Over My Dead Body

Unearthing the Hidden History of American Cemeteries

By: Greg Melville

Narrated by: Will Tulin

A lively tour through the history of US cemeteries that explores how, where, and why we bury our dead

The summer before his senior year in college, Greg Melville worked at the cemetery in his hometown, and thanks to hour upon hour of pushing a mower over the grassy acres, he came to realize what a rich story the place told of his town and its history. Thus was born Melville’s lifelong curiosity with how, where, and why we bury and commemorate our dead.

Melville’s Over My Dead Body is a lively (pun intended) and wide-ranging history of cemeteries, places that have mirrored the passing eras in history but have also shaped it. Cemeteries have given birth to landscape architecture and famous parks, as well as influenced architectural styles. They’ve inspired and motivated some of our greatest poets and authors—Emerson, Whitman, Dickinson. They’ve been used as political tools to shift the country’s discourse and as important symbols of the United States' ambition and reach.

But they are changing and fading. Embalming and burial is incredibly toxic, and while cremations have just recently surpassed burials in popularity, they’re not great for the environment either. Over My Dead Body explores everything—history, sustainability, land use, and more—and what it really means to memorialize.

Locales visited in Over My Dead Body

Shawsheen Cemetery–Bedford, Massachusetts

The 1607 Burial Ground–Historic Jamestowne, Virginia

Burial Hill–Plymouth, Massachusetts

Colonial Jewish Burial Ground–Newport, Rhode Island

Monticello’s African American Graveyard–Charlottesville, Virginia

Mount Auburn Cemetery–Cambridge, Massachusetts

Green-Wood Cemetery–Brooklyn, New York

Laurel Grove Cemetery–Savannah, Georgia

Sleepy Hollow Cemetery–Concord, Massachusetts

Central Park–New York, New York

Gettysburg National Cemetery–Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Arlington National Cemetery–Arlington, Virginia

Woodlawn Cemetery–Bronx, New York

Boothill Graveyard–Tombhill, Arizona

Forest Lawn Memorial-Park–Glenwood, California

The Chapel of the Chimes–Oakland, California

Hollywood Forever Cemetery–Los Angeles, California

Nature's Sanctuary–Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

©2022 Greg Melville (P)2022 Spotify Audiobooks

Death and the End

I had done some research into the world of cemeteries before picking up this book. A handful of the information wasn't new, but a good portion of it was. The information in this book is present in a very funny and very human way, which i appropriated. If you are looking to gain more information on the history of cemeteries I highly recommend picking this one up. It will make you think about how you want to leave this world when your time comes.

excellent read!

I loved each featured cemetery as a driving force behind each chapter and i thought the entire thing flowed well and had such interesting stories.
My only complaint is in Chapter 12, where there was some poor editing and the reader repeats one section like six times. Otherwise, I thought the production was great.

Great History, but made it political

Great History, but made it political at times.
More editing needs done, especially Chapter 12

thought provoking

Interesting and thought provoking as long as you are comfortable with the subject. Not gruesome but realistic presentation.

Death should be something we talk about

I enjoyed this book. The visiting of cemeteries is a small part of our travels, but we don’t usually know the history of them. The use of focusing on an individual cemetery to travel us through time was engaging. I learned a lot and think we should talk about our death and where we want to be to make it easier on the loved ones we leave behind.

A fascinating book

This book truly unearths facts about cemeteries and burial practices that I have never read or heard. The book kept my attention. A must read.

Best book I've listened to for a long time...

What an uplifting and fascinating journey through many of our country's final resting places. I am thinking about cemeteries in an entirely new light now, and definitely give a second glance and a smile whenever I pass one. This book was also beautifully read by the narrator. He was so personable and inviting. 5 stars all around! --Erica Snipes (wife to the account holder listed)

Excellent read on a seldom discussed topic

The author’s take on a subject that is seldom, if ever discussed is very thought provoking. His narrative is filled with interesting back stories, facts and insights presented in very entertaining fashion. The presentation keeps the book moving at a fast, entertaining pace that will create a memorable experience for all listeners. A must listen!

great read

Loved learning the history! Recommend to all who want to learn more about out great Nation. pick this book up

The author's ability to cater to a wide audience- especially since this is a topic many would rather avoid.

This is an eganging book that makes an overwhelming topic easier for American audiences to digest! I enjoyed the author's bits of humor throughout each chapter.