Death is not generally a humorous theme, although in Final Exits, Michael Largo brings an element of wit to the subject seldom done before. This book capitalizes on people’s fascination with the unknown elements of death and makes it a more approachable topic.
Death Comes in All Sizes
Aside from introducing methods of death that are well-known in today’s society (ex. murder, capital punishment, accidents, drug overdoses and diseases), the reader also gets a well-researched history of death and some very unusual ways others have met their Maker. For instance, have you ever pondered the likelihood of amusement park deaths, organ snatchers, platform shoes, spontaneous combustion or sneezing? If so, this book is definitely for you!
The main portion of the book is written like an encyclopedia giving ample insight into deaths many faces. By alphabetizing all of the potential ways in which humans meet their demise, from abactio to zoofatalism, Largo makes “the great equalizer” a fun and highly readable topic. This style also makes for fast reading and easy reference. There is also an amusing section compiling some very original epitaphs.
Something for Everyone
Final Exits contains an equal amount of fascinating factoids and statistics, as well as humor. In fact, the book has something for everyone. This book can be enjoyed by history buffs, as there are plenty of pages devoted to such topics as wars, historical figures and Westward Expansion. Those with an interest in science will benefit from reading about deaths caused by electricity, outer space, and sinkholes. Readers who enjoy impressing their friends with fun trivia will appreciate the sections on bathroom related deaths, as well as laughter and ice cream induced fatalities. Other unusual topics include barbeques, holidays and deaths attributed to common household items.
Of course reading a book about death is not necessarily going to be pretty. In fact, the book is chock-full of grotesque photos and illustrations, giving the reader full access to many of the methods discussed. While the visuals are not extremely graphic, some of them may be inappropriate for a younger reader audience.
This book takes a universal fear and makes it a little less macabre and a little more thought provoking. It also makes the reader come away feeling smarter. As a matter of fact, according to the introduction, the simple act of reading this book increases ones lifespan by two years. The logic being that a majority of the causes of death covered in the book can be avoided simply by exercising a little common sense. Whether reading this book will actually lengthen your life is questionable though Largo’s approach makes it okay to be curious about death by providing factual information lightened up by a strong dose of humor.
Book Stats
Final Exits by Michael Largo.
Paperback, 496 pages.
Harper Collins, 2006.
ISBN 0060817410.
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