Lateral - Based on the Hit Podcast: Wonderful Answers to Weird Questions

by Tom Scott, David Bodycombe

The first book based on Tom Scott's hit podcast, LATERAL! Unlock a world of mind-bending brainteasers.

This massive collection of lateral thinking puzzles features 100 questions with unexpected, fascinating answers. Figuring them out will require you to challenge your assumptions and find new perspectives—but whether you find the solutions or not (even Tom has been stumped!), the answer notes will let you share the “aha!” while learning more about the puzzle’s subject. Use hints to solve solo or play as a party game; each question is sure to spur hilarious brainstorming and enthusiastic discussion.
 
What You’ll Find 120 Puzzles: Including 40 of the most captivating questions from the LATERAL podcast, 60 brand-new puzzles, and 20 warm-up brainteasers to get you in the zone. Real-World Scenarios: Unlike typical lateral thinking puzzles based on farfetched set-ups and absurd situations, LATERAL features questions based on actual events. For instance, can you figure out why, in 1998, some moviegoers left theaters showing Meet Joe Black before the movie even started? The They only came to see the trailer for Star Episode I - The Phantom Menace! Reportedly, some cinemas promised to play the trailer a second time at the end of the movie to encourage Star Wars fans to stick around. Hints and Surprising Solutions: Each puzzle comes with helpful hints and detailed explanations. Even if you're stumped, you’ll be entertained by the solutions, which are accompanied by bonus commentary and trivia. Play Solo or with Friends: Use these puzzles for solo solving sessions or turn them into fun group games for parties, family nights, or road trips. Each puzzle is designed to ignite conversations and inspire laughter. Whether you’re a fan of logic puzzles, brain buster games, or you’re simply looking for a unique adult puzzle book, LATERAL will challenge your assumptions, stretch your mind, and keep you entertained for hours. Plus, with supplementary details on every puzzle, this book doubles as an intriguing dive into the curious side of the world we live in.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor, Science

233 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2024

Reviews

[VivaLaSam · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like the podcast, you'll like this book. I read it on my own, but if you have willing friends, I imagine it would make for a great group activity.

If you're unfamiliar with the podcast but like good lateral-thinking puzzles, you'll also like this book.

Each question and answer also comes with about a page of related trivia which can be a fun bonus.

[AJ Stoner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't really know what this book was all about until we sat down and focused on it. It's really a game. Bill and I enjoyed playing the game together as a time passer when we did not have any internet or other distractions. Sometimes we gave the questions a thumbs up and other times we thought what the huh?

[Annika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. Most of the questions were really interesting. Though a few of the questions felt like felt kind of lame. it is nice that you can read just one or two as you have time. Also the answer are just on the next page so you don't have to flip to the end.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and enjoyable. I knew far less than I might have hoped. But there were a few I got right away, which made me happy.

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s ok as a conversation starter but not that substantive of a book. The questions are supposed to be head-scratchers but they are pretty easy.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

the way I found this book could’ve been a lateral question itself. perfect for anyone who loves falling down Wikipedia or YouTube rabbit holes.