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Two Guys Read the Obituaries

Steve Chandler and Terrence N. Hill
Robert D. Reed Publishers (2007)
ISBN 9781931741798
Reviewed by LuAnn Morgan for Rebeccas Reads (3/08)

This book, “Two Guys Read the Obituaries,” is a memoir of sorts. Steve Chandler and Terrence N. Hill take on the task of looking at life through the study of obituaries.
The authors selected certain well-read newspapers and perused them each day in order to examine the lives of those who recently died. They were especially interested in those with a particular appeal personally to themselves, such as sports figures, actors, writers and people around their own ages.

Nearly every journalist starts their career with the obituary section. They soon learn that, indeed, there are messages to be found within the few words that summarize a person’s life. Here is a book that explains what can be discovered as the reader considers the death of someone they may or may not know.

Hill and Chandler are professional writers and friends from childhood. Hill is a playwright, advertising copywriter and creative director. Chandler is the author of twelve books dealing with personal growth and business success.

Their first book together was “Two Guys Read Moby-Dick,” as they claimed to be the only two people who read the entire book and shared their feelings with the reader. They put into words whatever came to their minds.

Continuing in that same style, they read the obituary pages for one year, putting their thoughts and impressions in writing. Along the way, they began to discover certain consistencies. They found that piano players tend to outlive drummers and where we go after we die.

The result of their research is a laugh-out-loud book that charms and amuses the reader, while at the same time, makes you think about the topic yourself. And this book will forever change the way you read obituaries.

I found “Two Guys Read the Obituaries” witty and fun to read. It’s a nice break from a hectic day when one wants to sit back and relax without having to delve into more serious subjects. Can Chandler and Hill continue to enchant readers with another “Two Guys” book? I certainly hope so.

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