A Year of Living Curiously: 365 Things Really Worth Knowing

by Elizabeth Foley, Beth Coates

Why is a heart not heart-shaped? Will I ever understand cryptocurrency? What am I doing when I apricate? And is everything getting worse?

Finding the time to appreciate the bounty of our world can be tricky amid the demands of work, family and scrolling our phones. Happily, E. Foley and B. Coates have curated A Year of Living Curiously, a book of daily shots of knowledge that will lift your spirits and expand your mind in a flash. In 365 joyfully random, utterly fascinating entries, you'll learn what the Japanese mean by 'kuchisabishii' and how the Victorians communicate through flowers; you'll start to get quantum computing and discover the secret history of the bobble hat. There are tales of footballing bees and Viking mice, the beginning of the thesaurus and the end of the library of Alexandria.

Spend just two minutes a day with this glorious almanac of curious treasure and you'll end your year full of wonder and just that little bit wiser.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Self Help, Science

304 pages, Hardcover

Published January 14, 2025

Reviews

[Cláudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book with lots of funny and interesting facts to be savored one day at a time :)

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

For every date on the calendar the authors impart facts on various topics. A lovely book to dip in and out of.

[Lisa H Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book. I’ve really enjoyed reading little chunks over the year. The range of info is amazing: science, literature, food, folklore…everything is here. I recommend!

[Bianca Scarlat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I borrowed this I had a time limit in which to read it, however it is worth reading one day every calendar day from it
This book explored a multitude of facts and I was so happy to learn more (though not about how to make specific drinks)
Worthy read and I have many screenshots I have taken of the most interesting facts from this book
4/5

[Caroline Croezen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A beautiful book but not one I particularly enjoyed. Disappointing.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be a great book to give as a gift to someone who is big trivia fan. The book is intended for you to read the entry for each day, so reading it as I did straight through wasn't exactly what the author's were clearly aiming for. With that said, I think someone who enjoys trivia and learning new things would enjoy this as something to pick up each day.

The trivia doesn't have any certain theme. It ranges from how to make certain cocktails and where they come from, to the concept of infinity. Some of it is interesting and some not as much. Most is kind of useless other than learning something new. The authors are also from the UK, and the book is written with a British audience in mind. So there were a few entries I just didn't get.

Fun book and fun gift.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kerstin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many cocktail recipes. Would have expected a little more new information.

[Jared Porcenaluk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, if not always consistent In quality, new fact or story every day.

[Sharon Greenwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like a Daily Reader book and have several on my shelves ready to read. As a trivia lover I enjoyed the majority of the ‘days reads’ but felt that some days could have had a bit more depth.