Sam Roberts and Geoff Bennett discuss the art of obituary writing on 'Settle In'

Sam Roberts has spent over a decade writing obituaries for The New York Times. His book, Are They Dead Yet? explores the art of writing obituaries and the lessons it has taught him about life. Geoff Bennett interviewed Roberts for the latest episode of the PBS news podcast, Settle In. Roberts began his career writing about death, but he admits he has always been uncomfortable with the concept.

Growing up in a Brooklyn family where death was often denied, he recalls how his aunt's response to a neighbor's question about his father's health was simply "so-so". This cultural conditioning shaped his perspective on death and its place in society. As Roberts writes in his book, obituaries are not about death itself, but rather about the lives of the deceased.

They offer a glimpse into the person's unique impact on the world and society at large. Despite being a challenging and often overlooked aspect of journalism, Roberts believes that writing obituaries is one of the most coveted positions in the field. The process involves uncovering hidden stories about people who may not have been previously recognized, highlighting their contributions and enduring legacies.

Through his work, Roberts emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the value of ordinary individuals who, in their own ways, have made significant contributions to the world.