Meet the July Libby Reads book club pick: “I See You've Called in Dead”
Ever fallen into a funk? Obituary writer Bud Stanley certainly knows all about that.
After accidentally publishing his own obituary during a mildly drunken evening, Bud finds himself on the verge of losing his job and questioning just about everything else, too. So, what does he do? Attends the wakes and funerals of total strangers to learn how to live again.
Starting July 9, you can discover Bud’s story in the latest Libby Reads book club pick, I See You’ve Called in Dead by John Kenney. Borrow the ebook or audiobook for free through your library and join readers around the world for this heartfelt, hilarious exploration of grief, friendship, and second chances.
❤️ Readers are loving this book! It’s already earning major recognition, including:
- One of NPR’s Books We Love 2025
- A Gotham Book Prize Finalist
- An Indie Next & LibraryReads Pick
- AudioFiles Earphones Award Winner
- Library Journal | Audio “Editor’s Picks of the Year”
- 2026 Lariat Adult Fiction Reading List Pick
Book club details
Who? Readers everywhere!
What? Read the ebook or listen to the audiobook of I See You’ve Called in Dead for free with no holds or wait lists.
Where? Participating libraries worldwide
When? July 9 – 23
How? Just download the Libby app, borrow the title from your participating local library, and start reading or listening on your phone, tablet, or computer.
💬 It wouldn’t be a true book club without the discussion! Join the conversation to share your own thoughts on the story's themes and characters, and see how others interpreted Bud's unconventional journey. Don’t forget the snacks!
Looking for more dark, emotional comedies?
Cammy Sitting Shiva
by Cary Gitter
This darkly funny debut delivers an unflinching look at grief, family dynamics, and the complicated journey back home. Equal parts heartfelt and humorous, it's perfect for readers who appreciate stories that tackle loss with both honesty and warmth.
I Hope This Finds You Well
by Natalie Sue
In this wildly funny and heartwarming office comedy, an admin worker accidentally gains access to her colleagues' private emails and DMs and decides to use this intel to save her job—a laugh-till-you-cry debut novel you'll be eager to share with your entire list of contacts.
The Threat
by Nathaniel Stein
A darkly comic story of Melvin Levin, a middle-aged man who is dissatisfied with his dull and mediocre life. That is, until he receives a mysterious death threat in the mail. Terrified at first, Levin soon becomes accustomed to the threat—and then delighted with it. But he soon risks blinding himself to the danger of the threat itself and—perhaps worse—his own deranged mind.
Dirty Birds
by Morgan Murray
In late 2007, as the world's economy crumbles, the remarkably unremarkable Milton Ontario leaves his parent's basement in Saskatchewan and sets forth to find fame, fortune, and love in the electric sexuality of Montreal, to bask in endless Millennial adolescence, to escape the infinite flatness of Saskatchewan, and to find his messiah: Leonard Cohen.
Leonard and Hungry Paul
by Ronan Hession
Popular Irish musician Ronan Hession tells the story of two single, 30-something men who still live with their parents and who are… nice. They take care of their parents and play board games together. They like to read. They take satisfaction from their work. They are resolutely kind. And they realize that none of this is considered… normal.
*Title availability may vary.
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RELATED READ: Past Libby Reads book club picks for your TBR inspiration
Published Jul 02, 2026
Annie Suhy
Annie Suhy is the editor of Libby Life. When she’s not working, practicing yoga, or petting cats, she’s doing paint-by-numbers and buying more plants. An avid poetry fan, her favorite collection is The Splinter Factory by Jeffrey McDaniel. She is an Aries.