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The Weirdest Read While You Poo on the Loo: A Collection of Bizarre True Stories About Pop Culture, Science, History, and More to Satisfy Your Curious Brain
This bathroom book isn’t a novelty—it’s a mind-satisfying listen to keep you entertained in the loo.
The insane-but-true stories within aren’t for the faint of heart, but they’ll sure make going number two a lot more satisfying! Whether you’re a pop-culture enthusiast, a science lover, a history buff, or are curious about a ton of other subjects, this book is perfect to fill those empty moments.
Learn something new, impress your friends, and gain knowledge while on the john.
This book is sure to delight, entertain, and keep you wondering. You might even wind up staying longer than you need; who needs to feel their feet, anyway? Just relax, listen, and expand your mind!
The insane-but-true stories within aren’t for the faint of heart, but they’ll sure make going number two a lot more satisfying! Whether you’re a pop-culture enthusiast, a science lover, a history buff, or are curious about a ton of other subjects, this book is perfect to fill those empty moments.
Learn something new, impress your friends, and gain knowledge while on the john.
This book is sure to delight, entertain, and keep you wondering. You might even wind up staying longer than you need; who needs to feel their feet, anyway? Just relax, listen, and expand your mind!
- GenresNonfiction
Audible Audio
Published August 18, 2022
60 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 25, 2022
When I saw both the title and blurb for this book I just knew I wanted to read it. Not only am I a historian and science fun-fact /anecdote aficionado, but I am actually one of those people who indeed does bring a book to the toilet (l also have a bunch of magazines in there for those moments the body just doesn't cooperate). Logically " The Weirdest Read While You Poo On The Loo: A Collection of Bizarre True Stories About Pop Culture, Science, History, And More To Satisfy Your Curious Brain"seemed like the perfect fit.
It could have been a perfect fit, were it not for one gigantic, huge terrible issue that I just don't get. I'll come back to that later. Let's start with what the book is about and why you might like to pick it up as well.
Publisher History Compacted and its writers obviously put a decent amount of research into "The weirdest read...” - to put it mildly. The book, that's one of those ideal stocking gifts, new home-present, or perfect for a series that can be collected, has sixty true stories & anecdotes. Sixty! On my tablet reader that makes around 300 pages of useful – and totally useless but fun - info. History Compacted promises “a mind-satisfying read sure to delight, entertain, and keep you wondering.”
And sure, reading about execution by elephant, feared poisonous tomatoes, how to show your wealth with pineapple, or finding out that the Middle Ages and Charlemagne are actually a myth ( according to some) IS entertaining. Not everything I read was new to me, but I've been surprised enough and even laughed here and there. That convinces me that the concept of The Weirdest Read While You Poo On The Loo is a good one. Original? No. There are plenty magazines (in my country) that offer articles and fun facts like this. But in a book it makes a nice read – both on the loo and out of it.
However ...mostly idea wise. Because the enormous problem I mentioned earlier is in HOW it reads. And that is bad... really bad. Especially the first half of the book (later on I encounter better written pieces). Maybe my background as a journalist, creative editor and copy-editor makes me notice these things (faster), but I'm pretty sure that most readers, especially the native speakers, will have this issue here (unless they don't care about grammar and such).
Simply put :"The 'Weirdest Read” needs an editor. Desperately! Stories have an illogical build-up, plenty bad grammar, paragraphs miss bridges to one another for a smooth read, and quite often necessary introductions or explanations aren't made, leaving you with too many "huh, did I miss something?!” moments. At the end of stories conclusions are either missing - it just stops- or their contents don't conclude anything at all. Some even bring up new questions as a result.
I'm confused. From what I've seen this isn't the publisher's first book. I would therefore assume they either have experienced, good authors or know the necessity and usefulness of an editor. Now, I'm sadly aware of the fact (as most creative entrepeneurs) that freelance writers and copy- editors/creative editors are often seen as a complete waste of money, or ' too expensive' because "Everyone can write“. Unfortunately that isn't true.
I probably would have given a 4 star recommendation for this book had the copy been as it should: well written technically and creatively without leaving you with questions. As said earlier, it was such a promising concept. Had I not constantly been annoyed by the writing, putting it down as a result time and time again, I could have enjoyed a book that shows that history isn't boring and just remembered years, but fun. History in all its facets, just as science, is (can be) interesting, captivating and fascinating. It's about people, our world after all. That's what the book tried to show ... and failed in by way of execution.
I hate writing reviews like this because I can see or at least guess how much work went into it. I don't like to crush authors. I know how much of yourself can get into articles and books. Then again, I hate lying more. I'm a reviewer, or I'm not. Anyone reading this review can now decide for themselves if they're bothered by what makes me go from a 4 star to a 2 star result.
I can only hope that a possible reprint will have seen the hand of a good creative editor with research qualities. If not: please use one for any future endeavors. Great concepts deserve that.
It could have been a perfect fit, were it not for one gigantic, huge terrible issue that I just don't get. I'll come back to that later. Let's start with what the book is about and why you might like to pick it up as well.
Publisher History Compacted and its writers obviously put a decent amount of research into "The weirdest read...” - to put it mildly. The book, that's one of those ideal stocking gifts, new home-present, or perfect for a series that can be collected, has sixty true stories & anecdotes. Sixty! On my tablet reader that makes around 300 pages of useful – and totally useless but fun - info. History Compacted promises “a mind-satisfying read sure to delight, entertain, and keep you wondering.”
And sure, reading about execution by elephant, feared poisonous tomatoes, how to show your wealth with pineapple, or finding out that the Middle Ages and Charlemagne are actually a myth ( according to some) IS entertaining. Not everything I read was new to me, but I've been surprised enough and even laughed here and there. That convinces me that the concept of The Weirdest Read While You Poo On The Loo is a good one. Original? No. There are plenty magazines (in my country) that offer articles and fun facts like this. But in a book it makes a nice read – both on the loo and out of it.
However ...mostly idea wise. Because the enormous problem I mentioned earlier is in HOW it reads. And that is bad... really bad. Especially the first half of the book (later on I encounter better written pieces). Maybe my background as a journalist, creative editor and copy-editor makes me notice these things (faster), but I'm pretty sure that most readers, especially the native speakers, will have this issue here (unless they don't care about grammar and such).
Simply put :"The 'Weirdest Read” needs an editor. Desperately! Stories have an illogical build-up, plenty bad grammar, paragraphs miss bridges to one another for a smooth read, and quite often necessary introductions or explanations aren't made, leaving you with too many "huh, did I miss something?!” moments. At the end of stories conclusions are either missing - it just stops- or their contents don't conclude anything at all. Some even bring up new questions as a result.
I'm confused. From what I've seen this isn't the publisher's first book. I would therefore assume they either have experienced, good authors or know the necessity and usefulness of an editor. Now, I'm sadly aware of the fact (as most creative entrepeneurs) that freelance writers and copy- editors/creative editors are often seen as a complete waste of money, or ' too expensive' because "Everyone can write“. Unfortunately that isn't true.
I probably would have given a 4 star recommendation for this book had the copy been as it should: well written technically and creatively without leaving you with questions. As said earlier, it was such a promising concept. Had I not constantly been annoyed by the writing, putting it down as a result time and time again, I could have enjoyed a book that shows that history isn't boring and just remembered years, but fun. History in all its facets, just as science, is (can be) interesting, captivating and fascinating. It's about people, our world after all. That's what the book tried to show ... and failed in by way of execution.
I hate writing reviews like this because I can see or at least guess how much work went into it. I don't like to crush authors. I know how much of yourself can get into articles and books. Then again, I hate lying more. I'm a reviewer, or I'm not. Anyone reading this review can now decide for themselves if they're bothered by what makes me go from a 4 star to a 2 star result.
I can only hope that a possible reprint will have seen the hand of a good creative editor with research qualities. If not: please use one for any future endeavors. Great concepts deserve that.
July 6, 2022
‘Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction’ – food for thought on the commode!
Author Kimberly Miller and History Compacted step away from their usual history facts presentation and offer a diversion for thinking (whether in the loo of elsewhere!) – true (if seemingly incredible) stories that provide chuckles and head scratchers.
This entertaining book opens with a fine introductory note – ‘Across the globe, children sit in classes behind desks and memorize historical dates and events to understand the world we live in today. How were countries formed? Why do certain countries have an affinity for disliking each other? These can all be answered by understanding history. But the narrative that everyone learns in school is not only tailored to the country one lives in but also leaves out a ton of fascinating historical facts.’ This new book reveals those!
The content is entertaining and informative, with many ‘hmmmm’ moments as well as ‘whaaat?s’ and giggles. The first story is about Abraham Lincoln, adding his mastery of axes and wrestling and how those traits affected his life and career: ‘The bravery and willingness to stand up against hooligans he exhibited in the ring would translate well in his battle with the separatists in the south during the Civil War.’ Other stories reveal facts about the impact of cats on history, Caligula and horses, turkey worship, the initial use of heroin as a medication, the Roman’s use of urine as mouthwash, a female bullfighter, the phantom time hypothesis, and on and on!
Entertaining and enlightening, this book offers more fodder to the minefield of bizarre realities that shape our world. Recommended.
Author Kimberly Miller and History Compacted step away from their usual history facts presentation and offer a diversion for thinking (whether in the loo of elsewhere!) – true (if seemingly incredible) stories that provide chuckles and head scratchers.
This entertaining book opens with a fine introductory note – ‘Across the globe, children sit in classes behind desks and memorize historical dates and events to understand the world we live in today. How were countries formed? Why do certain countries have an affinity for disliking each other? These can all be answered by understanding history. But the narrative that everyone learns in school is not only tailored to the country one lives in but also leaves out a ton of fascinating historical facts.’ This new book reveals those!
The content is entertaining and informative, with many ‘hmmmm’ moments as well as ‘whaaat?s’ and giggles. The first story is about Abraham Lincoln, adding his mastery of axes and wrestling and how those traits affected his life and career: ‘The bravery and willingness to stand up against hooligans he exhibited in the ring would translate well in his battle with the separatists in the south during the Civil War.’ Other stories reveal facts about the impact of cats on history, Caligula and horses, turkey worship, the initial use of heroin as a medication, the Roman’s use of urine as mouthwash, a female bullfighter, the phantom time hypothesis, and on and on!
Entertaining and enlightening, this book offers more fodder to the minefield of bizarre realities that shape our world. Recommended.
August 3, 2022
I won an e-book of this book from a LibraryThing contest. I was disappointed in the amount of depth in the stories. I would have liked fewer but more detailed stories. In the past, I have bought several History Compacted books but I felt much more satisfied. I read this book from my laptop, mostly in a couple of hours while the other books took several days. I am not fond of the title of the book, as I do not take my laptop into my bathroom.
The stories were ones from history although, a few of them seemed over-simplified too much for my comfort. I did enjoy finding out who was the person the Catholic Church that made black cats be evil. Not true, they are not evil, I had a pure black cat and she never gave me bad luck.
There was an attraction at Epcot 2005 that I missed, it supposed to be a trip through the human brain via the eyes of a twelve year old. I found a video of it on the Internet. A rather lackluster animated film! I am glad that I missed it. It was withdrawn by the company due to a lack of interest in the film.
I have always enjoyed preparing for history tests that featured essays. I would looked for something that I was curious about connected to the assigned material and load up my essay thereby winning extra credit.
Please check out History Compacted for more in depth subjects than this like a mini biography or compacted history of an important event. They will be more satisfying.
The stories were ones from history although, a few of them seemed over-simplified too much for my comfort. I did enjoy finding out who was the person the Catholic Church that made black cats be evil. Not true, they are not evil, I had a pure black cat and she never gave me bad luck.
There was an attraction at Epcot 2005 that I missed, it supposed to be a trip through the human brain via the eyes of a twelve year old. I found a video of it on the Internet. A rather lackluster animated film! I am glad that I missed it. It was withdrawn by the company due to a lack of interest in the film.
I have always enjoyed preparing for history tests that featured essays. I would looked for something that I was curious about connected to the assigned material and load up my essay thereby winning extra credit.
Please check out History Compacted for more in depth subjects than this like a mini biography or compacted history of an important event. They will be more satisfying.
July 26, 2022
I received an ARC of this story and was super excited because I love history and knowing obscure facts. This book did have some cool tales and things I didn't know. There was also a good share of speculation stories and some pretty out there theories. I felt it wasn't so much a weird history book as it was about congecture.
If you're going to market it is compacted history it probably shouldn't have ghost stories or conspiracy theories. I still enjoyed the book and as I said there was actually some interesting facts I didn't know, like how linking cats with the devil (and their population decline as a result) correlated with the spread of the plague, or how a certain US President believed mole people lived in the earth's core.
I am leaving a voluntary honest review based on my opinions.
If you're going to market it is compacted history it probably shouldn't have ghost stories or conspiracy theories. I still enjoyed the book and as I said there was actually some interesting facts I didn't know, like how linking cats with the devil (and their population decline as a result) correlated with the spread of the plague, or how a certain US President believed mole people lived in the earth's core.
I am leaving a voluntary honest review based on my opinions.
August 7, 2022
Not the enthralling read that I'd hoped it would be, "The Weirdest Read While You Poo on the Loo..." is pretty bland and left me with a lot of historical references and stories that I really didn't care about. In addition, this book has a couple of really annoying qualities that were hard for this reader to get beyond. One, it's in desperate need of an editor's touch. There are so many grammatical, capitalization, and punctuation mistakes that reading it was like nails on a chalkboard for me. Secondly, it appears to have been written at about a fifth-grade level with numerous repetitive sentences and references. On the plus side, the book is a quick read with a number of diverse topics.
I won this book as part of the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.
I won this book as part of the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.
August 29, 2022
Just the book you need when in need. Although I would have preferred paper to electronic. A fun collection of strange and even bizarre stories and tales. So many stories that I can't remember any of them. Yet you will definitely find some amusing, and time occupying reads, to while away the minutes. Just remember to flush!
July 4, 2022
‘Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction’ – food for thought on the commode!
Author Kimberly Miller and History Compacted step away from their usual history facts presentation and offer a diversion for thinking (whether in the loo of elsewhere!) – true (if seemingly incredible) stories that provide chuckles and head scratchers.
This entertaining book opens with a fine introductory note – ‘Across the globe, children sit in classes behind desks and memorize historical dates and events to understand the world we live in today. How were countries formed? Why do certain countries have an affinity for disliking each other? These can all be answered by understanding history. But the narrative that everyone learns in school is not only tailored to the country one lives in but also leaves out a ton of fascinating historical facts.’ This new book reveals those!
The content is entertaining and informative, with many ‘hmmmm’ moments as well as ‘whaaat?s’ and giggles. The first story is about Abraham Lincoln, adding his mastery of axes and wrestling and how those traits affected his life and career: ‘The bravery and willingness to stand up against hooligans he exhibited in the ring would translate well in his battle with the separatists in the south during the Civil War.’ Other stories reveal facts about the impact of cats on history, Caligula and horses, turkey worship, the initial use of heroin as a medication, the Roman’s use of urine as mouthwash, a female bullfighter, the phantom time hypothesis, and on and on!
Entertaining and enlightening, this book offers more fodder to the minefield of bizarre realities that shape our world. Recommended.
Author Kimberly Miller and History Compacted step away from their usual history facts presentation and offer a diversion for thinking (whether in the loo of elsewhere!) – true (if seemingly incredible) stories that provide chuckles and head scratchers.
This entertaining book opens with a fine introductory note – ‘Across the globe, children sit in classes behind desks and memorize historical dates and events to understand the world we live in today. How were countries formed? Why do certain countries have an affinity for disliking each other? These can all be answered by understanding history. But the narrative that everyone learns in school is not only tailored to the country one lives in but also leaves out a ton of fascinating historical facts.’ This new book reveals those!
The content is entertaining and informative, with many ‘hmmmm’ moments as well as ‘whaaat?s’ and giggles. The first story is about Abraham Lincoln, adding his mastery of axes and wrestling and how those traits affected his life and career: ‘The bravery and willingness to stand up against hooligans he exhibited in the ring would translate well in his battle with the separatists in the south during the Civil War.’ Other stories reveal facts about the impact of cats on history, Caligula and horses, turkey worship, the initial use of heroin as a medication, the Roman’s use of urine as mouthwash, a female bullfighter, the phantom time hypothesis, and on and on!
Entertaining and enlightening, this book offers more fodder to the minefield of bizarre realities that shape our world. Recommended.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews