Where Are They Buried?: How Did They Die? Fitting Ends And Final Resting Places Of The Famous, Infamous, And Noteworthy (2003) - Plot & Excerpts
The Famous DeceasedI just finished reading Where Are They Buried: How Did They Die? Fitting Ends and Final Resting Places of etc. by Tod Benoit. The enormously-long title perfectly describes this entertaining nonfiction book. Some may think the book is a bit morbid, but I found it endlessly fascinating. Maybe that's because my mother was a genealogist who taught me that cemeteries were pretty interesting places.You see, I grew up in Louisiana where above-ground tombs were rather commonplace. It's the high water table that makes in-ground burial not an option in a lot of towns. So as a child, I tromped through cemeteries while my mother wrote down dates and read epitaphs aloud. I learned to appreciate tomb art and architecture which, for wealthier "residents" had been commissioned from the most important architects and artists of the particular generation. Yet, the poorest "residents" have grave ornamentation that touches the heart. I remember marbles embedded in a century-old plain square of what looked like baked clay tile that marked the grave of a child.It may sound macabre, but I've visited cemeteries in lots of cities and small towns -- and in countries to which I've traveled. Because of my early exposure to the history inherent in the cemeteries where my ancestors are housed, I never considered a burial ground as spooky or creepy or even depressing. In fact, there's a certain peaceful quietude to be found in a cemetery.When I saw this book, I knew I had to read it if only to satisfy my curiosity about whether Jim Morrison was really in his grave in Paris. Benoit gives the myth of Morrison according to conspiracy theorists. Whether or not he's in the grave in Paris in the Pere-Lachaise Cemetery is up for debate. Regardless, the grave draws a million visitors a year, and, I understand, most Parisians consider it bothersome. (I'd have gone if I'd had time when I was in Paris.)From Aaliyah to Warren Zevon, from Buddy Holly to Kurt Cobain, from rappers to Elvis, from Lombardi and Tom Landry to Walter Payton, Lou Gehrig, and Shoeless Joe Jackson, from Heath Ledger to Marilyn Monroe, from Truman Capote to Norman Mailer, this book covers all who were significant in their respective fields of endeavor.The book gives a short entertaining biography of the person's life, tells how they died, sometimes gives the epitaph, and tells where they're buried, with directions on how to get to the grave site. Although the names in each category aren't listed under the chapter headings, there is a clickable Index in alphabetical order.Loved the book!Like the epitaph on the tomb of Mel Blanc, the man of 1,000 voices, says: "That's all, Folks!"
When I checked this book out, I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into. A book about dead people?!?! Once I started reading I was surprised that I absolutely loved this book! I found myself reading it every spare second that I had. I loved that it covered a broad range of well known people. It was interesting to read a brief history of their lives and deaths. Every day my kids would ask me who I read about and then I'd tell them a little about the people they recognized. Now I want to go tour cemetaries!
What do You think about Where Are They Buried?: How Did They Die? Fitting Ends And Final Resting Places Of The Famous, Infamous, And Noteworthy (2003)?
I've never wanted to see where a celebrity was buried, so the premise of this book was strange to me, and I mostly skipped the parts about directions to gravesites. What WAS interesting were the short little life summaries on a long (650 or so) list of well-known people. I learned some interesting things, and was saddened to note how many died very young due to their lifestyle choices. Such a waste of talent. It was a long book, but easy to stop and start since each little vignette was a page or less.
—Becky Roper
Glad to find someone else interested in cemeteries and who is in them. I began reading this book as soon as I opened the box it arrived in. The author provides some history on the person, the way that person passed on, and where one can find her/him if so desired. I was not sure if this book would be 'good' as in accurate, interesting, and well-written, but I wanted to find out and I did and it is ! First, I checked out some people in which I have an interest. The 1st was Oliver Hardy of Laurel and Hardy, one of my all favorite comedy teams. In the history that was presented, the author mentioned that this team won an Oscar for their short subject The Music Box of which I was not aware and that is my very favorite of all their films. Thus, I am thrilled that they were acknowledged for this short film. Also, I had been informed 'how' Oliver Hardy had passed away. I was pleased to discover that what I was told was incorrect because what I had been told really upset me. I am glad to discover the truth. I continued looking up 'favorites'. I truly wished to read the history part. Next I went to "The Newly Dead". That almost sounds frivolous, but the term is a true statement. Some of those brought tears as some were too young. Then I just browsed through the book and found all kinds of fascinating histories of people. I have picked up this book quite a few times and I know I shall continue to do so. What originally caught my eye was the cover and what is written there. "the Ultimate Field Guide To The Permanent Addresses Of The Stars.". One fascinating piece was Bob Hope's. What a dynamite person he was ! I truly enjoyed reading his history and there was a picture of his final resting place. I know that I shall refer to this book often for the historical information. I am not the type to go and visit someone's grave unless I happen to be in that area for another reason. Just like this summer, my husband was in Springfield, Ill., and he wanted to visit his grandfather's final resting place which he did. President Lincoln is also buried in the same cemetery so my husband went to see Lincoln's final resting place as well. But I give this book 5 stars because of my interest in people's history. Well done !
—Lorraine
