In the Event of My Untimely Demise: Twenty Things My Son Needs to Know

by Brian Sack

When Brian Sack's mother passed away, he was left with a letter and a pink cardigan. The cardigan was promptly placed in a drawer, but the letter was pure gold. In just a few pages of fancy cursive, her posthumous dispatch offered the kind of guidance you would expect from a mother to her young son. And while he didn't necessarily follow all the advice, he never forgot how very important those words—and that letter—were to him. Decades later, on the verge of parenthood himself, Brian decided to write something for his own child, wanting a legacy, and not just a pink cardigan, to leave to his son. But far from the usual collection of advice, Brian has written a sharp, sage, warts-and-all survival guide to life. With quick wit and self-deprecating honesty, Sack draws from his experiences, tapping them for the humor within. Holding nothing back, Every chapter takes on subjects ranging from the universal and mundane to the life changing and inevitable. With its funny and heartfelt musings from a father to a son, In the Event of My Untimely Demise is a delightful life primer for all of us.

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2008

Reviews

[The_J]

An interesting take on how to pass it on.

[Jeremy]

This gets off to a good start with author Brian Sack poignantly remembering the letter his mother left for him (she died of breast cancer when he was a young man). It's a heartfelt moment in the book and sets a nice tone.
As the pages turn, however, the book moves from this sentimental premise to something closer to a memoir or set of anecdotes. What was meant to be a message for Sack's own sons turns into a chance for the author to insert jokes at every possible opportunity. This can't-turn-a-joke-down pace takes a lot away from the book's initial foundation and made me begin to think that Sack should've stayed the course (and he's probably not as funny as he thinks he is).
A bit self-indulgent, but the intro, first 30 pages and conclusion help save it.

[Dan Moore]

I'm still reading this book, but so far it's been a disappointment. The humor seems forced, and the funny, telling stories has been simply sad or predictable so far. More to come as I read more. At least it looks like a quick read.

Update. I've finished the book now. Although it did get better, I cannot say it's anything I would recommend. I think this topic has so much opportunity. What's funnier that the things you tell your kids, and the stories associated? Again, the humor seemed forced, although it did seem to flow better as I read more of the book. Get this one from the library, which is where mine is going.

[Winnifred]

The author's most prized possession is a letter received from his mother after she died when he was 12. This book is a letter written to his own son giving his advice on everything from love to career and life goals. He relates his own life experiences and how he feels about his son. I loved this book. Lots of humor mixed with good advice.

[William]

As much as this topic is overdone, Brian Sack still pulls together some interesting bits of advice. A few passages here and there are truly worth the time it takes to get through this short book of accumulated wisdom as passed down to one's offspring.

[Leah]

It was a good book. There were fantastic parts, where I was thinking, YES! And then, there were other parts where I was thinking more along the lines of, huh? Overall, it was fun and interesting and got me thinkig about what I want to teach and leave for my own children.

[Clara T]

I was sold on this book when I read the introduction which was not only funny but surprisingly deep for a humor book. Overall it was very witty and had me laughing a lot. I really liked this book.

[Alisha]

it seemed so promising and witty at first, but failed to live up to that promise after just a few chapters

[Tara]

Solid advice, hilariously told.

[Colorado Buck]

this book is rather funny, and is a man's perspective on child-rearing, and has some good insights, so far, it's a good read.

[Jeanette]

So far, so good. I like the author's dry humor.

[Jill]

This seems like it will be a fun read, I'm hoping to find it at the library.

[Damon C]

Really good book. I think he tries a little too hard in places, but its a great idea and from the heart, with a twist of humor

[Marie]

This book was just silly. I was pleasantly surprised at the absurd and yet loving advice. Definitely a fun read and it only took me a few hours.

[Kate]

Cute book. Good advice.

[Siradrich]

A great read, and some wonderful insight on life, family and parenting.

[Kit]

I'll probably come back to this one...