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Summary: Not intended to be an authority of "everything". . .
Review: Lives up to its title. Offers insights into things we pretend to know about. Very informative and with many relevent subjects. Now, if only I can remember the answers if anyone ever asks.
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Summary: Neither a dictionary nor the Word of God. . .
Review: This book doesn't pretend to be the end all be all of knowledge compedia. It's a relatively humorous look at some of the things that you may have fudged on in the passed and hoped you wouldn't get caught on. Roughly one in 120 people are allergic to peanuts. Fewer than 1/20th of that amount are allergic to MSG (if such an allergy even exists). Sorry, but it's a medical fact. N.E.J.M. Mar. 1998- If you want to read something humorous and mildly insightful, read this book. If you have serious concerns about allergies, see a doctor.
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Summary: Bathroom reading?
Review: This book has a charming cover and wonderful printing. It makes a nice gift for young people (they'll probably keep it in the bathroom?). Ms. Padwa's writing style is engaging. In the introduction she says that although this book is not thorough, it "has the facts you need to hold your head high" -- that said, I was disappointed to read a few misguided "facts" within the book. Perhaps this is because she admitted to poring over books and articles but did not mention any conversations with actual people. And, with the number of contradictory books and articles on every subject, this method would have to produce somewhat flawed results. The flaws are annoying but forgivable, and since she writes as if she is having a pleasant conversation, I still open the book to random pages and read a bit from time to time.
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