Smoke Gets in Your Eyes is an intriguing and thoughtful memoir written by famous mortician Caitlin Doughty. It's my go-to recommendation to anyone because of its dry humor, conversational style that gives the story flow, and content that addresses many sides of a subject not often talked about--death. In the book, Caitlin Doughty explains her life experiences going into the funeral business, and how her thoughts on death changed. She walks the reader through not just personal experience and her arguments, but also the fascinating history of the industry. Even if you don't agree with her views, the book provokes thoughtful discussions and presents the morbid subject in a fascinating and entertaining way.Publisher's description:
Most people want to avoid thinking about death, but Caitlin Doughty―a twenty-something with a degree in medieval history and a flair for the macabre―took a job at a crematory, turning morbid curiosity into her life’s work. Thrown into a profession of gallows humor and vivid characters (both living and very dead), Caitlin learned to navigate the secretive culture of those who care for the deceased. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes tells an unusual coming-of-age story full of bizarre encounters and unforgettable scenes. Caring for dead bodies of every color, shape, and affliction, Caitlin soon becomes an intrepid explorer in the world of the dead. She describes how she swept ashes from the machines (and sometimes onto her clothes) and reveals the strange history of cremation and undertaking, marveling at bizarre and wonderful funeral practices from different cultures.