Six Feet Over
Adventures in the Afterlife

Mary Roach

Average Rating 8/10 (1 Review)

"What happens when we die? Does the light just go out and that's that - the million-year nap? Or will some part of my personality, my me-ness, persist? What will that feel like? What will I do all day? Is there a place to plug in my laptop?"

The bestselling author of "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers" now trains her considerable humour and curiosity on the human soul, seeking answers from a varied and fascinating crew of contemporary and historical soul-searchers: scientists, schemers, engineers, mediums, all trying to prove (or disprove) that life goes on after we die. Electromagnetic hauntings, out-of-body experiences, ghosts and lawsuits: Mary Roach sifts and weighs the evidence in her hilarious, inimitable style.

Review by Jessica (290608) Rating (8/10)

Review by Jessica
Rating 8/10
Is there life after death? That is the question. After reading this book I'm not too sure. Mary Roach endeavours to find out as she seeks answers from contemporary and historical soul-searchers as well as a multitude of others, including scientists and mediums.

Her first quest leads her to India to spend a week with Kirti S. Rawat, a director of the International Centre for Survival. It is there she learns of a child who has begun to talk about people from a previous life. Questions are asked as Mary tries to make sense of this case. Very interesting if you read more but I shall not give too much away. It is really an account you need to read for yourself.

Chapter 3 explores what happens when a mouse or leech dies on a weighing scale. It is appropriately titled "How to Weigh a Soul". And yes you did hear that correctly.

A story has it that a man was actually weighed on a scale as he lay dying. When he died it is claimed the man lost half an ounce at the moment of death.

But do you believe this? It's hard to think that our souls may actually weigh something so myself I am sceptical about it. It is not for me to say though; you really should read this chapter for yourself and make your own mind up. Fascinating stuff all the same and worth while taking a moment or two to look through.

Later on in this sharp-witted read, the author enrols in a school for mediums. There she encounters some very unique people as well as Glyn Edwards who is the school's head tutor. He says: "Mediumship is about proving that life after death is a fact".

Another well written, funny, witty and hugely enjoyable chapter.
I could go on to mention more but I think I shall leave it up to the individual to read the book for themselves as it really is a thing that I can't possibly cover in a review.

This is certainly a book that should appeal to those of you who have an interest in all things paranormal. Mary never fails to impress as she travels all over the world to discover the key to that much asked question "is there life after death?".

Read this for yourself and make up your own mind. A brilliant book.
Jessica (29th June 2008)