Embracing the Macabre: Why a Fascination with Death is Totally Normal

I have a confession to make - I can't stop reading books about death. I mean I have a packed 8th house which I’m sure has something to do with it. But here it goes. From Mary Roach's classic "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers" to Caitlin Doughty's darkly humorous memoirs, I'm endlessly fascinated by the mysteries and morbidities of mortality.

And you know what? I don't think I'm alone in this. In fact, I'd argue that a healthy curiosity about death is a completely normal and even beneficial part of the human experience. After all, it's the one thing that unites us all, regardless of our age, background, or life circumstances.

So why are we so afraid to talk about it? 

I think it's because our society has such a strong tendency to shy away from anything that feels too "morbid" or "macabre." We'd rather focus on the happy, shiny, Instagram-worthy aspects of life. But the truth is, death is just as much a part of the human experience as birth, love, and laughter.

And that's why I find books like "Stiff" to be so compelling. Mary Roach has a way of approaching the topic of death with a perfect balance of scientific rigor and dark humor. She doesn't shy away from the gritty details, but she also manages to find the humanity and wonder in even the most unsettling subjects.

To me, immersing myself in these kinds of books is a way to confront my own mortality head-on and find comfort in the knowledge that I'm not alone in my fascination. It's a reminder that death is a natural part of the cycle of life, and that there's beauty and meaning to be found even in the most seemingly morbid of subjects.

So if you, like me, find yourself drawn to the macabre and the mysterious when it comes to the topic of death, don't be afraid to embrace it. It's a perfectly normal and even healthy part of the human experience. And who knows - you might just learn something about yourself (and the world around you) in the process.