Why Things Are, Volume II (Big Picture Vol. 2)

Rating:
Summary: Smart and funny
Review: Joel Achenbach knows a lot of stuff about a lot of stuff. More importantly, he's willing to go out and ask people when he doesn't know (and doesn't mind giving credit when credit is due, which gives the answers more authority.) Although not as funny as Cecil Adams, his book is still an excellent read. Unlike some authors in this genre, I've never known him to spend pages on dumb, obvious, or other softball questions. In addition to answering questions, he's also got essays, which I liked less well. The book also comes with cartoons, which are quite funny.

Rating:
Summary: Smart and funny
Review: Joel Achenbach knows a lot of stuff about a lot of stuff. More importantly, he's willing to go out and ask people when he doesn't know (and doesn't mind giving credit when credit is due, which gives the answers more authority.) Although not as funny as Cecil Adams, his book is still an excellent read. Unlike some authors in this genre, I've never known him to spend pages on dumb, obvious, or other softball questions. In addition to answering questions, he's also got essays, which I liked less well. The book also comes with cartoons, which are quite funny.