Night Owls -- January 9, 2023

To start out the new reading year, the Night Owls chose the humorous, yet educational nonfiction title Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? by Caitlin Doughty. The book is primarily comprised of Doughty, a mortician, answering several questions often posed to her by children during talks she has given all around the world. She claims that in her experience, children are much more direct and inquisitive when asking about death, and this book is a clear example of those imaginative inquiries. 

The biggest highlight of the book for all members was the author's humor when explaining her answers to such burning questions as:

·  Can we give Grandma a Viking funeral?

·  What would happen if you died on a plane? 

·  Can I be buried in the same grave as my hamster?

·  Will I poop when I die?

While Doughty uses levity to discuss what is often perceived as a difficult topic, members felt that she did so in a frank, but respectful manner. Without the humor, the book would have been a much more somber read and less engaging and entertaining for readers. For members who listened to the audiobook, they felt the author's narration only made the book that much more enjoyable and recommended it as the preferred format for experiencing the book. However, as Doughty is a trained mortician she does not shy away from using proper terminology or sugar-coat the less savory details of what happens to one's body after death. While never salacious or overly graphic, members felt that this would not be a recommendation to those they know to be squeamish over such topics. 

Overall, the book was greatly received by members and gave the book a highly favorable 4 out of 5 star rating.