Trivia Books

I was hugely disappointed with this Uncle John's offering and will most likely not purchase an "Uncle John Presents" book again.

While some of the happenstances were definitely noteworthy Dumb, most were just interpretations of the author's view of "dumb". I want fact, not commentary. I want to form my own opinion of whether something is dumb or not. I do not want to have some other guy's opinion of what is dumb shoved down my throat.

Although delegated to the bathroom of my house, as are all of the Uncle John's books, no one read past the first few entries.

"Hand me my lighter so I can see if the gas tank is full...."

If that sounds like a good idea to you, there's probably a profile of your finest moments in this volume from Uncle John!

Stupid criminals, stupid movies, stupid comments, stupid quizzes... I think you get the idea. If it's dumb, it's in here, and it's all amazingly funny.

I'd like to tell you this is fiction, but I'm not that dumb -- or optimistic.

Recommended!

I love the bathroom reader series, and the content of this book is mostly up to their usual standards, but I have to agree with the last reviewer. Uses large text, wide margins, and half empty pages to get the page number so high. Could have easily fit into less than 100 pages.

Funny, but not worth it for the money.

The anecdotes, stories and articles featured in Uncle John's Presents The Book of the Dumb are very, very funny. It's hard for me to believe that so much idiocy exists in the world (well, outside of the men in my family), but writer Scalzi's collection of dumb acts, dumb criminals, dumb movies, and dumb quotes proves that stupidity is everywhere.

The only thing that bothered me was that I felt somewhat stupid for having bought this book, or should I say this half-book. Large type, wide margins, and lavish use of white space makes this book seem far smaller than 312 pages. Perhaps this book would better suit a reader who enjoys reading at a very leisurely pace, say ten pages a day. Those who like to plow through a book might feel disappointed.

This is a sensational collection of tales of stupid people, governments or decisions which span for one or two pages each. This easy to read format makes the book ideal to read as either a few stories at a time or from cover to cover. Dumb movie festival is an excellent inclusion in this collection as well where you get to actually read negative reviews by real publications and not just the positive ones the public relations departments of the film industry put out. I have read many of this genre of books such as The Darwin Awards Trilogy, Ripley's Believe it or Not and other Uncle John's collections and I have no doubt that this is the best of them all. You'll laugh, you'll smile, you'll be glad you bought this masterpiece.

2107 Curious Word Origins, Sayings, & Expressions / 0-88365-845-3

I picked up this book second-hand, but I didn't get a chance to get around to it until I had my wisdom teeth taken out. Banished to bed by a well-meaning family (it honestly didn't hurt!), I finally got a chance to browse through this large tome.

2107 Curious Word Origins is a fun read, and an even more fun "skim". The expressions are dealt with in plain, straightforward English prose, with the author carefully and engagingly outlining the origins and usage of each unusual word or phrase. Some of the phrases are a bit out-of-date to my ears (or perhaps I live in the wrong area of the country) - "hog on ice" was certainly something I'd never heard before. But other words (juggernaut) were very familiar - so familiar that I was startled to realize that I'd never even bothered to wonder where they had come from before!

It was interesting to see the evolution of common words and terms, and while most of this can probably be found online, you're unlikely to find them all compiled together in an easily browsed source. I will admit that this probably isn't a cover-to-cover read, but it is useful for looking up terms and fun for browsing on a lazy afternoon. I recommend this book, if only because it is so unique and the price on Amazon is so cheap.

I'm terribly fond of this collection as both a useful resource and an entertaining read. The information contained herein is useful, informative, and written in an engaging, accessible style. If you've ever wondered about the origins of curious expressions or words, here is the place to look.

What a fun book! We often pull this one off the shelf when we use an expression and wonder where it comes from. It is a book that invites browsing, and is hard to close once you are into it. We've learned all sorts of great stuff from this book, and since language does not develop in a void, what we have gleaned from this book has led us to research and learning about other areas as well.

You know those books that use too many of these. . . 1888 (ci) [belg.] having to do with or related to: (types of) {relative to}. . . Kinda hard to follow with all that jargon. Simple phrases aren't in there. Index doesn't really organize the words or phrases well. It is almost written like a dictionary but not in alphabetical order. The book didn't focus on phrases as much as it did single words like "cannibal" and "catacomb" and so on.

Not what I expected (very big and bulky book). I reccomend Heavens To Betsy & Other Curious Sayings but since the republishing of it (2002) it seems it has changed. Oh well

I came across this book at a local bookstore that had a selection of books for word lovers. I perused it while I drank my frappacino, and soon was convinced I had to take it home with me. It is the most intriguing book I have ever read. It is formatted like a dictionary, but for everyone who loves word origin and other trivia, you will come back to it time and again. It is an example of useless knowledge at its best. The history of the word "omelette" is absolutely fascinating, and the evolution in the pronunciation of "one" intrigues me. They still can't decide where "hobo" comes from.

I should mention one minute drawback--the man who first wrote these books (and his son continues the tradition) lived at the beginning of the twentieth century, so the book isn't as "hip" as the title would seem to indicate. If you aren't already interested in words, this won't get you going.

Keep a copy of this book handy in your bathroom...but don't use the pages for toilet paper, they're way too interesting! I found bite-size nuggets of enlightenment on such varied topics as Hitler (actually an artistic sort of guy), Bra Burning (it never happened), and Farting (not fatal even if you burp at the same time--whew!). Underneath the somewhat garish cover is a fascinating collection of well-researched trivia tidbits you could use to share a chuckle, or settle an argument with a friend. I'm planning to give a couple of copies to my most outrageously misinformed friends...and that's a "fact."

Interesting and worth reading but anyone with 21st century sense already knows most of these. Seems as though the author's could have just cited snopes for all of the information. The photos in the book are lousy. However, there is still enough info in the book to make it worth reading.

From the Author's Note all the way through to the last word on page 236, the author's conversational (and charmingly cheeky) commentary on these "hundreds of 'facts' you thought were true, but aren't" is a pleasure to read. Adding this book, Gideon-style, to the bedside tables of hotels around the world, would save thousands of weary travelers from the boredom of channel surfing, enabling them to read something that is not only fun and interesting but educational. Great gift for teens or adults with an appetite for trivia and learning the unexpected.

An intriguing way to delve into "Amazing . . . But False" is to open the handsomely designed and illustrated book at random and make discoveries: Leaves do NOT Change Color in the Fall, Lemmings do NOT Commit Mass Suicide, Richard III was a NOT hunchback, The Statue of Liberty is NOT in New York, You do NOT dream only in black and white.

But fear not, when you learn the truth, you're not likely to feel insulted to patronized. Mr. Diefendorf apologizes in advance in his Author Note for sounding like a know-it-all. He doesn't have to. He presents his information in easy-to-take fashion. And he divides his nuggets into categories, like "Famous Firsts," "History," "People," and so on.

More:

The America's Cup is NOT named for the U.S.A, Cinderella DID NOT wear glass slippers, Winston Churchill DID NOT coined the phrase "blood, sweat, and tears . . . "

The book will serve as a good argument settler, too. I suggest that you leave it lying about, where guests will be certain to find it. Then, after a drink or too tell them that Mama Cass did NOT die from choking on a ham sandwich, and Napoleon wasn't a shrimp, and cats do NOT always land on their feet.

But please don't toss kitty into the air trying to prove this. You'll waste your time and annoy Ms. Puss.

There's a foreword by James Randi, and a unique "Epilogue in Five Dedications." Hmmm . . .

Leo Durocher never said "nice guys finish last," Marie Antoinette never urged people to eat cake, it's perfectly okay to deliberately split an infinitive . . .

Having this book in your library is something that you will enjoying showing your friends and family, but don't take it to seriously. While most of the explanations given in the book are true, many of them are so only if you love to nit pick. For instance, the author states that leaves do not change colors in the fall. What? Everyone knows they do, they see them turn from green, to orange or read or yellow. If that is not a color change, then what is it? True, the leaves are green because of the presence of chlorophyll, which disappears when the leaves die, exposing the true color of the leaf cells, nevertheless, a change from green to red is a color change.

There are other points where the author is correct only because of a nit pick. He claims that the Earthquake of 1906 did not destroy San Francisco, the fire the quake started did. But would the fires have occurred if the earthquake not happened? Saying the fires destroyed the city, not the quake is like saying the knife stab did kill the man, the blood loss did.

Of course, there are times when the author contradicts himself. In one section he disproves there is no "Dark side of the moon", then a few sections later uses the "dark side of the moon" as a physical place in his conclusion.

He even delves into the area of religion when he defends why the myth of the Great Flood and Noah's Ark should be in the Bible. Simply because there was an actual ancient flood does not mean it is the source or should be considered the source of the Great Flood mentioned in the Bible. He fails to make that distinction. Nor does he mention any of the non flood theories for the Biblical myth

For the most part, most of his explanations are correct, but there are more than a few which are only correct to when applying the most anal interpretation of the supposed myth. Yet, it is a reference book most intelligent people will find interesting and somewhat enlightening.

Love this book. Very very interesting and informative. So many facts I did not know. If you are interested in the president's, this is a must read.

I knew everything on the quiz in the back of the book, and there were some things that I thought he would know that were left out. It was an okay book, I read it in one day. It's not my favorite book about Presidents, but it was alright.

It seems as if the previous reviewer has not read this book! It seems writer Ross is critiquing an interview he saw on TV and not the book. I thought this was for a book critiques. Possibly Writer Ross can critique the interview on the CSPAN Site. This book is a fair portrayal of all the presidents written with extreme admiration and respect for the office of president. We all need to read this and be more patriotic and thankful rather than willing to pick a part a child who has obviously been taught or has learned to respect the office of the presidency. THIS BOOK IS BIPARTISAN...the reviewer mentioning CSPAN interview is not.

This book seems to be for all ages who want to know really interesting things about Presidents, their families, the office, secret service, the white house...you name it! FABULOUS!!!!!! When is the First Lady Book coming out?

Just saw the child-author, Mccullough, a Texan, discuss his book on CSPAN2 (BOOK TV).He unsold this book to me the moment he revealed his admiration for George W. Bush and Tom Delay. This potential purchaser is curious to discover what true facts were used in the George W. section.
I suspect the 9/11 Commission and the Iraq Study Group would be a helpful resource for Mccullough, but citing his affection for Bush is evidence those two primary resources were more than likely not on his reading list.

An excellently written resource about our nation's presidents. Tons of educational facts, along with entertaining trivia tidbits. This is a great book for children and adults. My children's school PTA bought a copy for every teacher.

This $3 booklet is the size of a greeting card. There are 24 "fantastic facts" on 43 pages. The postage is $3.99. Buyer beware.

This is a quaint little book that is full of interesting facts. My fifth graders have enjoyed listening to the unusual stories. The entries are quick and easy and great for filling those 5 minute gaps or introducing a lesson.

I purchased this book for my daughter who is 9. It is a really good book for children and for adults. There were quite a few interesting things listed in the book that I did not already know. A real fun book, but dont expect a doctoral thesis.

Ms. Keefer needs to improve her spelling, especially if she is a 4th grade teacher (see her review). I live "on" the Oregon Trail, in Pocatello, Idaho. My wife and I visit Oregon Trail sites (especially visual "ruts") whenever we can. Michael Trinklein is a well-respected historian; this book is a keeper!

Although this book is not intended to (and won't) gove you a comprehensive overview of the history of the Oregon Trail, this is still a very good book to read if you are interested in the era. I learned quite a bit about it, and found it fascinating. Some great facts. Definitely worth reading.

This book was very enjoyable, I liked how it had so many topics of humor. It captures the spirit of humanity these days. However, it was like the generic version of McFools Internet humor, a book my friend just got. I liked hers better.

I rely on laughter to keep myself sane and Humor on the Net is one of the funniest books I've read. Every time I open it I find something that tickles my funnybone and lifts my spirits. And there are so many jokes in this book that it never gets old!

I also love how this book is organized. If I read a funny joke and I want to share it with someone I can find it quickly and easily.

I used to try to print off E-mail jokes I would receive, but keeping all those sheets of paper around didn't work. This book is the answer!

In short, I loved the book!

This is a collection of most of the stories I have read and enjoyed on the net plus many many more. For clean humor about practically anything, this is for you.

I have read this and other books about jokes on the 'net but i have found that they are all pretty useless. There could be a grreat book about this topic but I haven't found it yet!

If you've ever loved, longed for, looked at, leaned on, been around, worked on, worked with, feared, avoided, or hated a computer, then the Tech Support section alone is worth the price of this book.

But it's not just about computers. This book is chock-full of clever sayings, insightful quotes, stories, and jokes about work, sports, relationships, trivia, profound wisdom, and whatever makes you laugh. All neatly categorized in the most handy "funny stuff" reference format I've ever seen. I laugh every time I open it!

its a good book for the fans of oltl i would highly recommend it to the soap fans out there

One Life to Live 40th Anniversary Trivia Book, The: A Fun, Fact-Filled, Everything-You-Want-to-Know-Guide to Your Favorite Soap!

I was very disappointed with this book. Expecting, from the title to be reading trivia about One Life To Live, I didn't expect constant references to other soaps. I was also disappointed that the author didn't appear to research the early years, instead, writing more about most recent storylines. What about Wanda and Vince and Meredith and Larry ??

In good conscience, I can't recommend spending the money on this book.

jackie
an avid reader and OLTL viewer

This book also reminded me of things that I had long forgot on OLTL, and I had been a fan for over 25 years. I concider my self a resident of Lanview Pa (jokinly ;-)).

This book is a must have for any fan of "One Life to Live" filled with unknown facts and hilarious quotes from cast and crew. it is a virtual history of the show.

I have been real happy with all that I have ordered from Amazon.

I love when you contact me & let me know when things that are similar to things I previously ordered are now readily available or will be soon.

Keep up the great work.

This book is a ton of fun. Okay, it may not be the most concise but for what it is it is fun. It was written by the Brits though and so a few of the phrases I've never heard. If you are a know it all, crazy about etymology or you just enjoy oddball trivia books, this book is fun, very informative.

I love useless knowledge and this gives an ample supply and answers some of those impervious little questions.

This book explores the origin of common phrases used in every day speech.

Those reading the book should be aware that not all of the derivations presented are uncontested, and that a couple of the explanations seem truncated.

For example, I would recommend that anyone who is interested in the origin of 'biting the bullet' needs to be aware that the underlying rumour was that the grease was made out of cow or pig fat. The cow is sacred to the Hindu and the pig is an unclean animal to the Muslim. Therefore whether Hindu or Muslim, they felt that they were being forced into a polluting practice. While it is possible that some of the cartridges were made with pig or bullock fat, the contractors had been instructed to use mutton.

The book itself is an entertaining and easy to read addition to a reference library on English language.

Recommended.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

I find these stories about expressions we use, like giving someone the whole nine yards, absolutely fascinating, and this book has hundreds of them, usefully organized. I even like paging through it for fifteen minutes before going to sleep, like having bite sized short stories. Great source for cocktail party conversation, and might make you seem very learned indeed.

This is not the kind of book that you can just sit down and read. It is absolutely mandatory that you have someone nearby that you can tap on the shoulder and ask if they know what a red herring is or a white elephant. And then minutes later you will be bothering them with another gem that you just have to share. And then you interrupt them yet again with another one. Definitely a fun, interactive book.

Trivia facts - some interesting, some boring. One day, the country will come to appreciate the office of vice presidents. Since 1980 to the present, the office has grown in importance and power.

This book provides various lists and trivia about the Vice-Presidents, but if you are looking for something of substance look elsewhere. This would be a worthwhile book were it one third the price. At its present over-inflated price it might be better called a "steal"

Got the book as a reference source and it was chock full of information as I expected, what I didn't expect was it to be so entertaining and funny. While today's VPs are pretty standard cookie-cutters and boring, some of the guys from the 1800s are amazing.... gay, alcoholic, crooked, weird, and just great characters.

I've been looking for information on Vice Presidents ever since we came *this* close to electing a former VP, but instead installed arguably one of the most powerful Vice Presidents in history with Dick Cheney. The facts in this book include many tidbits I have found on my own in reading Presidential biographies, but its nice to have them all in one place.
It was also fun to read through the book as it is still unclear who Kerry will pick as a running mate, and to think about all of the different ways VPs have been selected in the history of our country.
If you are at all interested in the personal politics of the U.S. government, this is a nice niche addition to your reading list!

Everything I needed to know about VP's is in this book. It's a great read. I bought it for my kids and we couldn't stop reading the trivia questions.

This is literally only a trivia book, with trivia questions. Nothing else.

113 pages of trivia and answers. No "behind the scenes," no viewing guide, no synopsis--nothing but questions and answers.

I received this item today, and was so disappointed I am not going to hesitate in returning it in the morning.

Who doesn't love the Golden Girls? I have loved this show from the first time my Mom and I watched it together. This show is definitely a classic. I purchased this trivia book to take on vacation with my Mom and my Aunts, and we are all ready for some Golden Girls trivia.

Great collection of questions!!

My husband picked this up for me because he knows that I am a die hard Golden Girls fan. I enjoyed every moment that I spent reading through it. If you are looking for a gift for a true GG fan this is a great pick! Like the cover CLEARLY STATES though, this book is TRIVIA, not a program guide or other media. So if you are not a devoted and seasoned fan you may not enjoy it.

It is witty, smart, entertaining, fun and sweet. It is a must have.

I love the Golden Girls so I knew I would love this book - and I do!