NPR's Book of the Day An obituary writer makes a grave error in John Kenney's 'I See You've Called in Dead'
Apr 14, 2025
John Kenney, author and New Yorker contributor, discusses his novel 'I See You've Called in Dead', featuring Bud Stanley, an obituary writer who mistakenly publishes his own death notice after a drunken night. The conversation explores the absurdity of facing one’s mortality, as Bud begins attending strangers' funerals, revealing the power of connection and friendship. Kenney also shares personal insights on balancing humor and grief, inspired by his late brother, and the complexities of capturing life in obituaries.
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Obituary Mistake Sparks Life Change
- Bud Stanley writes and publishes his own obituary after a bad night, shocking his workplace.
- This mistake triggers a life change as he begins attending strangers' funerals, exploring life's meaning.
Male Friendship's Quiet Depth
- Male friendship often lacks deep conversations; men tend to mask struggles behind simple responses.
- True male friends may silently endure hardships, revealing vulnerability subtly unlike women.
College Assignment Inspired Novel
- College journalism required John Kenney to write his own obituary, an exercise he initially ignored.
- Growing up, the Boston Globe obituaries fascinated him as concise life stories capturing nuances.
