Mobituaries

October 15, 2019
The creator of the Mobituaries podcast fleshes out that material and also includes a wealth of supplementary essays and other new information. Writing with Greenberg (English/Montclair State Univ.; The Cambridge Introduction to Satire, 2019, etc.), CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Rocca (All the Presidents' Pets, 2004) displays his eclectic interests, ranging from Lord Byron, who makes two separate appearances, to the New Jersey Turnpike service areas. Most major sections feature a "mobituary," which is a lament, sometimes serious, sometimes ironic, sometimes amusing, for someone or something no longer with us. Among these are Thomas Paine, the original Siamese twins, medieval medical practices, Prussia ("always coming up in the context of wanton militarism, which made me think...I'm pretty sure it must be German"), the idea of homosexuality as a mental illness, Billy Carter, Farrah Fawcett, and myriads more. Following most of the mobituaries is a section dealing with cases similar to the one(s) he has just discussed. His section on people confused for each other shows his playful sense of humor--e.g., he includes Joan of Arc and actress Joan Van Ark. As his lengthy Works Consulted testifies, Rocca has done his homework: His sources include not only biographies and histories, but also interviews (where possible) with the people involved. Occasionally, a small error intrudes--Mary Godwin was not yet Mary Shelley when she began work on Frankenstein--but the research is generally sound throughout. Though much of the tributes are funny and wry, others are quite moving (Sammy Davis Jr., a "supernova talent"). Rocca also reminds us of some long-forgotten figures--comedian Vaughn Meader, for example, who rocketed to fame with his John F. Kennedy impersonations and then plummeted after JFK's death. Political attitudes are sometimes patent, sometimes not. A spicy blend of humor, irony, wit, facts, fable, and heart.

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November 1, 2019

Rocca (correspondent, CBS Sunday Morning) writes obituaries for such individuals as Thomas Paine and Audrey Hepburn--people who he feels were not appropriately honored when they died, either because their contributions were underappreciated or their death was overshadowed by world events. Each "mobituary" includes highlights of the person's life, an account of their main contributions to society, and Rocca's assessment of their importance and influence. Shorter, paragraph-length "mobituaries" are grouped thematically and appear between chapters. Rocca's trademark humor and satire are present throughout and he also includes personal anecdotes, including a touching closing tribute to his father. Although more space is given to profiles of entertainers, sports stars, and politicians, there are also "mobituaries" for objects (station wagon, Hadrian's Wall), countries (Prussia), creatures (dragons), and incorrect scholarship (medieval science). Many of the stories have been featured on Rocca's podcast of the same name, though readers can enjoy the book without listening to the podcast. VERDICT This amusing, concise, and sometimes tender collection of profiles is recommended for readers content with short biographies in a limited narrative format.--Rebekah Kati, Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2019
In a Mobituary, humorist Rocca honors a historical figure who, for a variety of reasons, did not receive the esteemed obituary they truly deserved the first time around. Founding Father Thomas Paine's obituary stated, he had lived long, did some good, and much harm. Paine's Mobituary delves into his many contributions to America and the personality traits that led to that infamous obituary quote. Helpfully, the book includes a handy guide to the differences between Thomas Paine and the rapper T-Pain. Mobituaries are not just limited to people?one of the best entries is dedicated to the station wagon. Impeccably researched, this book is packed with facts that are sure to give you a leg up at pub trivia. Who was the first African American baseball player? You may be thinking Jackie Robinson, but the honor actually belongs to Moses Fleetwood Walker. Authors Rocca and Greenberg have written a delightful, hilarious romp through history. Put this book in the hands of history buffs or anyone who loves a good laugh. [HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Mobituaries has two built-in audiences: listeners of the namesake podcast and fans of Rocca's work on CBS Sunday Morning.](Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)