Two Guys Read the Obituaries

Think you can't laugh when reading about the obituaries? Think again. This book contains two enlightening and different perspectives about life, death, and who we all choose to be. It contains a behind the scenes intimate look at two amazing writers. However, if you lack a sense of humor it isn't for you. Steve Krupnik Author, Pawnonomics: A Tale of The Historical, Cultural, and Economic Significance of the Pawnbroking Industry

Reviewed by Susan Pettrone for Reader Views (11/06) As I grow older I have found myself like many others in this world, scanning the obituaries each morning as matter of routine. Sometimes it is out of pure idle boredom and sometimes depending upon my physical aches and pains, to see if perhaps I am listed there along with others who have for one reason or other `met their maker.' And so it is for Steve Chandler and Terrence N. Hill, authors of the book "Two Men Read the Obituaries." The premise is simply that of two men, corresponding back and forth while discussing death in one shape or form within their missives. From writings centered upon the death at 92 of Thurl Ravencroft, the voice of `Tony the tiger' whom the author informs us made a living out of one simple word "grreeeaaattt!," to the serious obituary news concerning the death of Peter Jennings, these two authors cover the gamut of pure curiosity over the average age of those who appeared in the obits on any given day, to the musings of sports scores not appearing in the morning papers when games ran long. Their dry wit, introspective writings at times bordering upon meandering thought and simple discussions of family and friends make for reading that is quite simply a peek into two old friends catching up on each others lives. With one simple difference of course, that being the subject of the day is always that of death. Death in the eyes of these two authors is not always a somber subject, I might add. Especially when their humor comes into play touching upon death as only they can do when Steve writes to Terrence stating after a particularly thoughtful introspective regarding death and EKG brain waves, "And Phil and Don die each time they hear the sound, `here he comes that's Cathy's clown.'" It's moments such as this, that their light humor keeps the book from bogging down from the sheer depressive nature that the subject of death might have afforded. And it is this self same humor sprinkled throughout this book that keeps the reader engaged in the writings within its pages. Of course not all the book is light and filled with simple discussions on those who have died on any given day. There are amusingly educational moments as well. One that particularly caught my interest was Steve's communication of 2-20-05 when he touches upon the subject of the sisters of Notre Dame apparently living approximately 20 years longer than the average age for women. He mentions that perhaps the secret of these nuns long life span was simply because they were active mentally longer than their peers. To this insight Terrence, as only he can, responds, "Seems to me the story of the sisters of Notre Dame is not about active brains, but constitutes rather the long awaited indisputable proof for the existence of God. He cares! And gives those who kowtow to him additional decades of life." It is this edgy wit and moments of "gallows humor" so to speak, that give this book the lift that it needs in

The two guys are back and better than ever! I actually found this book more personally relatable than TGRMD because death, more than Moby Dick, is something we must all deal with. This was an especially good read for me because it actually made me stop and think about death in a quiet, contemplative way, not with the abject discomfort and mental shut down I usually devote to the topic. And, on top of that, the book is just plain hilarious. These guys are very funny and in many parts of the book I found myself laughing out loud at their silly, unique senses of the absurd. I also like the inclusion of two very different voices - Terry, the intellectual, perpetual lateral thinker and comedian, Steve, down-to-earth, the philosopher on a quest for the meaning of both life and death. Their combined voices provide a discourse that pulls the reader in and makes you question your own feelings on the topic. And, any book that makes me think about death with grace, thoughtfulness and humor is top-notch to me! Read it, you'll love it.

I read the "guys" first book 2grmd and also enjoyed that one, but 2grto is one I couldn't put down. Funny, enlightening, inspiring, thought-provoking. I've not read another book that has compelled me to really contemplate death - without morbidity, rather, with a sense of reality (hey - it eventually happens to us all)and acceptance. I am a lot like Terry in the sense that I also tend to overanalyze an issue or question (I'm a lawyer, too) and so laughed my pretty-little-butt off regarding the "17, 21, 35 what comes next in the sequence" question posed by Steve, because I too, started to find the conclusion using logic and mathematics - and then I too, kicked myself when I found out the answer as that was one of my favorite tunes back in 19-aught-65 (Frank Sinatra version) when I thought 35 was really old. You'll love this book - please guys, do another, and another - I haven't finished reading a book so quickly and with so much to think about afterwords. You guys are terrific - I envy the fact that you're both on the same intelligence plane and have been friends for 50+ years, can see into each other's heads, so you can do something as innovative as this. It's a kind of memoir (seems to be the most popular writing style these days) but more like a running letter back and forth without the self-consciousness of someone outside learning your inner thoughts. Again, loved it, loved it. Do it again, boys - Please.

What's so great about this book and the Two Guys Read Moby Dick book are the hilarious exchanges mixed in with really touching observations. Unlike the other reviewer here, I was glad that this wasn't more Chandler self-help...........as Steve and Terry both show their lighter, more human sides discussing everything from death to music to Rosa Parks. This book kept me up laughing and wishing for more Two Guys books......from the Grateful Dead-like funny book cover to the literate and lyrical observations about death and dying and lives worth remembering, it's clear that this book was intended solely to give the reader a good time from start to finish....they succeeded.