What People Are Saying
"Fascinating…A must read for anyone who plans on dying." —Mary Roach, Author of Stiff
"An updated look at the American way of death, surveying such contemporary curiosities as Harley-Davidson-themed funerlas and diamonds made from loved ones' ashes." —Atlantic Monthly
"A fresh and funny look at what's new in funerals." —Kirkus Reviews
"This intriguing survey of America's rapidly mutating funeral customs probes the one force mightier than death: consumerism. Journalist Cullen explores the innumerable ways in which funerals are being personalized, publicized, economized, commerized, trivialized and, perhaps, humanized." —Publishers Weekly
"Remember Me is the Freakonomics for the funeral set." —Sarah Weinman, Blogger
"Subtly funny, impeccably researched, and utterly fascinating, Remember Me may well be the liveliest book about death ever written."—Cathi Hanauer, author of Sweet Ruin and My Sister’s Bones and editor of The Bitch in the House.
"It takes just the right touch to make a good story out of the 'after-death options' of the modern American, and Lisa Takeuchi Cullen has it. From the first environmentally correct burial ground to the curious spectacle of a New Orleans–style funeral in the Jersey 'burbs, her journey entertains and informs—and teaches us something about the journey that, ultimately, we'll all be taking some day."—Rob Walker, Author, Letters From New Orleans.
"Being young, healthy and afraid of death, I usually avoid reading books about the subject. No more. Lisa Takeuchi Cullen's Remember Me made me laugh out loud several times, which is weird-looking enough when you're reading, but really weird when you're reading about death. This is a smart, funny read that's really more about life than death. Otherwise, it would be much shorter."—Joel Stein, Columnist, The Los Angeles Times.
"Since Jessica Mitford's groundbreaking work was published in 1963, the "American way of death" has undergone extraordinary changes. Or has it? Surprisingly few, in fact, according Mitford in her 1998 follow-up. But journalist Cullen points out that while lawsuits and legislation may or may not change things, baby boomers certainly will. Right now, 2.4 million people die each year. By 2040, that figure will double -- a huge market driven by a group used to having things their own way, from food to fashion to religion to culture, and yes, even death. ."—Barnes & Noble Review, Discover Great New Writers.
"An engaging story-teller, Cullen examines the changing American funeral as baby boomers challenge tradition with cultural diversity and unrestrained imagination. This is no 'hankie-fest' but a rollicking read that maintains a deft sensitivity to the big 'if in life.' Thought-provoking material for that family discussion we all ought to have." —Lisa Carlson, author, Caring for the Dead: Your Final Act of Love.
"An oddly fascinating, sometimes touching, occasionally downright weird chronicle written with a light-hearted flair." —Bookfoolery and Babble Blog
"Cullen is a gifted storyteller, and she's at her best recreating the lives of loved ones lost, often via a detailed description of their memorial...She's written a highly readable account of an industry that's changing rapidly and profoundly, and that will at some point touch upon us all. Remember Me is a new look at what may be one of the least-examined parts of our lives." —Bess Lovejoy, KGBBarLit.
"...good, solid journalistic writing, enlivened by brief, witty analysis and personal/family asides." —Chicago Sun Times.
"God knows, in this day and age, when dead folks can buy customized "Precious Moments" caskets or have their ashes converted to keepsake "human diamonds," Cullen has plenty of offbeat material." —The Rake Blog
"Forget death, where is thy sting? Now the question is: Death, what do we do with the body? Quirky, sometimes weird answers can be found in Remember Me." —USA Today.
"Bouncy and often quite funny....Ultimately, this quick, lively study reveals a deep truth: that death and its rituals 'can make the living appreciate the here and now.'" —People Magazine
"Lisa Takeuchi Cullen looks at the 'new American way of death,' including the 'end-trepreneurs' who are finding innovative ways to profit on the end of others' lives." —Fortune Small Business
"Remember Me is an an amusing, funny, and at times quite heartfelt study of how Americans are choosing to design their ends. It certainly got me thinking a bit more about what I should do once I bite the dust." —Booklust Blog
"While the subject matter may sound morbid, it is anything but. Lisa Takeuchi Cullen (staff writer for the TIME magazine) has tackled this subject in a very entertaining and informative way giving you a whole new perspective on funerals." —LotusReads Blog