What do you think?
Rate this book
Mobituaries: Great Lives Worth Reliving
From popular TV correspondent and writer Mo Rocca, a charmingly irreverent and rigorously researched book that celebrates the dead people who made life worth living.
Mo Rocca has always loved obituaries—reading about the remarkable lives of world leaders, captains of industry, innovators and artists. But not every notable life has gotten the send-off it deserves. With Mobituaries—the book companion to the CBS podcast of the same name—the journalist, humorist, and history buff is righting that wrong, profiling the people who have long fascinated him—from the 20th century’s greatest entertainer...to sitcom characters gone all too soon…to a shamefully forgotten Founding Father. Even if you know the names, you’ve never understood why they matter…until now.
In these pages, Rocca chronicles the stories of the people who made a difference, but whose lives—for some reason or another—were never truly examined. There’s Thomas Paine, whose Common Sense lit the fuse for the American Revolution—and whose paltry obit summed up his life thusly: “He had lived long, did some good, and much harm.” And then there’s screen icon Audrey Hepburn. She remains a household name, but how much do we know about her wartime upbringing and how it shaped the woman we fell in love with? And what about Billy Carter and history’s unruly presidential brothers? Were they ne’er-do-well liabilities…or secret weapons?
As a correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning and the host of The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation, Rocca is an expert researcher and storyteller. He draws on these skills here. With his rigorous reporting and trademark wit, Rocca brings these men and women splendidly back to life like no one else can. Mobituaries is an insightful and unconventional account of the people who made life worth living for the rest of us, one that asks us to think about who gets remembered, and why.
Mo Rocca has always loved obituaries—reading about the remarkable lives of world leaders, captains of industry, innovators and artists. But not every notable life has gotten the send-off it deserves. With Mobituaries—the book companion to the CBS podcast of the same name—the journalist, humorist, and history buff is righting that wrong, profiling the people who have long fascinated him—from the 20th century’s greatest entertainer...to sitcom characters gone all too soon…to a shamefully forgotten Founding Father. Even if you know the names, you’ve never understood why they matter…until now.
In these pages, Rocca chronicles the stories of the people who made a difference, but whose lives—for some reason or another—were never truly examined. There’s Thomas Paine, whose Common Sense lit the fuse for the American Revolution—and whose paltry obit summed up his life thusly: “He had lived long, did some good, and much harm.” And then there’s screen icon Audrey Hepburn. She remains a household name, but how much do we know about her wartime upbringing and how it shaped the woman we fell in love with? And what about Billy Carter and history’s unruly presidential brothers? Were they ne’er-do-well liabilities…or secret weapons?
As a correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning and the host of The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation, Rocca is an expert researcher and storyteller. He draws on these skills here. With his rigorous reporting and trademark wit, Rocca brings these men and women splendidly back to life like no one else can. Mobituaries is an insightful and unconventional account of the people who made life worth living for the rest of us, one that asks us to think about who gets remembered, and why.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2019
About the author
Mo Rocca
8 books112 followersMaurice Alberto "Mo" Rocca is an American humorist, journalist, and actor.
He is a correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning, the host and creator of My Grandmother's Ravioli on the Cooking Channel, and also the host of The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation on CBS. He is the moderator of the National Geographic Society's National Geographic Bee, and host of the CBS News podcast Mobituaries with Mo Rocca.
He is a correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning, the host and creator of My Grandmother's Ravioli on the Cooking Channel, and also the host of The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation on CBS. He is the moderator of the National Geographic Society's National Geographic Bee, and host of the CBS News podcast Mobituaries with Mo Rocca.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,146 reviews
January 9, 2020
I've been a fan of Mo Rocca's since his days on The Daily Show. If you haven't listened to the podcast this book is based on, you should. The book covers most of the topics from the podcast in addition to several new ones. The basis of the book and podcast is to bring unheralded and forgotten people, fads, and events from history that have been forgotten over the years to light. Mo has a wry wit that comes through even more so in the audiobook.
October 3, 2019
This is a great book for fans of the Mobituaries podcast. Mo Rocca presents more fascinating anecdotes of the deceased who led interesting lives that mattered. The conversational style of writing is light , witty and informative. These short biographies are delivered as only Mo Rocca can, chock full of complexity and nuance, simplicity and brilliance.
October 30, 2019
I am so pleased that a few of my favorite podcasters are writing books. Last week I read Mike “Dirty Jobs” Rowe’s “The Way I Heard It” and this week, Mo Rocca’s “Mobituaries- Great Lives Worth Reliving”. Thoughtful, witty, and heartfelt storytelling about fascinating subjects. He is a true professional, down to earth and has done his homework in research and interviewing. The more I learn about Mo and his extensive resume, the more I’m a fan. Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 24, 2020
The best adjective to describe Mo Rocca is "curious." From a very early age, his seemingly insatiable curiosity has led him to seek out facts, particularly in areas in which he is passionate about -- subjects as diverse as they are intriguing. This may have started earlier, but his love of the 1974 World Book Encyclopedia and continued fascination with its depth of interest led to his having it today line the walls of his bedroom.
Mobituaries the podcast led to this eponymous book in which Rocca provides sendoffs for people (and things and even places) that didn't get their just due when they passed on. He provides a brief history of why the person (place or thing) was important and worthy of remembrance. There is so much to love in this book. As a contributor to CBS Sunday Morning, he talked about his podcast and book, which covers material not on the podcast, and aired the fascinating segment on Herbert Hoover. One of his loves is visiting Presidents' homes and libraries, even the disgraced "bad" ones. (Will he ever visit Trump Tower?) I experienced his passion for musical comedy once at a reunion of the cast and creators (Stephen Sondheim!) of Into the Woods. What makes these essays so much fun to read is hearing in my head his distinctive voice, since there is so much humor and warmth throughout. Very very highly recommended.
Mobituaries the podcast led to this eponymous book in which Rocca provides sendoffs for people (and things and even places) that didn't get their just due when they passed on. He provides a brief history of why the person (place or thing) was important and worthy of remembrance. There is so much to love in this book. As a contributor to CBS Sunday Morning, he talked about his podcast and book, which covers material not on the podcast, and aired the fascinating segment on Herbert Hoover. One of his loves is visiting Presidents' homes and libraries, even the disgraced "bad" ones. (Will he ever visit Trump Tower?) I experienced his passion for musical comedy once at a reunion of the cast and creators (Stephen Sondheim!) of Into the Woods. What makes these essays so much fun to read is hearing in my head his distinctive voice, since there is so much humor and warmth throughout. Very very highly recommended.
November 5, 2019
This is probably best as a book you put out for the “occasional” read, so that the reader can peruse it for the people or things they find the most interesting. Each short chapter reads more like the research information and/or script that would accompany the podcast of Mobituaries, and as such is best read in short spurts. I believe the book would also be preferable as an audiobook one might choose to listen to as they do their daily exercises for example.
As someone who has enjoyed various reports from Mo Rocca, particularly on CBS Sunday Morning, I could often hear his voice giving the information, particularly when he would interject some of his clever, dry humor. Those were, perhaps, the best passages for me, with one exception. As an Auburn University alumna, I enjoyed reading his information that gave the history of Auburn’s famous tradition of papering Toomer’s corners and the story of how the trees were poisoned by a somewhat overzealous (to put it politely) Alabama fan.
It was also interesting to me to learn the history of the two schools, which went a long way toward explaining the great divide. Not being a native of the state, I never quite understood the depth of passion that I often found existed between the two sets of supporters. The MOBITUARIES’ chapter gave me an insight I didn’t have before, and also is the best example for why I think this book is best for those who want to look in depth at a particular subject or individual. I could easily see this book in a doctor’s waiting room, on a coffee table, or in the basket of “while you’re here” reading people sometimes put in their bathroom.
My thanks to Simon and Schuster Publishing and NetGalley for providing me an Advanced Digital Read copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
As someone who has enjoyed various reports from Mo Rocca, particularly on CBS Sunday Morning, I could often hear his voice giving the information, particularly when he would interject some of his clever, dry humor. Those were, perhaps, the best passages for me, with one exception. As an Auburn University alumna, I enjoyed reading his information that gave the history of Auburn’s famous tradition of papering Toomer’s corners and the story of how the trees were poisoned by a somewhat overzealous (to put it politely) Alabama fan.
It was also interesting to me to learn the history of the two schools, which went a long way toward explaining the great divide. Not being a native of the state, I never quite understood the depth of passion that I often found existed between the two sets of supporters. The MOBITUARIES’ chapter gave me an insight I didn’t have before, and also is the best example for why I think this book is best for those who want to look in depth at a particular subject or individual. I could easily see this book in a doctor’s waiting room, on a coffee table, or in the basket of “while you’re here” reading people sometimes put in their bathroom.
My thanks to Simon and Schuster Publishing and NetGalley for providing me an Advanced Digital Read copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
November 26, 2019
I really enjoyed reading strange bits of history which are unknown to me. This book is based on podcasts which I am unfamiliar with but I believe most people will enjoy it!
September 24, 2019
I love this guy, so obviously I have enjoyed his contributions to CBS over time. This book is witty, profound and educational in turns.
I wish I could include some of the brilliant quotes from this book, but I have been privileged to get a copy from Net Galley prior to publication date. I don't think it's allowed.
The research by Rocca was extensive and the title tells it all as it is packed with information about the lives of very interesting people throughout the ages.
Don't miss this book if you love Mo Rocca.
Net Galley Advanced Reader Copy
I wish I could include some of the brilliant quotes from this book, but I have been privileged to get a copy from Net Galley prior to publication date. I don't think it's allowed.
The research by Rocca was extensive and the title tells it all as it is packed with information about the lives of very interesting people throughout the ages.
Don't miss this book if you love Mo Rocca.
Net Galley Advanced Reader Copy
March 6, 2020
This would be a great book for trivia buffs. . . .a lot of random facts/personal observations, which the author, by including the subjects of these "mobituaries" in this very long list (the book) are declared "dead" (underappreciated, abandoned, abruptly ceased, circumstantially eclipsed, no longer relevant) to mainstream culture. The mobits are tinged with nostalgia, a sprinkle of wistfulness, genuine regret and some shaded chiding. There is cleverness present in this book, but it does go on . . . .
It was a good "tweener" book for me. I'd done some heavy books and needed a book like this between heavy topics. It was just right for that purpose. I listened to this one. If reading was involved I'm not sure I would have completed it. This is the kind of book that to me promotes "casual reading" - something that you can pick up and put down at any point, with completion truly being optional.
That's 2.5 stars, rounded up.
It was a good "tweener" book for me. I'd done some heavy books and needed a book like this between heavy topics. It was just right for that purpose. I listened to this one. If reading was involved I'm not sure I would have completed it. This is the kind of book that to me promotes "casual reading" - something that you can pick up and put down at any point, with completion truly being optional.
That's 2.5 stars, rounded up.
February 22, 2020
I don’t understand all the positive reviews—this was an absolute chore and I love history.
More like random lists of facts than a cohesive whole. Maybe I would have liked it better if I’d read little bits over the course of a month ... still doubtful.
Borderline 1 star, we’ll see how I feel after my book club discusses it tomorrow.
More like random lists of facts than a cohesive whole. Maybe I would have liked it better if I’d read little bits over the course of a month ... still doubtful.
Borderline 1 star, we’ll see how I feel after my book club discusses it tomorrow.
January 1, 2020
I thought it would be fitting to have my final book of 2019 be one about odd and witty obituaries. The end of the year is filled with lists including those who have died that year. We'll remember those people but what about the people we have forgotten or obscure details about a person which we never knew about. That's Mobituaries. I’ve enjoyed Mo Rocca’s humor for many years and find his appearances on CBS Sunday Morning very amusing and insightful. His Mobituaries segment is always a treat which led me to his Podcast. His book Mobituaries is simply more of a good thing. Lots of interesting bits of information, some trivial, some simply lost to history, presented with Rocca’s shrewd wit. If you’re a fan of history or Hollywood, these “Mobits” will be especially interesting. I fully expect there to be more editions from Mo. Very entertaining.
July 9, 2020
2.5 stars - It was alright, an average book.
There were a few stories that were really interesting and had me reading selections out loud to others. But mostly, it was dry and a tad bit boring. I was disappointed by how many of the mobits were about things instead of people.
There were a few stories that were really interesting and had me reading selections out loud to others. But mostly, it was dry and a tad bit boring. I was disappointed by how many of the mobits were about things instead of people.
January 14, 2020
I listened to the audio book, which I believe enhanced the experience. I always enjoy hearing Mo Rocca on CBS Sunday Morning and these mobituaries were entertaining, interesting and sometimes poignant. Although Rocca presents a myriad of interesting characters, I especially enjoyed his sections on Audrey Hepburn, Sammy Davis and his tribute to his father. I'm very glad a friend recommended this book.
December 1, 2019
Might work as a podcast, but not as a book. His attempt at wit is dead on the page. Pretty boring.
He hits a real low point in his long-winded, over the top attack on Thomas Paine that comes across as very defensive. (Rocca is a devout Catholic).
Don't waste your money.
He hits a real low point in his long-winded, over the top attack on Thomas Paine that comes across as very defensive. (Rocca is a devout Catholic).
Don't waste your money.
January 8, 2020
This was an excellent and informative read mixed with Mo Rocca's humor. Like other readers mentioned, I could hear his voice while reading. I always enjoyed Mo Rocca's pieces on CBS Sunday Morning Show and after reading this book, my admiration for him has even grown more than it was before.
From the book one can tell that Mo has always been a curious person and add that to intelligent mixed with humor, it makes for a good read. My favorite parts of the book were the story of Chang and Eng the Siamese twins, Thomas Paine who died with only 6 people coming to his funeral and that included his housekeeper and her two children, Fanny Brice, Audrey Hepburn, Beau Brummel and Mo's tribute to his trumpet playing dad. I enjoyed the small trivia facts too as 1. Who was the shortest president at 5ft 4in. 2 What president had the largest shoe size at 14 1/2. I just realized that in my favorite part, I should add about the reputation of Herbert Hoover who had an excellent reputation as a humanitarian. He was elected president, the depression hit and his prior credentials were mainly forgotten.
If you like to learn new and interesting things about people or times that went before us, you should enjoy this book. If you enjoy Mo Rocca's pieces on CBS Sunday Morning you will really like this book. I did.
From the book one can tell that Mo has always been a curious person and add that to intelligent mixed with humor, it makes for a good read. My favorite parts of the book were the story of Chang and Eng the Siamese twins, Thomas Paine who died with only 6 people coming to his funeral and that included his housekeeper and her two children, Fanny Brice, Audrey Hepburn, Beau Brummel and Mo's tribute to his trumpet playing dad. I enjoyed the small trivia facts too as 1. Who was the shortest president at 5ft 4in. 2 What president had the largest shoe size at 14 1/2. I just realized that in my favorite part, I should add about the reputation of Herbert Hoover who had an excellent reputation as a humanitarian. He was elected president, the depression hit and his prior credentials were mainly forgotten.
If you like to learn new and interesting things about people or times that went before us, you should enjoy this book. If you enjoy Mo Rocca's pieces on CBS Sunday Morning you will really like this book. I did.
December 5, 2019
Didn't know who the author was when I got the book. I’m a history buff who listens to lots of audiobooks, so I’m the target audience for this book.
Come to find out... I’m NOT. People who don’t know history are the target audience.
I thought the writing/stories were mediocre ...too dry and textbooky (better to just read a Wiki page). The author needs to punch up his writing to make it more interesting (I suggest he read anything by Robert Caro).
For those interested in 20 - 30 minute short history “lessons”, instead of or in addition to, this book, I highly suggest listening to the podcast Stuff You Missed in History Class...which is excellent (except the first 1 or 2 years).
November 21, 2019
Mo Rocca writes obituaries for people who have been ignored or missed as well as for things and places and events that have come and gone but need to be recognized. These mobituaries are quirky, of course, and fun, and oddly informative. A great way to spend a few days with a book.
January 14, 2020
Thank goodness this is not the kind of book one needs to read cover to cover. It is the size of a coffee table book, it is very heavy and hard to handle.
It is not exclusively about people. There are sections dealing with places, science, sports teams and many other subjects. You may choose the sections that interest you and forego the ones that don’t.
There are titbits of interesting trivia that may be of interest for the moment and forgotten the next day.
It was disappointing not to have any pictures.
There came a point at which I thought maybe I should just have listened to the podcasts.
However, for anyone hoping to become a contestant on the Jeopardy game show this is definitely the book for you. You will be well served to read it cover to cover.
It is not exclusively about people. There are sections dealing with places, science, sports teams and many other subjects. You may choose the sections that interest you and forego the ones that don’t.
There are titbits of interesting trivia that may be of interest for the moment and forgotten the next day.
It was disappointing not to have any pictures.
There came a point at which I thought maybe I should just have listened to the podcasts.
However, for anyone hoping to become a contestant on the Jeopardy game show this is definitely the book for you. You will be well served to read it cover to cover.
October 14, 2019
If you've ever happened across an obituary that was out of the ordinary, you'll enjoy Mo Rocca's new book, Mobituaries. Rocca, a commentator on CBS Sunday morning, has compiled a collection of humorous, witty, warm and ironic obituaries that give readers insights into some of our late celebrities, political leaders and more. An enjoyable and recommended read.
September 11, 2019
If Trivial Pursuit, a game invented for people who never got picked in gym, ever comes back in style, I want Mo Rocca on my team. He knows more trivia, is able to rattle off more facts, and has never met ephemora that he didn't love.
I became addicted to his podcasts, Mobituaries, last year. Each episode was a gem of lost history drawn out to a full show, filled with fun facts and lesser known minutiae about things that have gone before. Two of the most popular were the history of Chang and Eng Bunker, the celebrated Siamese twins who ended up as attractions in popular "Freak" shows, and a beautiful piece on ethereal beauty and 1960s icon, Audrey Hepburn. Beyond her beauty, however, is a pure soul and a tragic story lived in Nazi occupied Europe that shaped her character for the rest of her life.
While I am most interested in the show business trivia he shares (I was thrilled that he addressed what we call in my house characters who, "Went to the attic", i.e. characters who perhaps are not popular with the audience and are sent into oblivion or characters like Chuck Cunningham, the older brother of Richie (Happy Days) Cunningham, who was faded away when the Fonz became the break-out star of the show and the surrogate brother to Richie and Joanie.
I did read this book in a Kindle Advanced Reader's Copy from Eidelweiss/Above the Treeline. It's a great way for a librarian to get a jump on upcoming titles but sometimes does the book a disservice because the text lacks formatting, chapter divisions, and has weirdly variant type fonts. I think it might be easier to read and enjoy the book when it comes out in its finished form. I will happily volunteer to read it again because it's, well, fun.
This is the kind of book that your spouse will not have to read because they've heard most of it read out loud, prefaced by the words, "Hey, listen to this. Did you know....."
You may actually learn some facts about the Founding Father (especially the fact that no one liked Thomas Paine who was a little too revolutionary even for American rebels). Mostly, prepare for hours of learning gems of information and hearing how the author lived in his 70's and on coming of age. He touches on his own experiences as a gay kid growing up in a time when AIDS was the "gay plague" championed only by movie star, Elizabeth Taylor.
I did question one entry in which Mr. Rocca was mentioning famous people with unknown achievements, like actress Hedy Lamarr, a German Jewish actress who held scientific patents that were the beginnings of Wi-Fi. He includes Paul Winchell, who invented an artificial heart among other medical device patents, between doing voiceovers for the Smurfs and Winnie the Pooh. However, to me, an aging Baby Boomer, it is impossible not to discuss Winchell without mentioning his very popular children's TV show in the fifties featuring his ventriloquism with sassy dummy, Jerry Mahoney.
Ah, well, tomato tomahto. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, can't wait for season two of the podcast, and an delighted to find a kindred trivia-loving soul in the author. Highly recommended.
I became addicted to his podcasts, Mobituaries, last year. Each episode was a gem of lost history drawn out to a full show, filled with fun facts and lesser known minutiae about things that have gone before. Two of the most popular were the history of Chang and Eng Bunker, the celebrated Siamese twins who ended up as attractions in popular "Freak" shows, and a beautiful piece on ethereal beauty and 1960s icon, Audrey Hepburn. Beyond her beauty, however, is a pure soul and a tragic story lived in Nazi occupied Europe that shaped her character for the rest of her life.
While I am most interested in the show business trivia he shares (I was thrilled that he addressed what we call in my house characters who, "Went to the attic", i.e. characters who perhaps are not popular with the audience and are sent into oblivion or characters like Chuck Cunningham, the older brother of Richie (Happy Days) Cunningham, who was faded away when the Fonz became the break-out star of the show and the surrogate brother to Richie and Joanie.
I did read this book in a Kindle Advanced Reader's Copy from Eidelweiss/Above the Treeline. It's a great way for a librarian to get a jump on upcoming titles but sometimes does the book a disservice because the text lacks formatting, chapter divisions, and has weirdly variant type fonts. I think it might be easier to read and enjoy the book when it comes out in its finished form. I will happily volunteer to read it again because it's, well, fun.
This is the kind of book that your spouse will not have to read because they've heard most of it read out loud, prefaced by the words, "Hey, listen to this. Did you know....."
You may actually learn some facts about the Founding Father (especially the fact that no one liked Thomas Paine who was a little too revolutionary even for American rebels). Mostly, prepare for hours of learning gems of information and hearing how the author lived in his 70's and on coming of age. He touches on his own experiences as a gay kid growing up in a time when AIDS was the "gay plague" championed only by movie star, Elizabeth Taylor.
I did question one entry in which Mr. Rocca was mentioning famous people with unknown achievements, like actress Hedy Lamarr, a German Jewish actress who held scientific patents that were the beginnings of Wi-Fi. He includes Paul Winchell, who invented an artificial heart among other medical device patents, between doing voiceovers for the Smurfs and Winnie the Pooh. However, to me, an aging Baby Boomer, it is impossible not to discuss Winchell without mentioning his very popular children's TV show in the fifties featuring his ventriloquism with sassy dummy, Jerry Mahoney.
Ah, well, tomato tomahto. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, can't wait for season two of the podcast, and an delighted to find a kindred trivia-loving soul in the author. Highly recommended.
April 21, 2020
10% in: Learning about Northern segregation as well as the Great Male Renunciation. Also finding out the differences between Thomas Paine and T-Pain.
20% in: Joyce Kilmer was a man?!
Overall: Quirky, wide-ranging, informative, entertaining
20% in: Joyce Kilmer was a man?!
Overall: Quirky, wide-ranging, informative, entertaining
December 21, 2019
I've liked Mo Rocca since I watched him on the Daily Show. I enjoy his humor as I listen to him regularly on Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me. Listening to this book, however, I realize that we also share a love of trivia (and I might add, similar types of trivia) and this leads to a similar sense of humor.
I think Mo Rocca would be a great teacher, which I think is one of the greatest compliments I can offer to someone. I haven't been a pod-cast listener, but I've downloaded the app so I can start listening to his podcast, Mobituaries. This may be life-changing as I see many interesting things I can listen to using the podcast app, all of the things I can learn.
While my interest is piqued, I might just stick with books, because I love books. I'm sure Mo Rocca will write another one and I'll be looking for it.
I think Mo Rocca would be a great teacher, which I think is one of the greatest compliments I can offer to someone. I haven't been a pod-cast listener, but I've downloaded the app so I can start listening to his podcast, Mobituaries. This may be life-changing as I see many interesting things I can listen to using the podcast app, all of the things I can learn.
While my interest is piqued, I might just stick with books, because I love books. I'm sure Mo Rocca will write another one and I'll be looking for it.
June 16, 2020
Interesting pieces of history, some of them fairly obscure. The described demises are not limited to humans. I listened to the audiobook, read by the author. If I had been reading it, it would have been something to pick up and read small sections over a longer period of time. Looking forward to hearing more of these stories on Mo’s podcast of the same name.
January 31, 2020
Mo Rocca is such a clean, clear, and clever writer, and his fun take on the obit made it such a joy to read about history. And dang if he didn’t wrap it all up with a tear-jerker to pull it all together. What a wonderful gift from my husband!
May 12, 2020
History has never been so entertaining and I am not just saying that because the author was born in Maryland...well maybe!
August 21, 2020
Full of Mo's humor and compassion. An interesting collection of well researched facts about a variety of people, places, and things. The reader can learn a little bit about many things.
November 1, 2019
So very happy to have had the opportunity to read Mobituaries by Mo Rocca. What a fantastically written book and what a facinating topic. I too enjoy a good obituary so I knew I would enjoy this book, especially when I saw who the author was. I haven't ever listened to a podcast, I'm not quite sure how they differ from a radio program but if I were to listen to one, Mo Rocca would top my list. When I have had the pleasure to see him on tv I found him very interesting. I feel the same way with his writing.
Rocca's writing style is easy, casual, conversational. He imparts or rather shares information without pretension. Mobituaries is the kind of book you can carry in your bag and pull it out whenever you have a few minutes. Of course, if you are like me, it will be very hard to put down. It is also the kind of book that the reader will just have to read an entry (or two or three or more) aloud to whoever may be within shouting distance. Hopefully said reader will have interested or at the least understanding people around them, if not, well, the dog will listen, the cat not so much. You know how aloof they can be at times.
I highly recommend Mobituaries by Mo Rocca; there really is somsthing for everyone. I plan on looking for it as a book on tape (I suppose it must be book on disc?) for my folks for Christmas. They go on long drives and this is just the thing to listen to on their trips. Besides, any book that gives a shoutout (is that the right word?) and acknowledges the contribution to justice, books and education of my favorite royal, Richard III gets my attention, my vote, my money. Read this book, you will not be disappointed.
Rocca's writing style is easy, casual, conversational. He imparts or rather shares information without pretension. Mobituaries is the kind of book you can carry in your bag and pull it out whenever you have a few minutes. Of course, if you are like me, it will be very hard to put down. It is also the kind of book that the reader will just have to read an entry (or two or three or more) aloud to whoever may be within shouting distance. Hopefully said reader will have interested or at the least understanding people around them, if not, well, the dog will listen, the cat not so much. You know how aloof they can be at times.
I highly recommend Mobituaries by Mo Rocca; there really is somsthing for everyone. I plan on looking for it as a book on tape (I suppose it must be book on disc?) for my folks for Christmas. They go on long drives and this is just the thing to listen to on their trips. Besides, any book that gives a shoutout (is that the right word?) and acknowledges the contribution to justice, books and education of my favorite royal, Richard III gets my attention, my vote, my money. Read this book, you will not be disappointed.
December 14, 2019
Mo Rocca has provided entertaining obituaries for interesting people who were otherwise left without much said about them!
While the pace, at times, felt slow and plodding, the information was so rich and descriptive. I would definitely say this book is better served as a chapter a day type of read. A coffee table book, maybe. Trying to sit and read through more than one chapter at a time just felt like cramming for a history test. Taking the time to read a chapter here and there with breaks in between help the vast information sink in. He definitely gets credit for spicing up his wealth of knowledge with lots of funny quips, and truly silly comparisons.
Overall, I enjoyed the idea behind this book, and the things I learned about each person were, at the same time, amusing and enlightening.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for a free copy of the this book to read and review.
While the pace, at times, felt slow and plodding, the information was so rich and descriptive. I would definitely say this book is better served as a chapter a day type of read. A coffee table book, maybe. Trying to sit and read through more than one chapter at a time just felt like cramming for a history test. Taking the time to read a chapter here and there with breaks in between help the vast information sink in. He definitely gets credit for spicing up his wealth of knowledge with lots of funny quips, and truly silly comparisons.
Overall, I enjoyed the idea behind this book, and the things I learned about each person were, at the same time, amusing and enlightening.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for a free copy of the this book to read and review.
October 5, 2019
Mobituaries are a blend of obituaries, history, trivia, and comedy. The podcast, soon to start its second season, features Mo Rocca spending an entertaining half hour on a deceased celebrity (Audrey Hepburn), or historical figure (Herbert Hoover), or even a deceased trend, such as the station wagon. The book expands on the material in the podcasts and for those of us who are bibliography addicts, provides a massive list of sources Mo and company used to research the book & podcast. I enjoyed the book, which includes more information than on the podcast, but is still in bite-sized pieces, perfect for bedtime reading or waiting in line reading. But I have to admit, I'm spoiled by the podcast and I would really prefer to have listened to the book, narrated by Mo Rocca, of course. (Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for a digital review copy.)
November 12, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. When I first decided to give it a try I actually thought that there would be some actual obituaries cited since I have heard some amazingly funny ones...but no, this was more of a rehash of various subjects and people who are no longer with us with some background trivia regarding them. It was just a fascinating read. If I had to pick my favorites...the story of Chang and Eng Bunker (Siamese twins)...and Other Sideshow Sensations, Audrey Hepburn...and Other Famous People Commonly Confused with Each Other, Sammy Davis Jr....and Other One-Eyed Wonders, and Lawrence Welk...and Other Victims of the "Rural Purge". Sports and politics and even dragons are all covered so there's something for everyone. Very interesting and very funny!!!
January 6, 2020
A book like this has my name written all over it. This-always-wanted-to-be-on-Jeopardy-trivia-minded person loves Mo Rocca, his podcast and this book. Whether he's talking about someone I'm aware of like Victoria Woodhull, the Ohioan, first woman to run for president (before women even had the right to vote) or another I did not know about, Moses Fleetwood Walker, who was actually the first to integrate Major League Baseball on my hometown Toledo Mudhens in 1884, I'll eat it right up. The book was narrated by Rocca with his usual distinctive, dry humor.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,146 reviews