I've listened to Spencer and Madison's podcast a few times, and this reads just like it! It's fun and full of interesting death and funeral facts. I loved all the stories and history. They even threw in obituaries at the end of each chapter.

I chose this book solely based on title and cover…I didn’t really know what it was about. Let me tell you, judging this book by its cover (well, and title), was an excellent life choice.

This book reviews all things death. Death, dying, funerals, and most importantly, obituaries. I can honestly say I learned something new and, dare I say, fun, every chapter. This was a seamlessly woven exploration of the world of death, from historical references to modern day.

The obituaries included were expertly chosen, hilarious, and fit exactly where they needed to. Some people are ruthless, and I love it. There was the perfect balance of history, science, and personal experience from the authors.

Speaking of the authors…yes, just yes. They have a podcast together, and you can just feel the chemistry, and how well they work together. This book is written like they speak. You know that super cool, effortlessly so, friend that you aspire to be like? This is them. They just seem like people you want to grab a beer with, and have one of the most interesting conversations of your life.

I loved this book. It was nonfiction, but felt like an easy to read story.

I received this book as an ARC, from the publisher, for which I am very grateful.

Death is such a taboo topic in today's society so I appreciate books that use humor to shed light on that which we do not talk about. Death is sad, but it doesn't need to be hidden. I enjoyed this book, especially the obituaries they featured. Some are sweet and some tell it like it is.

If you listen to the podcast, this book expands on the topics discussed. its a quick read but it defiantly makes you want to listen to the show or listen more.

Obitchuary is a fast-paced, morbidly humorous look at the fascinating and bizarre ways we remember those who have passed. Henry and Reyes guide readers through a colourful history of death traditions, with enthralling anecdotes and surprising details about death. Striking a balance between respect and dark humour, the conversational writing style made the subject matter incredibly engaging.

**⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | A Darkly Entertaining Read**

*Obitchuary: The Big Hot Book of Death* by Spencer Henry and Madison Reyes is a darkly humorous and engaging exploration of death and its many facets. The book combines macabre storytelling with witty commentary, offering a fresh and entertaining perspective on various topics related to mortality. Henry and Reyes’ playful yet insightful approach makes for a compelling and enjoyable read. While some segments may feel uneven in tone, the book’s originality and humor make it a standout choice for those interested in a unique take on the subject of death.

I would like to preface this review by saying thank you to PRH and netgalley for sending me an ARC of Obitchuary in exchange for my honest review!

Obitchuary dives into all the weird and whacky things about death and dying. This book was full of information but it didn’t read like a normal non fiction book. I was weary going into this one because death kind of freaks me out but the light hearted tone of the narrator made everything better. I was able to learn so many new things about death without having anxiety! Thanks Spencer and Madison!

Obitchuary: The Big Hot Book of Death by Spencer Henry and Madison Reyes

If you are someone who takes a no nonsense approach to death, this is not the book for you. If you are looking to learn more about death and want the book to lean into dark humor, check this one out.

As a fan of these types of books, I’ve read several books that examine death and death practices. While not much was new to me, I saw this as a fabulous introduction to death-focused books. While the subject matter was heavy, the tone and delivery were light and funny. The organization of the book made it easy to read. I read it in one day because this stuff fascinates me, but you could totally put it down and pick it back up later.

This was all so fascinating to read! I enjoyed seeing the obits that were just so absolutely savage and then the ones that were so loving and heartfelt it made me tear up, but most of all I just love how much I learned about the different aspects of death.

From the places you can go to in South Korea to "simulate" death, to famous last words, burial rites, what you can do with your body and what can be done with your pet even! This has definitely made me consider what I want to have done.

I wasn't aware this was from a podcast, but I definitely intend to go back and listen now.

My one major gripe: Frankenstein was written by Percy Shelley?! What is wrong with you?

This was something fun and unique! Who knew a book about dying could be so informative and entertaining.

Lobotomies, themed funerals, last suppers, executions, death notices and more!

I’ll definitely be recommending to friends when they need something fresh and fun.

Morbid humor and bizarre obituaries and funeral requests, what more do you need in a book about death? I am not familiar with the podcast, but throughly enjoyed this book.

This was a fascinating dive into the customs around death! I've always been fascinated by the customs of our ancestors and especially enjoyed those chapters that explained what we know of ancient customs.

4 stars
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Who knew death could be so funny?

As someone who is fascinated by death and what happens after we die, I knew I would enjoy this one, but I had no idea just how much. Henry and Reyes take a deep subject like death and lighten the topic. The variety of subjects kept me engaged in the book. I loved this immersive deep dive. Covering everything from the postmortem interval to grief surrounding pet death, there was something for everyone.

The writing was pretty simple, but really packed a punch. It was incredibly witty and I loved the perspectives the authors gave from their own unique life experiences. I’m curious enough to seek out the podcast the authors host about similar topics.

This was an easy, quick read with so much packed in. Definitely will recommend.

4 Solid Stars!

Who knew reading about death could be so entertaining?? I didn't know what to expect but this was a fast read chalked full of morbid humor and enthralling anecdotes. Ever question what the most bizarre request someone has regarding their funeral? Well, look no further this book probably has it!

I enjoyed the relaxed writing style of this book, it made it not only easy to read but it ensured the reader was always having a good time while reading about death. After every chapter is an obituary which I thought was so clever to include given the nature of the authors' podcast. Growing up, my mom always read the obituaries' in our local paper and so I felt a touch of nostalgia to have that to look forward too (it also helps that they included witty, tea-spilling, heartfelt, and short & sweet examples).

While I thoroughly enjoyed this, I felt that some sections were over-explained and others not enough. I would have loved to continue to read about other cultures and their traditions rather than touching on them briefly. Including pre-victorian or historic practices & obituaries would have been a nice touch. I haven't listened to the podcast so I am not sure how much this furthers their discussion there, but overall I really enjoyed this!

**Thank you NetGalley and Plume for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review**

A fast and engaging reach which, I think, did what it intended. Obitchuary is not a catalogue of passive aggressive or downright mean death notices (though it does include a few). What it does, and well, is come off as a conversation rather than a dry non-fiction text. All of the “usual” death or death adjacent topics were touched on (embalming, funeral etiquette, obituaries) as well as some more obscure topics the reader may not have heard of (ghost brides, mourning photography, and extreme embalming). Interspersed throughout are sketches related to the various topics covered (some cute some slightly disturbing depending on your personal tolerance for the macabre).

If the podcast tone mirrors the writing style it’s definitely incentive to give it a listen. Overall this book shows that death and how we interact with it (just as with everything else) is a function of the time and place we live in.

A great read that acknowledges death as a somber topic, while remaining lighthearted and equally saying that it’s just as okay to laugh as to cry. An accessible narrative and a fun read.

If I could change anything about it though, I’d have included more pre-Victorian and non-Western history and traditions, there are so many interesting topics there that could have further augmented the book.

Fun, easy read. Wasn't groundbreaking and more of a book / guide than a story. I was a bit disappointed but I still enjoyed it. I don't listen to the podcast so perhaps I was missing some of the context.

Wow. What a pleasant surprise!

I've never heard of these authors podcast before, but now I'm interested in listening to it. I really liked the structure of this non-fiction book. My favorite part was the Once a Upon a Crime sections. I found those entries the most interesting and definitely the most disturbing. Yikes! This book is entertaining, zany, creepy, and macabre. Each chapter we learn something new around the topic of death. About what happens to our bodies when we pass away, about cremations, burials, and so much more. I loved the writing style, and the illustrations were awesome. Highly recommended!

This book definitely lived up to the expectations based on its title and cover. Both funny and macabre, Obitchuary discusses different aspects of death and mourning, and I feel like I learned quite a lot without getting bogged down by scientific language. The language here is instead hilarious and accessible while not shying away from the reality of death. If death is a topic that interests you, I highly recommend picking a copy up.

This is such a fun little macabre dive into funerals and the mourning rituals new and old. I’ve listened to a few of the podcasts before hearing about this book so I went into this understanding the vibes and it doesn’t disappoint. I think that this was very well researched and really mixes being informative with great humor. If you like the macabre or have a darker sense of humor then I think this is one you need to pick up. Thank you so much Netgally and the publishers for the advice copy to review.

I feel like this book needs a sequel. I enjoyed it so much. I have now started listening to the podcast and I feel like there is so much more in this realm to enjoy. The book had great humor, was paced well, and organized efficiently. It could have been so much longer! Need more crazy obits!