
Obitchuary
The Big Hot Book of Death
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Narrated by:
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Spencer Henry
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Madison Reyes
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Annette Amelia Oliveira
About this listen
Based on the popular podcast, Obitchuary: The Big Hot Book of Death is a smart, funny look at the American culture of death and how we’re remembered.
It’s safe to say everyone thinks about death—whether they want to or not. But have you ever wondered about what sort of keepsakes you can make with your remains, or given any thought to the most scandalous deathbed confessions throughout history? Well Madison Reyes and Spencer Henry have, and they've spent countless hours scouring the darkest corners of the internet, digging through newspaper archives, devouring documents, and picking the brains of death industry experts to bring you Obitchuary, a darkly funny and deeply poignant exploration of all things death.
With chapters like “Coffin Confessions,” “Executions to Die For,” “The Last Word,” and “If These Dolls Could Speak,” Madison and Spencer guide us through surprisingly colorful history, traditions, and contemporary practices. They also demystify taboo topics with incredible and hilarious details, including FUNerals, as they call them, cremations and themed funerals, famous body snatchers, and so much more.
Shocking, macabre, hilarious, and moving, Obitchuary digs deep into the physical aspects of death while also carefully exploring what death says about our humanity and the ways we choose to remember those we've lost. So go ahead, crack open the book—we know you're dying to listen to it.
©2024 Spencer Henry and Madison Reyes (P)2024 Penguin AudioListeners also enjoyed...
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Critic reviews
"A darkly funny and deeply poignant exploration of all things death.” —AV Club
“Henry and Reyes, who share outlandish real-life death notices on their Obitchuary podcast, serve up macabre trivia in this entertaining mélange….this will appeal to readers with a dark sense of humor.” —Publishers Weekly
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What listeners say about Obitchuary
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- MCS
- 08-27-24
I love these kids!
I started listening to Obitchuary podcast during the earliest episodes and have been a loyal Geoff ever since. I’m old enough to be their mom; but I love hearing their take on life, death and seeing the comfort and laughter they’ve helped to bring to their listeners.
Yes, there are quite a few “Best of Obitchuary” moments here. But they’ve organized it into an engaging book you can enjoy to also get the gist of a BUNCH of shows.
Spencer and Madison seem to share the understanding I have that the one guarantee we are born with is that we will die. It can be scary and overwhelming to consider the our mortality and that of those we love. What can we do to make something less terrifying? Educate ourselves, learn to laugh (even irreverently), show compassion, kindness, listen and learn from those who work intimately in healthcare and the funeral industry, and learn from and support one another through the whole process. And you need to know how to make Funeral Potatoes like any Southern Lady worth her salt. (Go find that episode!)
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- Melody
- 08-21-24
Great listen!!
Anyone who loves the podcasts will be right at home with Spencer and Madison’s read of this great book! I’ll have to get the physical copy too just to have but I knew this was gonna be my fave format. Well done!!
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- Aaron ACDetailing
- 01-31-25
Oh my gawwd
I love Spencer and Madison! This book was great, and I’ll recommend it to anyone who is going to die. Which is everyone.
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- Mikel
- 09-23-24
Great story telling
If you listen to the podcast this is them with a lot less banter. I personally live the banter so the book is great but we need the banter.
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- jessica britt
- 08-21-24
Really great book! The only downside was I wish it was longer!!
I listened to the whole book on release day, I absolutely loved it, I’ve heard some of it from their podcasts over the years, but there was a ton of new stories and info I hadn’t heard before as well! I do wish it was longer, however, maybe this can be set up for a second book in the future? I hope so!!
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- Cathryn
- 08-24-24
great information
Absolutely loved the book. So much great information. loved the death potatoes. taking some to work.
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- That guy
- 10-17-24
Loved every moment
Fun to read and so interesting to tue last letter. The research and array of details is endlessly fun
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- Mama Chica
- 08-20-24
Gravely fun!
Gravely fun and informative!
I thoroughly enjoyed this fun read! What a fun way to learn all the ins and outs around death and the history surrounding it. Great job!
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- Kyrsten Melges
- 12-31-24
Love it
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING I love the pod and I finished this book in a day!!
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- Kayla
- 11-10-24
Love Spencer and Madison; this book is fun!
I love that Madison and Spencer narrate this audiobook. I adore the podcast, and the material of this book runs true to their podcast style and its content. This is one of the few podcasts I listen to regularly, and their book didn’t disappoint. While I love the information and the fact that these two excellent hosts narrate it, I prefer a professional narrator for audiobook performances. I’ll definitely be purchasing the physical book for images and future reads.
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