Thankful Reads Day 1: Death's Acre by William M. Bass and Jon Jefferson

Title: Death's Acre
Author: William M. Bass and Jon Jefferson
Page Count: 320
Format Read: Paperback
Genre: Non-fiction
Keywords: Forensics, Body Farm, Forensic Anthropology
Kid Appropriate: Teens and older

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Dr. Bill Bass, one of the world's leading forensic anthropologists, gained international attention when he built a forensic lab like no other: The Body Farm. Now, this master scientist unlocks the gates of his lab to reveal his most intriguing cases-and to revisit the Lindbergh kidnapping and murder, fifty years after the fact.

Why I'm thankful:

When I was a little kid I had plenty of professions I considered going after: singer, paleontologist, historian, veterinarian, etc. And then I began to become curious about criminal justice and the science that fuels the modern field. So, at eleven years old I told my mom that I wanted to go to Barnes & Noble because I had a list of books I wanted to read. She was a bit surprised when that list had titles such as Death's Acre.

I was a bit nervous when I got the book and the cashier raised her eyebrows at me, a bit nervous when people said it was weird or morbid. But with my stubborn little kid heart I continued to read this book that contained images of decomposing bodies and described things such as insect activity and weather conditions. It was fascinating and a passion to right the wrongs of the world and give a voice to the voiceless was born.

Nine years after I convinced my mom to purchase this book for me I graduated with a certificate in Forensic Studies and a BA in Forensic Anthropology with high honors. I loved what I studied and continue to strive professionally for a career of helping those that might otherwise be forgotten. This is not my only forensic anthropology book. I have dozens spilling from my shelves. But, it is the one I hold most dear. The one that sparked my future.