4.5 rounded up. This is a great book if you're curious about the modern business of death in the west, and are skeptical of the way we do things. It can be gross at times, because the author does describe working with bodies and some of the things that result from that. As well, it can be frank about sad things that may trigger readers. As an example, the book discusses deaths of all kinds and of all ages and the differences in the industry that result from those details.

I recommend this book to someone who's seeking understanding about something they've already been pondering. Someone who isn't ready for this topic may find it jarring and offputting, rather than the gentle education it's meant to be. It left me with a lot to think about.