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Rating: 
Summary: THE OPERATIVE NUMBER - 5/5
Review: Combining wit, humour, history and sociology into one book proves to be an exciting cultural adventure for Kiger and Smith. The things that we take for granted and their implications for modern life are laid out with such a sense of fun, that you almost forgive the guys who created air conditioning and tv dinners for their contributions to a comfortable, yet more isolated world. One reference to George W. Bush in the book is so unexpected that it makes one laugh out loud, then long for the old days of high ceilings and accordion fans. As a Canadian who hates mowing lawns, it is comforting to know that we didn't start the trend, but annoying to see how like always, we seem to follow. (My "Canadian Identity" was shattered after realizing that I knew of each and every innovation in this book quite well...LOL) And the chapter on Kinsey makes one wonder how a guy who knew so little became the most knowledgeable man in the world in his field.... Read it, pass it on, use it for those times you have a lag in the conversation, and need "a little known fact" to jumpstart it again. It should also be required reading for modern history classes and sociology majors who need something concrete to illustrate how a little thing can make a big difference culturally. This book is like finding the dump on an archeological dig- thrilling and important, but much less dirty, and a heck of a lot more fun to dig through.
Rating:
Summary: THE OPERATIVE NUMBER - 5/5
Review: Combining wit, humour, history and sociology into one book proves to be an exciting cultural adventure for Kiger and Smith. The things that we take for granted and their implications for modern life are laid out with such a sense of fun, that you almost forgive the guys who created air conditioning and tv dinners for their contributions to a comfortable, yet more isolated world. One reference to George W. Bush in the book is so unexpected that it makes one laugh out loud, then long for the old days of high ceilings and accordion fans. As a Canadian who hates mowing lawns, it is comforting to know that we didn't start the trend, but annoying to see how like always, we seem to follow. (My "Canadian Identity" was shattered after realizing that I knew of each and every innovation in this book quite well...LOL) And the chapter on Kinsey makes one wonder how a guy who knew so little became the most knowledgeable man in the world in his field.... Read it, pass it on, use it for those times you have a lag in the conversation, and need "a little known fact" to jumpstart it again. It should also be required reading for modern history classes and sociology majors who need something concrete to illustrate how a little thing can make a big difference culturally. This book is like finding the dump on an archeological dig- thrilling and important, but much less dirty, and a heck of a lot more fun to dig through.
Rating: 
Summary: Only somewhat interesting
Review: I sort of felt like the authors of this book put a whole bunch of ideas in a hat they liked and picked them out. It makes for an interesting (usually) mish-mash of stories about why things are the way they are in America. Touching on topics from America's obsessions with lawns to how air conditioning has affected politics, there are some interesting entries here to read just because you're an American. Other chapters seem like they are more geared to people with a specific interest (and written as if they are too, I was totally lost during the guitar chapter). Worth a look I guess.
Rating: 
Summary: An Interesting Read
Review: Poplorica is quite an interesting read--the authors have chosen 20 innovative ideas, things or trends and written essays on how this particular thing has drastically changed the face of America, at least in its own little slice of life. All chapters are interesting, some more interesting than others--but that's probably going to depend on the reader's interest anyway. The book delves into assumptions many of us take for granted (and the younger you are, the more of these assumptions you probably do take for granted). For instance, what was music life like before the electric guitar. If it weren't for Les Paul and other innovative musicians, we wouldn't have those fabulous guitar solos we so enjoy now. Why does every suburban house have a lawn? Did you ever stop to think about all of the changes the disposable diaper made possible? This is an entertaining and thought-provoking book, if only because it makes you think a bit about various aspects of American culture and how they got they way they are.
Rating:
Summary: Smart, witty, wonderful
Review: Poplorica was an absolute delight. History, sociology, psychology all rolled into one. I'm a fiction reader so when a nonfiction book holds my interest page after page that's incredible. Not only did I love the writing - witty, smart, always on target - but the authors went above and beyond by providing additional sources of information. Poplorica is on my list for father's day and graduation gifts.
Rating:
Summary: A really wild, funny book
Review: Pros: the writers have a nice, easy to read style, filled with plenty of ironic humor.
Cons: they should have done 25 items instead of 20! POPLORICA is a very absorbing and amusing book, filled with strange facts and events--how a young Muhammad Ali, for example, copied the flamboyant style of cross-dressing wrestler Gorgeous George, after meeting him on a radio show, how Alfred Kinsey became a sex researcher after his own disastrous honeymoon, why Americans are so obsessed with their lawns and with losing weight, how the electric guitar was invented, etc. The book is divided into 20 chapters and each one is a separate story, so it's ideal reading material if you only have a few minutes at a time to pick it up....a great book to read on a plane trip or the beach, or to leave on your nightstand. Every chapter has some sort of strange, odd surprise in it that will leave you laughing.
Rating:
Summary: Why you should buy this book
Review: There are two reasons you should buy this book. First, it's fun to read. You can jump in almost anywhere and find something interesting. Secondly, you'll find yourself quoting it like crazy. And when you do you'll feel smart and people will say, "Wow, I never knew that!" The authors did a great job of finding things you always wondered about and telling you the story behind it. My favorites are the one about the development of the Big Bertha Golf Club and the electric guitar -- I mean, I never knew that!
Rating:
Summary: FACTOIDS THAT REALLY MATTER!
Review: This is one of those "salted peanuts" books--I dare you to read just one entry. The authors have managed to find the zero milestones for all sorts of taken-for-granted things--from lawns to electric guitars--and darned if there aren't fascinating back-stories for one and all. Alternately funny as hell and strangely touching, this is a book that elevates the commonplace to pop heaven. Sequel, anyone?
Rating:
Summary: Smart, witty, wonderful
Review: This is the kind of reference book that would have made those boring college courses more than bearable. And its quirky "take" on American pop culture serves as a useful complement to Ken Burns, "American Experience" and "Antiques Roadshow." Are you listening, PBS?
Rating:
Summary: History Made Fascinating!
Review: This is the kind of reference book that would have made those boring college courses more than bearable. And its quirky "take" on American pop culture serves as a useful complement to Ken Burns, "American Experience" and "Antiques Roadshow." Are you listening, PBS?
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