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Who Knew? Questions That Will Make You Think Again
Why do elephants have such big ears? What's the difference between fog and mist? Who invented sliced bread? Be the smartest slacker in the break room, the brainiest guest at the wedding, and the cleverest cat at the cocktail party. Whether you're trying to impress your friends, or simply in need of a knowledge fix, Who Knew? is the book for you. Filled with gems of wisdom to dazzle your brain cells, there are plenty of tales to surprise and delight even the most ardent trivia fan. From the plagues of the Middle Ages and the rules of Roman architecture to culinary customs, presidential assassinations, and the contents of James Bond's glass; we cover it all. With a clever quiz at the end of each chapter, you'll be ready for mastermind status in no time. Galvanize your grey matter with this classic compendium as you find yourself asking, -Who knew?-
- GenresNonfictionScienceHistory
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2017
19 people are currently reading
776 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 25, 2019
This book served its purpose. I bought it to help keep my sister and me awake and entertained on a road trip. We read one of each section of trivia after every time we stopped. We didn't get through the whole book, so I finished it up once home. Some of the facts I already knew, but there are a few really interesting ones. In particular, we had a great time laughing over Mona Lisa's eyebrows. Some of the sections were boring, but I got through them.
August 7, 2017
WHO KNEW is a fun book. This is the sort of book you leaf through at random, finding funny questions (and even funny answers.) Each question gets 1 or 2 pages, so it's all very concise and easy reading.
The questions are organized around general topics, such as Human Body, Sport, Science, etc. Each question is accompanied by really cute artwork as well.
Here's another piece of information found in this book: Whatever you do, don't eat that "Watermelon Snow." It's probably algae!
All around a fun, light-hearted book, but there is also some good information. If you like really hot peppers, don't miss the discussion of the "Scoville Organoleptic Test," which rates the spiciness of your hot pepper. I was especially interested in this chapter, since I have grown the "Ghost" peppers, and have given them to friends. (My even-hotter Carolina Reaper seedlings died.)
Advance Review Copy courtesy of the publisher.
The questions are organized around general topics, such as Human Body, Sport, Science, etc. Each question is accompanied by really cute artwork as well.
Here's another piece of information found in this book: Whatever you do, don't eat that "Watermelon Snow." It's probably algae!
All around a fun, light-hearted book, but there is also some good information. If you like really hot peppers, don't miss the discussion of the "Scoville Organoleptic Test," which rates the spiciness of your hot pepper. I was especially interested in this chapter, since I have grown the "Ghost" peppers, and have given them to friends. (My even-hotter Carolina Reaper seedlings died.)
Advance Review Copy courtesy of the publisher.
July 30, 2017
Three and a half stars.
A reasonable trivia book, with the USP (unusual selling point) of a quick quiz after every chapter. The script is quite pleasant to browse, although it does have the habit of mentioning a question and then spinning off into copious factoids and box-outs; and the illustrative side is on the whole competently handled and interesting. It's not without flaws – the article about van Gogh chopping off his right ear gets the addition of a picture of someone's LEFT ear, the date of Warhol's Soup Cans changes two decades and at least one of the given quiz answers is by its own evidence plain wrong, but on the whole it's diverse, intriguing and if not completely edifying, at least worth your time. At least it contains intriguing novelties – I didn't know the criteria for Soviet space dogs, or about Margaret Atwood's robotic signing thingy.
A reasonable trivia book, with the USP (unusual selling point) of a quick quiz after every chapter. The script is quite pleasant to browse, although it does have the habit of mentioning a question and then spinning off into copious factoids and box-outs; and the illustrative side is on the whole competently handled and interesting. It's not without flaws – the article about van Gogh chopping off his right ear gets the addition of a picture of someone's LEFT ear, the date of Warhol's Soup Cans changes two decades and at least one of the given quiz answers is by its own evidence plain wrong, but on the whole it's diverse, intriguing and if not completely edifying, at least worth your time. At least it contains intriguing novelties – I didn't know the criteria for Soviet space dogs, or about Margaret Atwood's robotic signing thingy.
August 30, 2017
This book covers a lot of subjects. Some I just jumped over (like sports), but others I loved and if I had the time could read over again. The illustrations are beautiful and the chosen questions are interesting.
Most of what was included in the book was things I did not know already. It is nice for a book, because usually in books like this are half of the same.
The book feels a little too long, but I guess it had to be in order to be as nice as it is. (Unless they took out the sports bit).
*Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Most of what was included in the book was things I did not know already. It is nice for a book, because usually in books like this are half of the same.
The book feels a little too long, but I guess it had to be in order to be as nice as it is. (Unless they took out the sports bit).
*Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
October 10, 2017
If you want to be the life of the party, this is your book. You can fill your brain with as much “useless knowledge” (my affectionate moniker) as you can fit and impress people with how fast a sand dune can move, explain what watermelon snow is, and give in morbid detail why a barbershop pole is red and white.
See my complete review at The Eclectic Review .
See my complete review at The Eclectic Review .
August 2, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I felt that the author presented the facts in a fun and educational format. The quizzes at the end of each chapter were a highlight because I love trivia and this made reading the book almost a fun Jeopardy-like challenge. I feel that the chapters were set-up nicely to highlight each of the categories and any reader would find joy in learning about the range of topics presented.
September 17, 2017
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading this fun-fact-filled book. The book is categorized by different sorts of facts like animals, weather, space, sports, science etc. It is easy to read, but at the same time gives the reader "food for thought". I'll admit that I already knew some of the facts in the book, but I did learn a few things too.
This would be a great book for a school library or classroom.
I enjoyed reading this fun-fact-filled book. The book is categorized by different sorts of facts like animals, weather, space, sports, science etc. It is easy to read, but at the same time gives the reader "food for thought". I'll admit that I already knew some of the facts in the book, but I did learn a few things too.
This would be a great book for a school library or classroom.
April 23, 2019
Fun-read. 182 Short answer questions on a variety of subjects. Each section devotes 1 to 2 pages on a question. (ex. "What gives chewing gum its chew"?) At the end of each subject section, there is a short trivia quiz. Interesting facts that even adults can understand.
January 5, 2018
A quick and easy to read trivia book. Has some pretty interesting facts in a variety of categories.
August 24, 2018
Flipping to sections or pages of interest is fine but this is a boring read as a whole.
November 7, 2017
This was a fun book, really liked all the interesting info in it.
December 29, 2017
Very easy read with information on a lot of topics. Each section is barely a page so nothing goes in much depth but it is still informative and entertaining. I should be more fun at parties now.
February 28, 2019
cool book
February 3, 2024
I learnt so much from this book. I didn’t know what to expect when I started, and I’m happy I decided to read it.
June 28, 2021
(Note - I received an advanced copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley)
This is a wonderful collection of questions and answers, great for conversations with friends and family (where many of these topics will inevitably pop up from people wondering about them out loud), and also just as enjoyable for those who simply wish to broaden their knowledge a little more.
This is a wonderful collection of questions and answers, great for conversations with friends and family (where many of these topics will inevitably pop up from people wondering about them out loud), and also just as enjoyable for those who simply wish to broaden their knowledge a little more.
June 4, 2019
Определено имаше доста интересни факти, изданието е хубаво и много добре направено, но на моменти просто ми ставаше скучно.
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August 1, 2017This book was a absolute delight!
The simple page designs and accessible style of writing of this book made it very visually appealing and easy to follow. This book made me think, laugh out loud and track people down to show facts to. It's the kind of book that you want to share while reading and the set up of it allows you to do so. Basically each page or two is an explanation of a different question; for example, has it ever rained cats and dogs? The author addresses the science and history of each question to give readers an answer to questions we would have never thought to ask.
When printed, I hope it is fairly large to make an interesting coffee table book. I would put that out in my home, classroom or library!
The simple page designs and accessible style of writing of this book made it very visually appealing and easy to follow. This book made me think, laugh out loud and track people down to show facts to. It's the kind of book that you want to share while reading and the set up of it allows you to do so. Basically each page or two is an explanation of a different question; for example, has it ever rained cats and dogs? The author addresses the science and history of each question to give readers an answer to questions we would have never thought to ask.
When printed, I hope it is fairly large to make an interesting coffee table book. I would put that out in my home, classroom or library!
January 25, 2018
Who Knew: Questions That Will Make You Think Again by Sarah Herman is a non fiction book that answers many questions you might not think to ask. Why do elephants have such big ears? What's the difference between fog and mist? Who invented sliced bread? Be the smartest slacker in the break room, the brainiest guest at the wedding, and the cleverest cat at the cocktail party. Filled with gems of wisdom to dazzle your brain cells, there are plenty of tales to surprise and delight even the most ardent trivia fan. From the plagues of the Middle Ages and the rules of Roman architecture to culinary customs, presidential assassinations, and the contents of James Bond's glass; it is all covered. There is also a fun quiz at the end of each chapter to prepare you for mastermind status in no time.
Who Knew: Questions That Will Make You Think Again is a fun collection of information that might take some readers by surprise. I love to learn this type of odd facts, so knew some of the information already, but still enjoyed the read. I think the organization and presentation of the facts was well done, and I enjoyed the time spent reading it. I think this is a great book for those that need something to read in short bursts, and for those that like to know the odder and more eclectic bits of information that has no actual impact of your life, but is just cool to know. Trivia masters, Jeopardy watchers, and know-it-alls like myself will find value in the read and share the tidbits with others.
Who Knew: Questions That Will Make You Think Again is a fun collection of information that might take some readers by surprise. I love to learn this type of odd facts, so knew some of the information already, but still enjoyed the read. I think the organization and presentation of the facts was well done, and I enjoyed the time spent reading it. I think this is a great book for those that need something to read in short bursts, and for those that like to know the odder and more eclectic bits of information that has no actual impact of your life, but is just cool to know. Trivia masters, Jeopardy watchers, and know-it-alls like myself will find value in the read and share the tidbits with others.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews