Member Reviews
I have listened to Mobituaries on Sunday Morning and always find them interesting. So I was very excited when I was approved for an ARC of this new book. Each Mobituary is full of facts (trivia) about the individual and while they are short, they contain a lot of information. Mo Rocca has such a great sense of humor that he adds a little humor to each one. This would be a great gift and can be read all at once or in small bites. Such a fun concept!
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon Schuster for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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.
Thank you to NetGalley for a Kindle ARC of Mobituaries.
I was excited when my request was approved because though I've never heard his podcast, I've watched Mo Rocca's reporting on CBS News and knew Mobituaries was going to be an interesting read.
And I was not disappointed.
Mobituaries is a fascinating look at the lives of both the famous and the not-so famous that deserved a little more recognition for achievements and accomplishments most people are unaware of.
Mr. Rocca writes like he talks; his distinctive voice and humor comes through in his prose. His tone is compassionate, amusing and honest, and makes Mobituaries a fast and hilarious read.
This was an insightful look at talented individuals, some known, others not, and the contributions they made to society, humanity and their communities.
I hope Mr. Rocca writes a sequel.
I have been a fan of Mo Rocca since I began listening to Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, so I was excited to read his new book Mobituaries, which is a compilation of essays on topics that he featured on his podcast of the same name. I haven't listened to the podcast so the book is my first introduction to this and it was fantastic! I loved his humor and he is clearly passionate about giving us little known information about people from all walks of life and even includes the obituaries of events, fads, and everyday things.. This includes the good, the bad, and the ugly. He presents the information in a entertaining and engaging manner. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants an interesting profile of people, places, and things that didn't get the obituary they deserved the first time around.
As a history buff, this was right up my alley. This was an extremely entertaining read but every now and then I felt like it got off topic but then bounced right back!
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.)
This is a fun/fact filled book. I think that it is a non-fiction book that will engage readers of all ages. I can visualize it being used in classrooms and I intend to recommend it to my student teachers.
It is full of gossip and social history.
Mo Rocca has compiled some delicious tidbits of history that makes for an enjoyable read. None of the choices were people I expected, but this quirky history is incredibly engaging.
Thanks Netgalley, for so much fun.
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.
Comedian Mo Rocca hosts a successful podcast, Mobituaries, that examines the lives of those who were lost to history. For one reason or another, each of the selected individuals made an important impact, but than faded (or was erased) from the history books. Rocca takes the opportunity to jump from podcast to book to revisit the lives of these people and essentially rewrite what is currently written. There will be names you have heard of, think Audrey Hepburn and Herbert Hoover, some you haven’t, for example Chang and Ang Bunker. There is even a remembrance close to my heart, for the oak trees at Toomer’s Corner in Auburn, AL, War Eagle! The book is a careful balance between humor and research and provides insight into important figures, events, and locations in history. This book would be an excellent gift for the history buff in your life.
This book contained a number of brief biographies/stories about not so famous people and famous people which were entertaining. I learned some new things from this book, but there were several that were not revelations to me. The author's writing style made this an enjoyable read about many people who did something first, but history forgot for later more famous individuals.
I recommend this book for those looking for a light informative read about interesting people.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook page.
Mobituaries by Mo Rocca is an ingenious and hilarious book written by Mr Rocca himself (he is just so downright witty ) and is so full of interesting facts and history that one does not even realize how much they are learning until they finish the book and say , “Wow. I cant believe I never knew that”.
This book was so interesting that I was able to read it in 2 days. This man is comical, engaging, brilliant, and thought-provoking.
I am impressed with this read and am determined to seek out more sources involving Mo Rocca so that I can become engaged yet again in his hilarious educational presentations. Only he would be able to keep me this engaged and entertained while learning. He most certainly has a gift.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this stunning ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
This review is posted to my GR account immediately and will be posted to my Amazon, Bookbub, and B&N accounts upon publication.
Love all the chock-full sounds information (both enlightening and trivial). There is a distinct voice here that comes across well, but I think that his podcast might be the better vehicle for this style of obituaries/essays/researched ramblings. Entertaining and informative.
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
First a podcast, now a book? What could be better?!
What I liked: I love the spitfire trivia. There's always something to learn from Mo, and he makes it fun. If his style is your comfort food, stock up!
What I didn't like: not sure if it was my Kindle, but there were some serious formatting issues. This made it a little tedious to get through at times.