Yours Truly
An Obituary Writer's Guide to Telling Your Story
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- R$ 44,90
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- R$ 44,90
Descrição da editora
In this surprisingly upbeat book about a usually downbeat subject, The Wall Street Journal’s veteran obituary writer, James R. Hagerty, shares his unique skills with those who want to have the last word by crafting their own stories in their own voices—with flourish, honesty, and even humor.
Someday, your life story is likely to be boiled down to a few lines. If you leave things to chance, your obituary is almost sure to be solemn, formulaic, and full of errors—an obligatory final chapter written in haste by others. James R. Hagerty, longtime obit writer for The Wall Street Journal, knows how to get the job done right: Do it yourself, starting now, while you still can.
In this heartfelt and reassuring guide, Hagerty explains how to preserve your personal history—from crafting a brief obituary for newspapers and websites, to a more thoughtful and detailed mini-memoir for those close to you. Through his personal stories, on-the-job anecdotes, and insights, you will learn what to include, what to leave out, and how to provide historical context, record oral histories and make the most of details, all with candor and wit. Best of all, you’ll find that reviewing your life story helps you think about what you’re doing with your time on Earth and whether you’re on the right path. It isn’t too late to improve the narrative with a stronger ending.
Telling your story your way can be the best gift you ever give to friends and loved ones—and yourself.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"Write your own story while you can," exhorts Hagerty (The Fateful History of Fannie Mae), obituary writer for the Wall Street Journal, in this compassionate outing. Drawing on the life stories of famous and ordinary people, Hagerty explores how to write obituaries for oneself or loved ones, encouraging readers to shape their writing process by asking "What were you trying to achieve in life?" and "What was it like the first time you fell in love?" He counters the belief that obituaries should be somber with the story of a viral obituary that honored a mother as a "professional clipper of coupons" and a "terror behind the wheel." Memorable details are vital to capturing a subject's story, Hagerty contends, adding that the subject always knows the details best, which is why readers should consider writing their own obituaries. Hagerty remains focused on the ins and outs of obituary writing, meaning this will most likely appeal only to a niche audience. However, the abundant biographical sketches—which profile the cofounder of H&R Block and a Kentucky woman who fought for accessible health services—provide fascinating glimpses into the broad scope of humanity in a way that will appeal to fans of Humans of New York. This provides solid guidance on obituary writing, as narrow as that goal may be.
