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Smoke Gets in Your Eyes summary
Brief summary
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty is a thought-provoking memoir that takes readers inside the world of a crematory worker. Doughty shares her experiences and explores society's relationship with death.
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Table of Contents
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
Summary of key ideas
The Start of a Curious Journey
In Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty, we are introduced to the author's first job at a crematory in Oakland, California. Fresh out of college, Doughty's fascination with death and the afterlife leads her to take on this unconventional role, where she is confronted with the reality of death on a daily basis. She describes her initial experiences with the dead, the cremation process, and the emotional toll it takes on her.
As she continues her work at the crematory, Doughty becomes increasingly critical of the Western approach to death. She reflects on how society's fear of mortality has led to a culture of denial and detachment from the dying process. She also questions the ethics of the funeral industry, highlighting the commercialization of death and the pressure to present a flawless, embalmed body at funerals.
Unearthing Historical and Cultural Perspectives
Delving deeper into her exploration of death, Doughty embarks on a journey across the globe to study different cultural attitudes and rituals surrounding mortality. In Indonesia, she witnesses the Toraja people's elaborate funeral practices, where the dead are kept in homes and involved in family life until their bodies are ready for a grand, weeks-long funeral ceremony. She contrasts this with the sterile and impersonal nature of Western funerals, further underscoring her critique of modern death practices.
Continuing her travels, Doughty visits the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris and the Killing Fields of Cambodia, among other sites, to gain a broader understanding of human engagement with death. She also delves into the history of embalming and the rise of the funeral industry in the United States, shedding light on the origins of our current death customs and the industry's profit-driven motives.
Championing a Return to Natural Death
In the latter part of Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, Doughty advocates for a return to natural, more personal death practices. She co-founds The Order of the Good Death, an organization focused on changing the way society approaches death. The group aims to educate people about their end-of-life options, promote eco-friendly burial practices, and encourage open conversations about mortality.
Additionally, Doughty becomes a licensed mortician and establishes her own funeral home, where she offers alternative funeral services that align with her philosophy. She introduces the concept of a "death midwife," someone who assists in caring for the dead and guiding families through the grieving process, emphasizing a more hands-on and emotionally connected approach to death.
A Personal and Profound Exploration of Death
In conclusion, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes is a thought-provoking, personal exploration of death and the funeral industry. Doughty's experiences at the crematory, combined with her global travels and historical research, lead her to question and challenge societal norms surrounding death. Her ultimate goal is to promote a more natural, honest, and compassionate approach to dying and grieving. The book serves as an invitation for readers to confront their own mortality and consider the ways in which we, as a society, handle the end of life.
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What is Smoke Gets in Your Eyes about?
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty is a thought-provoking memoir that takes a closer look at the funeral industry and our cultural attitudes towards death. With a blend of humor, honesty, and insight, Doughty shares her experiences working in a crematory and explores the ways in which we can change our relationship with death for the better.
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes Review
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (2014) delves into the world of death and challenges our society's perception of mortality. Here’s why this book is a must-read:
- Unveiling the hidden truths of the funeral industry, it offers a raw and honest account, shedding light on the taboo topic of death.
- Through personal experiences and philosophical reflections, it explores the cultural norms surrounding death, inviting readers to contemplate their own mortality.
- The author's humor and wit bring levity to a heavy subject, ensuring the book is not only informative but also engaging and thought-provoking.
Who should read Smoke Gets in Your Eyes?
Readers who are curious about death and dying
Those interested in exploring different cultural attitudes towards mortality
Individuals who work in or are considering a career in the funeral or mortuary industry
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Smoke Gets in Your Eyes FAQs
What is the main message of Smoke Gets in Your Eyes?
The main message of Smoke Gets in Your Eyes explores the taboo topic of death and challenges societal perceptions around mortality.
How long does it take to read Smoke Gets in Your Eyes?
Reading time for Smoke Gets in Your Eyes varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.
Is Smoke Gets in Your Eyes a good book? Is it worth reading?
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes is a thought-provoking read that offers a unique perspective on death, making it a worthwhile and eye-opening experience.
Who is the author of Smoke Gets in Your Eyes?
Caitlin Doughty is the author of Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.
What to read after Smoke Gets in Your Eyes?
If you're wondering what to read next after Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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