To-Do Lists of the Dead [Paperback]

Jonathan Katz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2000

Ever wondered what George Washington put on his "To-Do" list? According to funnyman Jonathan Katz' book To-Do Lists of the Dead, it said check gums for termites and bury the hatchet. Katz has done it again. During a layover at LaGuardia Airport, Katz entertained himself with his PalmPilot digital organizer by creating "To-Do" lists of famous-and deceased-political figures, entertainers, and rock musicians. The result: the hilarious To-Do Lists of the Dead. This wickedly clever compilation shows celebrities' tasks that were completed and those put off too long. For example: FDR 1. Come up with a more upbeat name for the "greatest depression" (not done) 2. Think of one more thing we have to fear for speech (not done) 3. Insist on twin beds (checked off) Katz's creative comic ingenuity in To-Do Lists of the Dead illustrates why he's one of the few comics HBO has showcased in its stand-up series.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing; Original edition (August 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0740700359
• ISBN-13: 978-0740700354
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,725,191 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jonathan Katz, co-creator and star of Comedy Central's Dr. Katz: Professional Therapist, is a stand-up comic, musician, actor, and screenwriter.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A half-hour's worth of groan inducing one-liners..., September 13, 2001

By 

pammylamb (Lemont, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: To-Do Lists of the Dead (Paperback)

I've seen Jonathan Katz interviewed on TV, and he is really really funny. Unfortunately, this book offers more "guffaws" than real laughter. The to-do lists have a *high* groan factor, such as these gems: Jim Henson: Try talking without socks on my hands; Norman Rockwell: Submit painting of severed head to "Saturday Evening Post," just to see their reaction; or Dwight Einsenhower: Rework "I'm Fond of Ike" campaign slogan. I bought this as a bathroom book that we could read for a while, and I read the whole thing in less than half an hour. Kind of a drag, I was expecting much more from him. I guess this could be a good $10 office grab bag gift, but that's about it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars good, but old, September 26, 2000

By 

"tendollarsushi" (Blacksburg, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: To-Do Lists of the Dead (Paperback)

I first heard of this book when Katz was on the Daily Show. It's a funny book, but some entries just make you want to groan sometimes. Definitely a good light-hearted read to waste a Sunday afternoon.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Funny but insubstantial, December 2, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: To-Do Lists of the Dead (Paperback)

If you're wondering what Jonathan Katz has been doing since Dr. Katz -- you'll have to keep on wondering because this book couldn't have taken more than a few hours to write. I'm usually a huge fan of Katz's work, but this one isn't quite up to his usual standards. Katz tries to carry the book on what is essentially a one-joke premise, which quickly wears thin. Don't get me wrong - it is a funny book, just a little insubstantial. If you're looking for the wit and offbeat humor you usually get from Katz, this light volume may disappoint. Still, (as one reviewer noted) it's not a bad way to waste a Sunday afternoon.