talk about issues related to death and they can feel very lonely, when no one will listen to them." The book clearly presents celebration of life options that everyone needs to be aware of. All this detail is not needed however to lower the cost and stress of your family funerals. Some folks just do not want the details of death.

This work presents a good detailed overview of the funeral process and clarifies options. If you want the details purchase this book.

As the old saying goes there are only two things for certain in life - death and taxes. Sooner or later we all die but unfortunately when we do we often leave behind people who either have no idea how we wanted our remains taken care of or suddenly have to deal with the myriad of decisions necessary for the final arrangements. As the surviving spouse, children, parents, etc. it is not a good time to have to be making those decisions. If, on the other hand, you decide to preplan your arrangements you will find no better book than this one. I was amazed at the detail of knowledge presented as well as the breadth of areas covered. The author includes information on typical costs, different kinds of caskets with advantages and disadvantages of each, cemetery vs. memorial park, etiquette, planning, permits, cash advances, and everything else you might need to know. He even covers additional items typically found at services for different religious beliefs or service organization memberships as well as what to expect at services for various religious affiliations. The book concludes with a personal planning guide that includes all the questions that should be answered before you die so anyone left behind will know exactly what to do and is not burdened by the additional stress of making these decisions. The Consumer's Practical Guide to Funerals, Burials & Cremations is very highly recommended and one of the best things you can do for a loved one.

As a practicing funeral director who has viewed the practice of cremation with uncertainty, Mike Kubasak helped me alleviate the fears of providing service to families choosing cremation. I saw
cremation as a way survivors would demonstrate non caring, but the author taught me otherwise. Cremation is an alternative choice to earth burial. It is merely a quicker way for the body to return to its elements than by burial. Cremation is not the enemy to funeral service...complacency is, and so is our mindset.
thanks, Mike for opening my eyes to new opportunity. Your book is a gem.

Leveillee has joined careful empiricism, with "a science of the heart." The exceptionally well-documented scientific data are considered at many conceptual levels, allowing the reader to understand what happened at this very special, sacred place. The project team included several Native American representatives who contributed a great deal to the appropriate and respectful treatment of the site contents and contexts. Leveillee has accomplished what so many prehistorians-as-anthropologists have long hoped for when interpreting a Northeastern North American ancient Native American site. This book is a significant contribution to anthropology, and will be particularly useful for anthropologists and archaeologists who deal with material evidence of ritual practices. It is highly recommended.

As a funeral director, and for me personally, cremation is a fascinating subject.
Stephen Prothero's book, "Purified by Fire," takes an interesting and enlightening look at one of the oldest methods of "disposition" in the world. It also explains the origins of the rite of cremation in America in an easily understood language, and removes the "shroud" of mystery of the cremation of the dead.
A fantastic read for any who wonder about death rites - and any who actually wonder about any type of history in the United States.
Prothero has gone the extra mile in gathering information for the reader. He takes the door off the columbarium and crematorium and allows us to take a look inside. He gives us the background: that cremation was brought to the United States by those who were concerned about disease in the dead; then gives us a glimpse into the future: that cremation is gaining popularity, even by those in the major religious denominations.
From "Birth" to "Boom", Prothero unleashes his magic of writing and works it into a magnificent MUST READ that I refer to as "The Cremationist's Bible".

This book gives information in an easy-to-read format about issues none of us really want to discuss. It's very necessary to make the plans discussed in this book.

Then you should definitely read this book.

This is one of the best put together books that I have ever read oh the subject. Lots of helpful information on what to do if you ever have to deal with the process of planning for a funeral. This book personally helped me after the death of my father. I was able to deal professionally with the funeral home and save a lot of money for my family while making sure that my father's funeral was extremely respectful and everyone came away for the better.

History, religion, taboos and facts are all presented in this book. I feel all the better for having read this book and having a better appreciation of the process and understanding of what others go through in the process of death. While not a happy time, this book will help you go on if you ever have to deal with the subject.

Take the time to read this, you will probably want to own your own copy, or may even want to give some copies to family members.

I have skipped around, reading topics of interest. The book answers a lot of questions that would otherwise go un-answered. It has caused me to wonder about the invasiveness of the modern embalming process - does it honor or dishonor the dead?

As a cemetery manager, I should understand what is going on down there. This book provides that information. Aside from that, I found the section on ancient disposal practices great reading.

Personally, I have always had a passing interest in mortuary science. Perhaps this is because what goes on "behind the closed doors" of the funeral home is always kept so discrete...usually for good reason. This book has been extremely helpful in allowing me to have a "peak" beyond those doors, and is very descriptive about what happens to us when we pass on. After reading this book, I feel that many of my questions have been answered, at least for the most part. The only reservation I have about this book is the fact that it reads more like a text...very scientific. If you're looking for light and leisurely material to browse, this book is probably not for you. But, if it's the "real deal" you're after, and are serious about learning more about what takes place when we die...this is the one!

This book is a virtual encyclopedia of death. It is extremely comprehensive, covering subjects ranging from organ donation, brain death, corpse disposal in other cultures and throughout history, the funeral industry, burials, cremations, and much more. At the end there is even a handy-dandy section that you can fill out to leave for your loved ones with instructions about how to dispose your body, what kind of funeral you want, etc.

It is highly informative yet not too technical, written in plain language, and in a highly readable question and answer style, so you only read that which you are interested in. I appreciated the fact that there are no gruesome or gory photographs of corpses, only drawings and historical engravings that are not too offensive to the sensitive among us.

There is obviously no love lost between the author and the funeral industry, and he frequently subtly (and not-so-subtly) condemns the outrageous costs and selling tactics used by the industry, often using dry humor or a tongue-in-cheek manner. The author also has the more positive agenda of promoting organ donations, and seeks to do that by thoroughly explaining how the process is done.

This book covers just about everything you ever wanted to know about death and the history of corpse disposal. However, it did leave out a couple of subjects which I would have been interested in reading. The first is the so-called "coffin birth" which happens when a pregnant woman dies (believe me, this is not too gory to be covered in this book, which goes into detail about decomposition, cannibalism, shrunken heads, etc.).

The other is about what options are available to families who can't afford a funeral or internment for their loved ones. I am not talking about "pauper's graves" for indigents/homeless, which is covered in the book, but simply options for low income families who have no funeral insurance and can't afford to pay thousands for a casket or even cremation - what kinds of social agencies are out there to help in these case that may offer lower cost disposals? From whom do you seek help if this happens to your family (i.e. social workers at hospitals)? These are questions that still need answers.

Overall, though, this is an impressive undertaking and is the only book you'll ever need to read for a generalized study of death.