Caitlin Doughty

Caitlin Doughty is an American mortician, author, and advocate for death acceptance and reform in the funeral industry. She is known for her work in promoting a more open and honest conversation about death and dying, and she has written several books on the subject.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes & Other Lessons From The Crematory

    And Other Lessons from the Crematory

    The book is a candid and thought-provoking memoir that delves into the author's experiences working in a crematory, exploring society's often taboo relationship with death. Through a blend of humor and poignant reflection, the author shares personal anecdotes and insights into the funeral industry, challenging cultural norms and encouraging a more open dialogue about mortality. The narrative weaves together historical perspectives on death practices with the author's journey toward accepting the inevitability of death, ultimately advocating for a more honest and informed approach to the end of life.

  2. 2. Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? Big Questions From Tiny Mortals About Death

    Big Questions from Tiny Mortals About Death

    The book explores a variety of intriguing and often humorous questions about death, posed by curious children. Through a series of essays, the author, a mortician, provides thoughtful and informative answers that demystify death and the processes surrounding it. The book covers topics ranging from the practical aspects of decomposition to cultural practices and the science behind what happens to our bodies after we die. With a blend of wit and sensitivity, it aims to educate readers of all ages about the natural end of life, encouraging a more open and honest conversation about death.

  3. 3. Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? And Other Questions About Dead Bodies

    And Other Questions About Dead Bodies

    The book explores a variety of curious and often humorous questions about death and the human body, providing insightful and educational answers. Written by a mortician, it delves into topics such as decomposition, cultural practices surrounding death, and the science of what happens to bodies after we die. Through a blend of wit and expertise, the author demystifies the often-taboo subject of death, making it accessible and engaging for readers interested in understanding the inevitable aspects of mortality.

  4. 4. From Here To Eternity

    Traveling the World to Find the Good Death

    The book explores diverse cultural practices surrounding death and funerary rituals across the globe, as experienced by a mortician on a quest to understand how different societies honor the deceased. Through her travels, she encounters unique traditions, from eco-friendly cremation in North Carolina to vibrant, community-centered ceremonies in Indonesia. The narrative challenges Western perceptions of death, advocating for more open, meaningful engagements with mortality and encouraging readers to reconsider their own cultural attitudes towards death and dying.