Overlooked is a series of obituaries about remarkable people whose deaths, beginning in 1851, went unreported in The Times. I have noticed recently that the Times is starting to run a series of "overlooked" people and as I read about these incredible people it's so maddening that they weren't honored at the time -- in life or death. This book begins to rectify this by publishing these hidden stories with beautiful writing and photos. I am glad these 66 people are finally getting their due.

Thank you to Netgalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for an ARC and I voluntarily left this review.

"Overlooked" by Amisha Padnani is a delightful celebration of unsung heroes who defied norms and left an indelible mark on the world. Padnani's keen storytelling unveils the lives of remarkable individuals often relegated to the shadows of history. With a captivating blend of research and empathy, she brings to light the stories of those who broke the rules, challenging our perceptions of what it means to be a trailblazer.

The book is a refreshing departure from the usual narratives, shedding light on underappreciated figures who deserve a place in the spotlight. From groundbreaking scientists to unsung activists, "Overlooked" paints a vivid mosaic of diverse achievements. Padnani's writing is both engaging and respectful, ensuring that these stories are not just remembered but celebrated.

As you flip through the pages, you'll find yourself inspired by the resilience and audacity of these unsung heroes. "Overlooked" is not just a collection of biographies; it's a testament to the human spirit's capacity for change and progress. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a renewed appreciation for the countless individuals who, against all odds, shaped the world we live in today.

Begun as a chance to address the inherent biases of the newspaper of record, the New York Times’, obituary coverage, the book Overlooked presents the obituaries of sixty-six courageous, remarkable or other ways noteworthy figures previously left out.

First published, beginning in 2018, the book collects the Overlooked articles first few years. Each of the figures featured gets a full obituary describing their lives with an emphasis on their notable accomplishment(s) and their legacy. Supplementing each write up are a number of photos depicting the subject or linked content. There are also miniature entries about the process of writing obituaries, researching for them or more general reflections on the needed speed or other issues of journalism.

A celebratory introduction to many figures who fall outside the standard notable white man, this volume looks at the lives of activists, artists, comedians, motorcycle enthusiasts, inventors or a survivor/hiker.

Overlooked asks us to reconsider the past and what stories or experiences were not shared that should be, either for their importance as firsts or as role models for how we should continue to act today.

What interesting people did not get #obituaries in the #NewYorkTimes? A few are collected in Overlooked: A Celebration of Remarkable, Underappreciated People Who Broke the Rules and Changed the World by Amisha Padnani. One could argue whether the first woman to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel actually “changed the world,” but many in this book did, whether their names are now familiar, like Alan Turing, or have fallen into obscurity. This collection shows how personal editorial choices are. #netgalley

This would be an absolutely wonderful coffee table book! It’s full of fascinating obituaries of individuals overlooked by society who still made big impacts! It’s quite long, but it’s worth the read!

NetGalley ARC Educator 550974


As a child I would read the obituaries with my grandparents. As I've gotten older, I find myself spending hours reading and reviewing them. This book was a marvel, some of the people I was familiar with and others were new. The authors did a fantastic job. I hope this is the first of many.

I really enjoyed Overlooked! I had only heard a few of these stories before reading and I’m so glad I’ve found them through this book.