Last Rites explores the touchy topic of American funerary practices and how they evolved through time. Working through trickled down historical influences like Ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire, Hara highlights thousands of years of history that led up the current trends in funerals and ceremonies and expands on the future of where they could go from here. The research that went into this book is incredible and it was an informative, though dense and slightly jumbled, read. A definite for anyone with a curiosity in death practices.

Last Rites, written by author and undertaker, Todd Harra, is about the American funeral industry's history, rituals, and how the practice has evolved over time. It is an incredibly interesting read, especially for those who are not at all familiar with what goes on behind the scenes of the funeral industry. I am always interested in learning more about death practices and this book provided an interesting look into the people who work in this industry. As a lover of Caitlin Doughty and Mary Roach's Stiff, this book fit my interests perfectly. Pick up this book to learn information and facts you will absolutely bring up whenever someone discusses death or funerals. (Trust me, I have already found ways to bring it into conversation.)

This was an intriguing book, a close portrait about a subject that most people don't and don't want to think about.