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Trivia Nerds Guide to the History of the United States #3
The Great Book of California: The Crazy History of California with Amazing Random Facts & Trivia
Are you interested in learning more about California? Sure, you’ve heard of Hollywood, but how much do you really know about the Golden State? Do you know how it got its nickname or what it was nicknamed first? There’s so much to know about California that even people born in the state don’t know it all. In this trivia book, you’ll learn more about California’s history, pop culture, folklore, sports, and so much more! In The Great Book of California, you’ll discover the answers to the following questionsWhy is California called the Golden State? What music genres started out in California? Which celebrity sex icon’s death remains a mystery? Which serial killer once murdered in the state?Which childhood toy started out in California?Which famous fast-food chain opened its first location in the Golden State?Which famous athletes are from California? These are just a few of the many facts you’ll find in this book. Some of them will be entertaining, some of them will be tragic, and some of them may haunt you, but all of them will be interesting! This book is full of everything you’ve ever wondered about California and then some! Whether you consider yourself a California state expert or you know nothing about the Golden State, you’re bound to learn something new in each chapter. You’ll be able to impress your college history professor or your friends during your next trivia night!What are you waiting for? Get started to learn all there is to know about California!
- GenresNonfiction
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2018
103 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 28, 2018
‘Which of California’s professional sports teams has the most Facebook followers of any sports team in the United States?’
Author Bill O’Neill has authored many books on Trivia and stands as somewhat of an expert in this field! His topics include movies, football, baseball, wars, rock music, simply random trivia facts and now States. This volume is American trivia (a subset that grows broader my the hour these days!). To set the mood of this third volume (NEW YORK and TEXAS were the first) on CALIFORNIA, Bill states, ‘How much do you know about the state of California? Sure, you know it’s home to Hollywood. You know the state has a lot of natural disasters, ranging from earthquakes to wildfires. But what else do you really know about the state? You might know California has a huge population, but do you know how it got some of its population? Have you ever wondered how California was named? Do you know how it came to be nicknamed the Golden State? Do you know which celebrities have held government positions in California? You know all about Hollywood. At least, you think you do. Do you know who drove the film industry to California in the first place? Do you know how much it costs to get your name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Did you know Beverly Hills wasn’t always a community where the rich and famous lived? Do you know what it was before the glitz and glamour took over? Do you know which popular toy originated from the state or which popular frozen treat was invented in California by accident? Do you know which famous fast-food chain opened its first location in California? Do you know about the celebrity sex icon whose death remains a mystery to this day? Did you know California was once the murdering grounds for one of America’s most famous serial killers? Do you know about the mysterious hotel death that went viral? If you have ever wondered about the answers to these or other questions, then you’re in luck! This book is filled with stories and facts about the state of California.’
The book is divided into fascinating sections – California’s history and random facts, California’s Pop Culture (Hollywood of course, Hip Hop, talk shows, etc), Facts about California’s attractions (Disneyland, having a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Golden Gate Bridge, etc), California’s Inventions and Ideas and more (Doritos, Martinis, Apple Inc, McDonald’s, blue jeans, Orange Julius, etc), Unsolved Mysteries, supernatural and other weird facts, and Sports, of course.
Not only is the book entertaining – it is also very instructive for every reader. Have fun, learn, and be ready for the next gathering of very smart friends! You’ll be on top.
Author Bill O’Neill has authored many books on Trivia and stands as somewhat of an expert in this field! His topics include movies, football, baseball, wars, rock music, simply random trivia facts and now States. This volume is American trivia (a subset that grows broader my the hour these days!). To set the mood of this third volume (NEW YORK and TEXAS were the first) on CALIFORNIA, Bill states, ‘How much do you know about the state of California? Sure, you know it’s home to Hollywood. You know the state has a lot of natural disasters, ranging from earthquakes to wildfires. But what else do you really know about the state? You might know California has a huge population, but do you know how it got some of its population? Have you ever wondered how California was named? Do you know how it came to be nicknamed the Golden State? Do you know which celebrities have held government positions in California? You know all about Hollywood. At least, you think you do. Do you know who drove the film industry to California in the first place? Do you know how much it costs to get your name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Did you know Beverly Hills wasn’t always a community where the rich and famous lived? Do you know what it was before the glitz and glamour took over? Do you know which popular toy originated from the state or which popular frozen treat was invented in California by accident? Do you know which famous fast-food chain opened its first location in California? Do you know about the celebrity sex icon whose death remains a mystery to this day? Did you know California was once the murdering grounds for one of America’s most famous serial killers? Do you know about the mysterious hotel death that went viral? If you have ever wondered about the answers to these or other questions, then you’re in luck! This book is filled with stories and facts about the state of California.’
The book is divided into fascinating sections – California’s history and random facts, California’s Pop Culture (Hollywood of course, Hip Hop, talk shows, etc), Facts about California’s attractions (Disneyland, having a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Golden Gate Bridge, etc), California’s Inventions and Ideas and more (Doritos, Martinis, Apple Inc, McDonald’s, blue jeans, Orange Julius, etc), Unsolved Mysteries, supernatural and other weird facts, and Sports, of course.
Not only is the book entertaining – it is also very instructive for every reader. Have fun, learn, and be ready for the next gathering of very smart friends! You’ll be on top.
December 10, 2018
This is the sixth book I’ve read/listened to by this author and considering I have listened to this many, it’s a sure thing I will listen to more.
He covers California from a great many angles, like examples that are listed in the publisher’s summary. I prefer listening to the historical facts but also like the random, more trivial facts. Some are longer explanations. Some are one sentence statements. There is a question and answer after each segment that is easily skipped if desired.
This is the fifth book I’ve listened to by this narrator ( Derek Newman ) and all have been written by Bill O’Neil. He does nicely reading this content. His cadence is appropriate.
There are no explicit sex scenes, excessive violence or swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.
Story 5/5
Narration 4/5
He covers California from a great many angles, like examples that are listed in the publisher’s summary. I prefer listening to the historical facts but also like the random, more trivial facts. Some are longer explanations. Some are one sentence statements. There is a question and answer after each segment that is easily skipped if desired.
This is the fifth book I’ve listened to by this narrator ( Derek Newman ) and all have been written by Bill O’Neil. He does nicely reading this content. His cadence is appropriate.
There are no explicit sex scenes, excessive violence or swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.
Story 5/5
Narration 4/5
August 26, 2018
Breeds Better Editing
I enjoy reading Bill O'Neill's trivia books, and this one about California is no exception. Since I have lived in California, quite a lot of the trivia wasn't so new, and California, being such a cornerstone of much of our American culture, is too well known for fresh looks and new information. However, this book does a creditable job at both. Editing of this book seemed rushed which led to grammar, spelling, and sloppy mistakes. I'm not saying the book is hard to read because that would be overstating my comments. The book is interesting to anyone who enjoys trivia, but it needed a final review to correct annoying mistakes. Perhaps by now these corrections have been made in later editions. I didn't notice such glaring errors in the New York trivia book.
I enjoy reading Bill O'Neill's trivia books, and this one about California is no exception. Since I have lived in California, quite a lot of the trivia wasn't so new, and California, being such a cornerstone of much of our American culture, is too well known for fresh looks and new information. However, this book does a creditable job at both. Editing of this book seemed rushed which led to grammar, spelling, and sloppy mistakes. I'm not saying the book is hard to read because that would be overstating my comments. The book is interesting to anyone who enjoys trivia, but it needed a final review to correct annoying mistakes. Perhaps by now these corrections have been made in later editions. I didn't notice such glaring errors in the New York trivia book.
August 10, 2018
The Great Book of California - The Crazy History of California with Amazing Random Facts & Trivia
: Bill O'Neill
The author brought the listener another fine book of trivia. There were quite a few facts I already knew, but others I didn't. One fact about an actor failing a driving test I knew, but it gave me a chuckle to hear my favorite actor mentioned.
Please keep the great trivia coming on all kinds of subjects, so we can learn more.
The narration was well done. Derek Newman has a terrific voice for this genre!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
: Bill O'Neill
The author brought the listener another fine book of trivia. There were quite a few facts I already knew, but others I didn't. One fact about an actor failing a driving test I knew, but it gave me a chuckle to hear my favorite actor mentioned.
Please keep the great trivia coming on all kinds of subjects, so we can learn more.
The narration was well done. Derek Newman has a terrific voice for this genre!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 10, 2018
If they weren't ALL moving to the Pacific NW LOL! ;-)
LOVED this audiobook!
Filled with tons of entertaining and little known info, trivia, fun facts, etc.
I've listened to a few of Bill's books before, and they're all AMAZING, well put together, well written and wonderfully narrated.
Bills book are a must have for anyone who loves fun facts & trivia!
All sorts of interesting tidbits about California in this one, take a look and see for yourself, well worth it :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
LOVED this audiobook!
Filled with tons of entertaining and little known info, trivia, fun facts, etc.
I've listened to a few of Bill's books before, and they're all AMAZING, well put together, well written and wonderfully narrated.
Bills book are a must have for anyone who loves fun facts & trivia!
All sorts of interesting tidbits about California in this one, take a look and see for yourself, well worth it :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 29, 2018
I am a native Californian and still learned things about this wonderful state. The only problem I had was when the book is being read to you (an audiobook) they read everything so there is a lot of repeating and I found that very annoying. The narrator Derek Newman has the perfect voice for this kind of book. I was gifted this book with the understanding that I would leave an honest review. I would have done 5 stars except for the over repeating.
October 1, 2018
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I really enjoyed this book. It was well researched and well written, and I feel like I learnt a lot about California.
I really enjoyed this book. It was well researched and well written, and I feel like I learnt a lot about California.
July 22, 2018
Interesting facts! It’s obvious that tons of research was done.
June 28, 2020
Fun book for rattling off California trivia. Not really useful for anything outside of a road trip...through California.
May 2, 2021
Full of interesting trivia
April 9, 2024
This book is a woefully superficial dive into its subject. There are a number of other books about the state that also focus on its unique and amazing dimensions, but that are, without question, a whole lot better. Many of the things noted here are widely known to be true, others not so well-known, and still others that leave you scratching your head and wondering, “Is This Really Something I Need, or Even Want, to Know about This State”?
Some parts of this book tell you things about California that truly are worth knowing, things unique to the state and without a doubt interesting, but most simply belabor things that are exactly what O’Neill says they are—random and trivial—and that with no support from notes or a bibliography, so it’s impossible to verify any of the information presented, some of which is just plain wrong.
And that title? The "Great" Book of California? I don’t think so. At best, think of this as a suggestive brush with some of the things that make California stand apart, but only as a place where you might begin such an inquiry, not a place to stop. If you really want to know something about the things that truly make California unique and amazing, I would strongly encourage you to look elsewhere.
Some parts of this book tell you things about California that truly are worth knowing, things unique to the state and without a doubt interesting, but most simply belabor things that are exactly what O’Neill says they are—random and trivial—and that with no support from notes or a bibliography, so it’s impossible to verify any of the information presented, some of which is just plain wrong.
And that title? The "Great" Book of California? I don’t think so. At best, think of this as a suggestive brush with some of the things that make California stand apart, but only as a place where you might begin such an inquiry, not a place to stop. If you really want to know something about the things that truly make California unique and amazing, I would strongly encourage you to look elsewhere.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews