Field Notes from a Funeral Director - Does This Mean You'll See Me Naked?

This book is great! Real Stories from the funeral business and whats even more funny, now that I work in the funeral business is that its is spot-on..These things really happen in funeral homes all over the country,

Mr Webster seems a little too self important, constantly sing his own praises.The book is just not that compelling.
I recommend that you read 'Stiff, it's far more interesting and entertaining, I don't remember the author's name, but know you can find it here on the store.

A good read. There was some informed consumer information. However Because the writer is a funeral director You could tell he didn't want to offend his colleagues. A better read would be from someone who has left the profession and can be totally unbiased. I don't mean to say the writer isn't fair. But I felt he soft stepped around when he did criticize. Also I didn't like the older guy nearing the end sort of tone to the book. Could have been more upbeat in tone. But for anyone looking to go into the profession or anyone just curious about what goes on behind the "No Admittance" signs, this is a good book. The writer does a pretty good job of humanizing the job of mortician.
It's the most on hands people business in the world.

Normally when I've read books on the funeral industry I've a always had the feeling of being lied too or the author was just too fatalistic in his approach and views. The author who wrote this book did a wonderful job of combining honesty and integrity to the business and was frankly honest about those hasbins and wastes of space that work in the industry will take advantage of the grief stricken and will have no shame doing it. Godless is Godless regardless of how it's dressed up. I love the authors stories as well they were tasteful with not to much info and not to little when describing embalming and such. I hope the author writes more and I am so glad to see he genuinely cares about those of us who have lost someone dear to us.

Even if you've never been the slightest bit curious as to what happens in a funeral home this isn't a bad read at all. The writer is an experienced funeral director and has seen and heard stories of families gone wild at viewings, the strange things people will steal at a funeral home, the practical difficulties involved in preparing a body for viewing and the business end of burying the dead.

Robert Webster has written his book in a very engaging style. There are a few places where the text is uncomfortably graphic but since I have a relative in the business I can say without fear of contradiction that the odd stories he tells are along the same lines of ones I've heard before... only the names of the deceased has been changed to protect the innocent.

This is a great mix of funny and informative stories. About the business end as well as true stories. Sometimes very sad as well, but mostly fun facts about the industry and even information on what to expect and what to look out for when buying caskets and plots, and such. Enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting

There was a lot of good information about funeral practices and costs that would be useful if you have not yet had to make final arrangements for a loved one.

There were many stories: humorous, sad, horrifying, poignant, and inspiring. I would rate it higher if the author hadn't spent so much time extolling his own wonderfulness as a funeral director.

Very informative and fascinating book on the death care industry.Sometimes even very funny,however the conceit and tooting his own horn,as though he's the best in the business,just really became annoying.

Makes me lean even stronger towards the notion that cremation is the only way to go,as I have already instructed my kids.

Read my library's copy.

Possibly the GREATEST book I have ever read about funeral directing! Mr. Webster gives us some education on the profession, as well as stories from his own experiences. I found myself laughing at some of these stories, and learning a lot I never knew. Perfect book for anyone going into the field or just interested in death. It's an absolute must buy!

As a current funeral intern, I cannot say much about this book. While the bits of information are interesting, the book itself reads as an advertisement for his business. If I had a dollar for every time he claims to have saved the day or done "good work" for people, I would have paid off my mortuary school loans already. It gets tired. He seems to be very motivated and ethical, which is commendable. But the self-gratification is more salient than any other aspect of the book.

I really enjoyed this book, I found it very interesting to read about the "behind the scenes" of the business of being a funeral director. Mr. Webster is a natural storyteller, and it is clear that in his profession and life he has learned a LOT about human nature.

As a current funeral intern, I cannot say much about this book. While the bits of information are interesting, the book itself reads as an advertisement for his business. If I had a dollar for every time he claims to have saved the day or done "good work" for people, I would have paid off my mortuary school loans already. It gets tired. He seems to be very motivated and ethical, which is commendable. But the self-gratification is more salient than any other aspect of the book.

I really enjoyed this book, I found it very interesting to read about the "behind the scenes" of the business of being a funeral director. Mr. Webster is a natural storyteller, and it is clear that in his profession and life he has learned a LOT about human nature.

The author really did well with a sensitive subject. It was interesting that he provided details that other books have left out. Nothing too negative, but enough to allow you to understand the realness of his work. I liked reading about his techniques with lime and wax. I am sure that nothing prepares one for being in the preparation room, but it is interesting to read about. I will admit that he tooted his own horn a time or two, but if you do "good work" why not talk about it?! His moral standard and work ethic should be inspiring for anyone; especially those intersted in a career in funeral services.