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Summary: "The Bone Lady"
Review: I found this book to be very interesting and an enjoyable, light read. As a real life CSI with an interest in skeletal remains, I am very much interested in forensic related books, both fiction and non-fiction. I had skipped the first chapter, which is an autobiography, wanting to get to the meat of the anthopology cases, but found myself developing an interest in the modest, likeable author. Halfway through the book, I went back and read the first chapter.
I was really taken with Manheim's easily read writing style, no heavy jargon to slow this book down while it still remained educational. I liked how she talked of her nervousness the first time she testified in a criminal trial, and when she had to deliver a presentation to a hostile group of Native Americans. Also, her referring to herself as having a "funny little face." It added a human side to the clinical aspect of Manhein's work. I have the impression that while Manhein takes her work very seriously, she doesn't take herself too seriously. The stories, an interesting mixture of forensics, anthropology, and history, were anything but bland. Some photographs and sketches are in the book. I found the book educational and learned a lot from it that I can apply to my work.
I must note that I believe that author Patricia Cornwell must have read this book at one time or another. Several paragraphs in "The Bone Lady" discuss "the loup-garou"; (the werewolf), the Louisiana ex-Governor Huey Long shooting, and a character with the last name of "Robilliard". Those readers familiar with the last few Cornwell books from the "Kay Scarpetta" series will be familiar with these.
A good read for anyone interested in forensics, human remains, and Lousiana history.
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Summary: The Title "The Bone Lady..." tells it all
Review: "The Bone Lady - (Life as a Forensic Anthropologist)" by Mary H. Manhein, ISBN 01402.9192X (pbk), Penguin Books 2000, is a 137 page curiously enticing story-telling recount of Manhein's personal encounter and infatuation with college anthropology which led her to become a working forensic bioanthropologist and Director of Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Services Laboratory (FACES), forensics instructor (LSU), and deputy coroner.A gifted story teller, she provides an articulate recital of her childhood, then marriage, and finally 'matriculating' at age 33; and she then delves into a dozen or so intriguing cases where she is asked to help provide identification of remains, often just bones and thus she acquires rank as 'The Bone Lady,' and later fellowhip distinction (FAAFS). The medley of cases provide some modicum about similariy of mammalian bones, grave sites, viewing windows in cast-iron coffins, insights into aging of bone, and differentiation of male vs. female remains. The book yields the "feeling" of field forensics by touching on the politics, stenches, miseries, hazards, grief, closure, and those too few triumphs unearthed by 'The Bone Lady." It is well written and easy to read and priced just right.
Rating: 
Summary: Bone Lady
Review: "The Bone Lady - (Life as a Forensic Anthropologist)" by Mary H. Manhein, ISBN 01402.9192X (pbk), Penguin Books 2000, is a 137 page curiously enticing story-telling recount of Manhein's personal encounter and infatuation with college anthropology which led her to become a working forensic bioanthropologist and Director of Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Services Laboratory (FACES), forensics instructor (LSU), and deputy coroner. A gifted story teller, she provides an articulate recital of her childhood, then marriage, and finally 'matriculating' at age 33; and she then delves into a dozen or so intriguing cases where she is asked to help provide identification of remains, often just bones and thus she acquires rank as 'The Bone Lady,' and later fellowhip distinction (FAAFS). The medley of cases provide some modicum about similariy of mammalian bones, grave sites, viewing windows in cast-iron coffins, insights into aging of bone, and differentiation of male vs. female remains. The book yields the "feeling" of field forensics by touching on the politics, stenches, miseries, hazards, grief, closure, and those too few triumphs unearthed by 'The Bone Lady." It is well written and easy to read and priced just right.
Rating: 
Summary: Everyone should read this book
Review: As an assistant to Mary Manhein I first heard several of these stories on many road trips and field retrievals that took us accross Louisiana. I remember hearing Manhein tell of her desire to write these stories so that the general public could enjoy them. Often I eagerly anticipated the long car trips because I knew she might remind us of her experiences in life and anthropology. I feel The Bone Lady represents Manhein's work and life in her own true form. Instead of glorifying the ever popular field of "forensics" Manhein highlights the absurdity, humor, and irony of real life and death. I feel that anyone who reads this book will find it secretly inspirational. My favorite chapters are A Witch's Tale, Beneath the Corn Crib, Among the Shadows, and For Those Who Wait.
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Summary: Bone Lady a good book for the general public
Review: Interest in Forensic science has exploded over the past few years. As a result so have books concerning the subject area. Many of the books are well and scholarly written. The Bone Lady reads well for the general public, but for thise truly interested in the field of forensic science there are a number of books that are much more informative with respect to science. For a forensic anthropology book, consider Bill Maples Dead Men Do Tell Tales. If however you are simply looking for a simple entertaining excursion into memoirs, the Bone Lady is for you.
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Summary: Bone Lady a good book for the general public
Review: It's well written but way too short. Manheim should have gotten more into either her personal feelings or (what I would have preferred) more into the science of what she does which I am sure is fascinating but she chose not to for some reason. Anyway, this book is a good way to pique interest in reading other books on the subject of forensic anthropology.
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Summary: A Great Lady
Review: Mary Manhein, a woman of obvious humble beginnings has not only reached the apex of her profession but has become a great author as well. "THE BONE LADY" takes you into the fascinating world of Forensic Anthropology in a way that is understandable to the the lay person. I look foreward to her next rendering, no matter what form it may take. JAMES H. GARREN, GOOSE CREEK,S.C.
Rating:
Summary: A great book
Review: Several years ago, I had the great opportunity to have Mary Manhein as a teacher in a Beginning Anthropology class at Louisiana State University. I have a great time and she had a great impact on me. I did make the mistake at the time of not going into anthropology at the time but right now I am trying to rectify that boo-boo. This is a great book and I highly recommend it.
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Summary: The Bone Lady ROCKS!
Review: The Bone Lady: Life as a Forensic Anthropologist is a great read and anyone interested in forensic anthropology should pick this book up. It's not a technical laden book of words that are only known to this field. It's written in a format that can be easily read and understood. Inasmuch as I enjoyed her writing, I wish she had written more books. I was hoping to read more about her cases and if there were any updates. Even possibly getting more into detail of the forensic process.
Rating:
Summary: Reads like a story
Review: This book read very easily, just like someone was telling you a series of short stories. It was my first book on this subject, and although it was easy to read, I must say I didn't actually learn much. I now have a clear definition of what forensic anthropology is, but that's about all. It's a good book, just not very deep.
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