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Indie Bookshop Appreciation Sale
In celebration of indies everywhere, shop our limited-time sale on bestselling audiobooks. Don’t miss out—purchases support local bookstores!
Shop the saleI See You've Called in Dead
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Learn moreBookseller recommendation
“Come for the silly title, stay for the reaffirming faith in life, love, and friendship. Bud, the main character, is awkward in a relatable way, and his commentary takeaways on the funerals he attends and experiences with his friends will at once have you smiling and pondering what it means to be alive. This book is at once heartwarming and thought provoking, and excellent for anyone experiencing the ennui of life. ”
— Jordan • Best of Books
Bookseller recommendation
“As an obituary writer, Bud is familiar with death. But he seems to have lost his hold on living. After a series of unfortunate events, he is depressed, drinking too much. During one particularly bad episode, Bud writes and publishes his own obituary. This unfortunate decision sparks a change during his forced suspension from work. This book has all the things you might imagine - a look at whether the main character is really "living," quirky characters, what is the meaning of life. But there is such depth and warmth to the story. So many unexpected laugh-out-loud moments. I ADORED the humor - Tim is the very best character. You will start with laughter and end with tears in your eyes. A wonderful, feel good story with solid writing, thought-provoking messages, and real characters.”
— Christina • The Snail on the Wall
Bookseller recommendation
“The kind of prose that makes your drink come out of your nose as you laugh, while simultaneously being the kind that has you immediately thereafter tearing up, in all the best ways. Wow. My heart and funny bone are full. Thank you. ”
— Jen • Townie Books
Bookseller recommendation
“So funny and poignant. Honestly was just what I needed.”
— Kristine • Buttonwood Books and Toys
Bookseller recommendation
“Bud Stanley, an obituary writer is laugh out loud funny. Bud makes a huge mistake that sabotages his life. This book combines comedy and with emotion through a magnetic cast of characters. A must read. ”
— Heidi • Book Love
Bookseller recommendation
“This story, these characters... In a time when hope seems hard to find, this book delivers. My choice for book of the year—and it’s only April!”
— Diane • Watermark Book Company
Summary
“Razor-sharp, darkly comedic, and emotionally piercing. With the satirical bite of Richard Russo’s Straight Man, the introspection of Fredrik Backman’s A Man Called Ove, and the reinvention of Andrew Sean Greer's Less, Kenney’s vivid prose transforms the mundane into unexpected hilarity.”
—Booklist (starred review)
An Indie Next & LibraryReads Pick for April
The Office meets Six Feet Under meets About a Boy in this coming-of-middle-age tale about having a second chance to write your life’s story.
Bud Stanley is an obituary writer who is afraid to live. Yes, his wife recently left him for a “far more interesting” man. Yes, he goes on a particularly awful blind date with a woman who brings her ex. And yes, he has too many glasses of Scotch one night and proceeds to pen and publish his own obituary. The newspaper wants to fire him. But now the company’s system has him listed as dead. And the company can’t fire a dead person. The ensuing fallout forces him to realize that life may be actually worth living.
As Bud awaits his fate at work, his life hangs in the balance. Given another shot by his boss and encouraged by his best friend, Tim, a worldly and wise former art dealer, Bud starts to attend the wakes and funerals of strangers to learn how to live.
Thurber Prize-winner and New York Times bestselling author John Kenney tells a funny, touching story about life and death, about the search for meaning, about finding and never letting go of the preciousness of life.
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Audiobook details
Author:
John Kenney
Narrator:
Sean Patrick Hopkins
ISBN:
9798989923045
Length:
7 hours 33 minutes
Language:
English
Publisher:
Zibby Publishing
Publication date:
April 1, 2025
Edition:
Unabridged
Libro.fm rank:
#179 Overall
Genre rank:
#24 in Humor