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 thinkI'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 humore.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 intrudesMary Godwin was not yet Mary Shelley when she began work on Frankensteinbut 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 figurescomedian 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. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

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.--Michelle Ross Copyright 2019 Booklist

Writer and humorist Rocca (All the Presidents' Pets: The Story of One Reporter Who Refused to Roll Over) presents a series of obituaries of famous and not-so-famous people, events, creatures, and machines. These are based on his popular podcast by the same name, which reflects his lifelong interest in obituaries. The entries include well-known people such as various American presidents and entertainers including Sammy Davis Jr., Audrey Hepburn, and Lawrence Welk. Also covered are various first occurrences in American politics, developments in science and technology, CBS's purging of rural-based television programs during the period 1968--1970, famous people who died on the same day, and the demise of the station wagon. The entries vary in length, but most are less than five minutes long. Rocca closes the work with a moving tribute to his father. The author does an excellent job reading the book. VERDICT This enjoyable and fascinating work is recommended to listeners who enjoy quirky, edifying, bitesized nonfiction.--Stephen L. Hupp, West Virginia Univ. Parkersburg Lib.