Podcast Summary: "John Kenney, I SEE YOU'VE CALLED IN DEAD: A Novel" on Totally Booked with Zibby
Podcast: Totally Booked with Zibby
Host: Zibby Owens
Guest: John Kenney
Episode Release Date: April 1, 2025
1. Introduction to John Kenney and His Work
Zibby Owens kicks off the episode by introducing John Kenney, a multifaceted author with an impressive portfolio, including three novels and four poetry books. Notably, Kenney's debut novel, Truth in Advertising, secured the prestigious Thurber Prize for American Humor, and his Love Poems for Married People achieved New York Times bestseller status. His latest work, I See You've Called In Dead: A Novel, is highlighted as an indie next pick, signaling its acclaim among independent bookstores.
Notable Quote:
"John Kenney is the New York Times best selling author of Love Poems for Married People, which if you haven't read, you have to. It is hilarious and inspired a whole series of love poems." — Zibby Owens [03:17]
2. Exploring the Premise of "I See You've Called In Dead"
I See You've Called In Dead centers around Bud Stanley, an obituary writer grappling with personal turmoil. After his wife leaves him for a more intriguing man, Bud drunkenly writes his own obituary as a jest, which inadvertently gets published. This mishap leads to the chaos of being "dead" in his company's system, preventing his termination. As a result, Bud navigates the wakes and funerals of strangers alongside his best friend, Tim, whose presence catalyzes profound transformations in Bud's life.
Notable Quote:
"In a sentence, I think the book is about an obituary writer who doesn't know how to live." — John Kenney [04:36]
3. Personal Inspirations Behind the Novel
Kenney delves into the deeply personal inspiration for his novel, recounting the recent loss of his brothers—his firefighter brother Tom to pancreatic cancer and another brother, Michael, to glioblastoma. These experiences with loss and the remarkable resilience and humor exhibited by his brothers profoundly influenced the narrative and themes of his book.
Notable Quote:
"The two emotions that fascinate me are laughing and crying. And so I wanted to write a book about that." — John Kenney [05:43]
4. Themes of Death, Humor, and Coping Mechanisms
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around how Kenney grapples with death and loss, integrating dark humor as a coping mechanism. He emphasizes the importance of balancing joy with the inherent pain of loss, suggesting that genuine happiness is nuanced by the ever-present reminder of life's fragility.
Notable Quote:
"I don't want to walk around with unbridled joy, because I don't think that's. I think real joy comes from having that pain there as the counterweight." — John Kenney [09:38]
5. Character Dynamics and Relationships
Kenney provides an in-depth analysis of his characters, particularly Bud and Tim. Bud's journey is portrayed as a mirror to Kenney's own emotional growth, highlighting themes of vulnerability, empathy, and the transformative power of genuine friendship. Tim, despite his physical challenges, embodies resilience and serves as a catalyst for Bud's self-discovery.
Notable Quote:
"Bud loves Tim in a way that is really completely pure and platonic and needs him in a way that the best friendships are where you need that person." — John Kenney [20:35]
6. The Writing Process and Crafting the Narrative
Kenney shares his unconventional writing habits, emphasizing flexibility and inspiration over rigid schedules. He likens writing to activities like golfing or running—integral yet fluid parts of his daily life. Deadlines, both self-imposed and professional, play a crucial role in maintaining his productivity and creativity.
Notable Quote:
"Being a writer is like being a golfer or being a runner. It's the thing you do when you have the time." — John Kenney [23:09]
7. Balancing Personal Loss with Creative Expression
The conversation touches on how Kenney's personal tragedies have shaped his storytelling, infusing his work with authenticity and emotional depth. He discusses the delicate balance of honoring loved ones while navigating his grief, ultimately channeling his experiences into relatable and impactful narratives.
Notable Quote:
"The dark humor and this sort of way of thinking about death and the upsides, if you will, and what it can teach you informs the narrative in this book too." — Zibby Owens [10:35]
8. Concluding Thoughts and Final Reflections
As the interview wraps up, Kenney expresses profound gratitude towards Zibby Owens for supporting and publishing his work. He acknowledges the therapeutic aspect of writing and hopes that his book resonates with readers, offering both entertainment and poignant reflections on life and death.
Notable Quote:
"What you're doing is amazing, and I feel very lucky that you're taking this book on. So thank you." — John Kenney [26:57]
9. Additional Insights and Personal Anecdotes
Throughout the episode, Kenney shares personal anecdotes that illustrate his coping mechanisms and the importance of friendships in navigating grief. His humorous take on otherwise somber topics provides a unique lens through which listeners can engage with themes of loss and resilience.
Notable Quote:
"I remember we were in the back of the limousine taking us to the cemetery... my brother Tom... said, 'Oh, this must be the dead letter office.'" — John Kenney [06:14]
10. Final Encouragement and Closing Remarks
Zibby Owens concludes the episode by urging listeners to engage with John Kenney's work, emphasizing the book's ability to entertain while delivering meaningful messages about life, death, and the human spirit.
Notable Quote:
"We're laughing, we're crying. We don't get out of bed." — Zibby Owens [14:31]
Conclusion
This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby offers a heartfelt and insightful exploration into John Kenney's latest novel, I See You've Called In Dead: A Novel. Through candid conversation, Kenney delves into personal loss, the healing power of humor, and the intricate dynamics of friendship, all of which are intricately woven into his storytelling. Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of how personal experiences shape creative expression and the universal quest to find meaning amidst chaos.
Resources:
- For more information about Totally Booked with Zibby, visit zibbymedia.com or follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens.
- To purchase I See You've Called In Dead: A Novel and other works by John Kenney, visit your local bookstore or online retailers.