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Trivia Nerds Guide to the History of the United States #5
The Great Book of Alaska: The Crazy History of Alaska with Amazing Random Facts & Trivia (A Trivia Nerds Guide to the History of the Us)
Do you want to learn more about Alaska? Sure, you know it's cold and dark for a large portion of the year, but what else do you really know about the Last Frontier? There's so much to learn about the state that even people here don't know. In this trivia book, you'll learn more about Alaska's history, pop culture, folklore, sports, and so much more!
In The Great Book of Alaska, you'll discover the answers to the following
And so much more!
This book is packed with trivia facts about Alaska. Some of the facts are shocking, some of them are sad, and some of them will give you goosebumps, but all of them will be interesting! This book is full of everything you've ever wondered about Alaska and then some.
Whether you're just learning about Alaska or you already think you're an expert on the state, you're bound to learn something new in each chapter. Your friends will be amazed at your knowledge during your next trivia night. You'll even impress your history teacher!
So, what are you waiting for? Dig in to learn everything there is to know about Alaska!
In The Great Book of Alaska, you'll discover the answers to the following
And so much more!
This book is packed with trivia facts about Alaska. Some of the facts are shocking, some of them are sad, and some of them will give you goosebumps, but all of them will be interesting! This book is full of everything you've ever wondered about Alaska and then some.
Whether you're just learning about Alaska or you already think you're an expert on the state, you're bound to learn something new in each chapter. Your friends will be amazed at your knowledge during your next trivia night. You'll even impress your history teacher!
So, what are you waiting for? Dig in to learn everything there is to know about Alaska!
- GenresNonfictionHistory
182 pages, Paperback
Published February 29, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 30, 2020
I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I rather enjoyed this fact book about Alaska, which I didn't know a lot about. This book covered a large array of topic from random laws to history to pop culture and sports and it was really interesting. I particularly liked the quizzes at the end of each chapter.
I rather enjoyed this fact book about Alaska, which I didn't know a lot about. This book covered a large array of topic from random laws to history to pop culture and sports and it was really interesting. I particularly liked the quizzes at the end of each chapter.
July 28, 2021
I've never encountered a more repetitive book. The following are taken verbatim from the first 10 minutes of the audio version.
"Have you ever wondered how Alaska got it's state nickname, the Frontier State?" "The book will answer the following questions: Where did Alaska get it's state nickname?" "Do you know why Alaska is known as the Last Frontier?" "How Alaska got it's state nickname. Have you ever wondered about Alaska's state nickname? Alaska is know as the Last Frontier, but do you know why it came to be called this?"
Many of the facts are so obviously incorrect that it's clear the author didn't even Google some of this before writing it down. (The film "The Thing" is not about a research station in Alaska.)
"Have you ever wondered how Alaska got it's state nickname, the Frontier State?" "The book will answer the following questions: Where did Alaska get it's state nickname?" "Do you know why Alaska is known as the Last Frontier?" "How Alaska got it's state nickname. Have you ever wondered about Alaska's state nickname? Alaska is know as the Last Frontier, but do you know why it came to be called this?"
Many of the facts are so obviously incorrect that it's clear the author didn't even Google some of this before writing it down. (The film "The Thing" is not about a research station in Alaska.)
March 16, 2021
I love trivia books, but couldn't connect with this one. It felt like a rehash of what you'd find on Alaska's wikipedia page to be honest. And was written almost like a kid's book report. It was a quick read but I wouldn't buy it again.
October 18, 2018
‘Bigfoot is frequently sighted in Alaska’
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 fifth volume (NEW YORK, TEXAS, CALIFORNIA and FLORIDA were the first) on ALASKA, Bill states, ‘How much do you know about the state of Alaska? Sure, you know Alaska is a cold state that’s dark for most of the year. You know it’s snow-covered for most of the year and that it’s a popular place for nature lovers to visit. But what else do you really know about Alaska? Do you know which country owned Alaska first? Have you ever wondered how Alaska got its name or its state nickname “The Last Frontier”? You know the state is home to grizzly bears and polar bears, but have you heard of the many Inuit legendary creatures that are said to haunt the state? Do you know about the serial killer that once murdered women in Alaska? You’ve heard about the Alaskan natives, but how much do you really know about their culture and customs? What do you know about modern-day Alaskan natives? If you have ever wondered about the answers to any of these questions, you’ve come to the right place. This book is full of stories and facts about the state of Alaska. This isn’t just any book about Alaska. It will highlight some of the key facts that have helped shape Alaska into the state it is today. You’ll learn answers to some of the things you may have wondered about the state, as well as facts about the state that you’ve never even wondered about. Once you’ve finished reading, you’ll know everything there is to know about Alaska. Alaska is a state that’s rich in both history and culture. We’ll go back in time before Alaska became a part of the United States. We’ll jump around as we take a look at some of the most interesting facts about the state’s history. While we will stick mostly to a timeline of historical events, we’ll also jump around as we take a look at Alaska’s historic past. We’ll also talk about the state’s pop culture, sports, and more.
This book is broken up into easy to follow chapters that will help you learn more about the Last Frontier. Once you have finished each chapter, you can also test your knowledge with trivia questions. Some of the facts you’ll read about in this book will be sad. Some of them will be shocking. Some of them will creep you out. But the one thing all of these facts have in common is that they’re all fascinating! Once you’ve finished reading this book, you’re guaranteed to walk away with a wealth of knowledge about Alaska. This book will answer the following questions: Where did Alaska get its state nickname? Which famous animal hero came from the state? What movie, which was based on a true story, was filmed in the state? What classic American novel was inspired by Alaska’s Klondike Gold Rush? Which Alaskan musician’s family has a reality TV show about life in the state? What serial killer came out of Alaska? What monster is believed to be lurking in Iliamna Lake? And so much more!
The book is divided into fascinating sections – Alaska’s history and random facts, Alaska’s “Eskimos” (the natives and their culture), Alaska’s Pop culture and sports, Facts about Alaska’s attractions (the largest National Park in the US, Polar Bear Expedition, Denali, Portage Glacier, etc), Alaska’s Inventions and Ideas and more (Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing, Snowshoes, Kayaks, the Electric Razor, sunglasses, Baked Alaska, etc), biggest haunts. supernatural and other weird facts, and much more, 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 fifth volume (NEW YORK, TEXAS, CALIFORNIA and FLORIDA were the first) on ALASKA, Bill states, ‘How much do you know about the state of Alaska? Sure, you know Alaska is a cold state that’s dark for most of the year. You know it’s snow-covered for most of the year and that it’s a popular place for nature lovers to visit. But what else do you really know about Alaska? Do you know which country owned Alaska first? Have you ever wondered how Alaska got its name or its state nickname “The Last Frontier”? You know the state is home to grizzly bears and polar bears, but have you heard of the many Inuit legendary creatures that are said to haunt the state? Do you know about the serial killer that once murdered women in Alaska? You’ve heard about the Alaskan natives, but how much do you really know about their culture and customs? What do you know about modern-day Alaskan natives? If you have ever wondered about the answers to any of these questions, you’ve come to the right place. This book is full of stories and facts about the state of Alaska. This isn’t just any book about Alaska. It will highlight some of the key facts that have helped shape Alaska into the state it is today. You’ll learn answers to some of the things you may have wondered about the state, as well as facts about the state that you’ve never even wondered about. Once you’ve finished reading, you’ll know everything there is to know about Alaska. Alaska is a state that’s rich in both history and culture. We’ll go back in time before Alaska became a part of the United States. We’ll jump around as we take a look at some of the most interesting facts about the state’s history. While we will stick mostly to a timeline of historical events, we’ll also jump around as we take a look at Alaska’s historic past. We’ll also talk about the state’s pop culture, sports, and more.
This book is broken up into easy to follow chapters that will help you learn more about the Last Frontier. Once you have finished each chapter, you can also test your knowledge with trivia questions. Some of the facts you’ll read about in this book will be sad. Some of them will be shocking. Some of them will creep you out. But the one thing all of these facts have in common is that they’re all fascinating! Once you’ve finished reading this book, you’re guaranteed to walk away with a wealth of knowledge about Alaska. This book will answer the following questions: Where did Alaska get its state nickname? Which famous animal hero came from the state? What movie, which was based on a true story, was filmed in the state? What classic American novel was inspired by Alaska’s Klondike Gold Rush? Which Alaskan musician’s family has a reality TV show about life in the state? What serial killer came out of Alaska? What monster is believed to be lurking in Iliamna Lake? And so much more!
The book is divided into fascinating sections – Alaska’s history and random facts, Alaska’s “Eskimos” (the natives and their culture), Alaska’s Pop culture and sports, Facts about Alaska’s attractions (the largest National Park in the US, Polar Bear Expedition, Denali, Portage Glacier, etc), Alaska’s Inventions and Ideas and more (Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing, Snowshoes, Kayaks, the Electric Razor, sunglasses, Baked Alaska, etc), biggest haunts. supernatural and other weird facts, and much more, 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.
July 18, 2019
The Great Book of Alaska: The Crazy History of Alaska with Amazing Random Facts & Trivia (A Trivia Nerds Guide to the History of the United States) by Bill O'Neill and narrated by Derek Newman is a fun listen! I’d recommend (with some caution- see below) if you are looking to expand your knowledge, wanting something interesting to pass the time on a road trip, or looking for something new.
Some examples of what to expect: permafrost, why there is no professional sports team, gold mining, weird laws (it’s illegal to push a moose from a plane), why prices for food and gas are more expensive, pizza deliver via airplane, hunting, igloos, the real purpose behind kunik, famous people born in Alaska, the most climbed mountain, what is a reindeer dog, kayak origin, powdered beer, the Alaska Bushman, Alaska Bermuda Triangle, and plenty more! At the end of each chapter there is a quiz.
The narrator, Derek Newman, did an awesome job! I would listen to another book by him.
~A brief description~
1) Title, author, and narrator (18 seconds).
2) Introduction. Approximately 3 minutes.
3) Alaska’s History and Random Facts. Approximately 39 minutes.
4) Alaska’s “Eskimos”: The Natives, and Their Culture. Approximately 38 minutes.
5) Alaska’s Pop Culture and Sports. Approximately 35 minutes.
6) Facts About Alaska’s Attractions. Approximately 31 minutes.
7) Alaska’s Inventions, Ideas, and More. Approximately19 minutes.
8) Alaska’s Biggest Haunts, Supernatural, and Other Weird Facts. Approximately 38 minutes.
9) Conclusion (title, author, narrator, and publisher- 27 seconds).
Regarding the bad reviews which list three things specifically (you can decide if they are inaccurate or not): 1) Christopher McCandless- The author discusses the movie Into the Wild and how it’s one of the better known movies that have been filmed in Alaska, it was based off a book, and mentions Christopher traveled across North America making it to Alaska, had planned to live off the land, “The Magic Bus”, and McCandless’s death and the controversy surrounding it. 2) Bristol Palin and her TV show Life’s a Tripp- the author says “The show followed Bristol Palin, who was then new teen mother of Tripp, as she relocated to Los Angeles from Alaska and then back to Alaska.” 3) Jerry Lee Lewis song- the author talks about songs that have been written about Alaska, “some of these include “When It’s Springtime in Alaska” by Johnny Horton, “North to Alaska” by Jerry Lee Lewis, and...” This fact is the one I have a problem with as Johnny Horton originally recorded the song. Whether or not it is an error on the author or editor, it should be fixed.
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: talk of serial killers, war, pipeline controversies, mention of Alaska being the rape capital of the USA, derogatory term used multiple times (Eskimo)- the history and explanation of why it is derogatory, mention of sex life (tribal traditions). No swearing.
*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!
Some examples of what to expect: permafrost, why there is no professional sports team, gold mining, weird laws (it’s illegal to push a moose from a plane), why prices for food and gas are more expensive, pizza deliver via airplane, hunting, igloos, the real purpose behind kunik, famous people born in Alaska, the most climbed mountain, what is a reindeer dog, kayak origin, powdered beer, the Alaska Bushman, Alaska Bermuda Triangle, and plenty more! At the end of each chapter there is a quiz.
The narrator, Derek Newman, did an awesome job! I would listen to another book by him.
~A brief description~
1) Title, author, and narrator (18 seconds).
2) Introduction. Approximately 3 minutes.
3) Alaska’s History and Random Facts. Approximately 39 minutes.
4) Alaska’s “Eskimos”: The Natives, and Their Culture. Approximately 38 minutes.
5) Alaska’s Pop Culture and Sports. Approximately 35 minutes.
6) Facts About Alaska’s Attractions. Approximately 31 minutes.
7) Alaska’s Inventions, Ideas, and More. Approximately19 minutes.
8) Alaska’s Biggest Haunts, Supernatural, and Other Weird Facts. Approximately 38 minutes.
9) Conclusion (title, author, narrator, and publisher- 27 seconds).
Regarding the bad reviews which list three things specifically (you can decide if they are inaccurate or not): 1) Christopher McCandless- The author discusses the movie Into the Wild and how it’s one of the better known movies that have been filmed in Alaska, it was based off a book, and mentions Christopher traveled across North America making it to Alaska, had planned to live off the land, “The Magic Bus”, and McCandless’s death and the controversy surrounding it. 2) Bristol Palin and her TV show Life’s a Tripp- the author says “The show followed Bristol Palin, who was then new teen mother of Tripp, as she relocated to Los Angeles from Alaska and then back to Alaska.” 3) Jerry Lee Lewis song- the author talks about songs that have been written about Alaska, “some of these include “When It’s Springtime in Alaska” by Johnny Horton, “North to Alaska” by Jerry Lee Lewis, and...” This fact is the one I have a problem with as Johnny Horton originally recorded the song. Whether or not it is an error on the author or editor, it should be fixed.
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: talk of serial killers, war, pipeline controversies, mention of Alaska being the rape capital of the USA, derogatory term used multiple times (Eskimo)- the history and explanation of why it is derogatory, mention of sex life (tribal traditions). No swearing.
*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!
December 7, 2022
Read my full review here: https://abbyeppletthistorian.blogspot...
As a prolific self-published author, O’Neill has written about other popular states, including Texas, California, and New York, along with books of movie trivia and random facts. The book is divided into six section:
Modern History
Culture of Alaskan Natives
Pop Culture and Sports
Attractions
Inventions
Supernatural
Each section is divided into quick bites of related facts, perfect for reading if you only have a few minutes. The simple writing style make it accessible to upper elementary school and older. The comprehensive table of contents at the front of the book make finding a favorite fact super easy. The short quizzes at the end of each chapter allowed readers to check memory and reading comprehension. This would work as a decent homeschooling tool.
As a researcher who focuses on interactions between disparate American cultures, I was impressed by the way O’Neill described the history and modern lives of Alaskan Natives. He highlighted multiple cultural groups, explaining the etymological origin of the word “Eskimo”, and dispelling myths about igloos and words for snow. While a few descriptions might not pass the strictest political correctness filter, O’Neill clearly made an effort in his research.
However, related to research, O’Neill does not cite sources or include a bibliography, so it is unclear where he gets his information. Before reading this book, I did know several facts about Alaska that appeared in this book, so I am assuming most of the information is correct. Even so, students should not cite this book in graded school projects. Additionally, the text should not be used to teach writing style, as it is somewhat lacking in correct word choice, grammar, and punctuation.
For a fun taste of Alaska appropriate for the whole family, you cannot go wrong with The Great Book of Alaska as long as you do not take the book too seriously. As a historian who enjoys an author that does not take himself too seriously, I would happily read and enjoy the other books by O’Neill.
As a prolific self-published author, O’Neill has written about other popular states, including Texas, California, and New York, along with books of movie trivia and random facts. The book is divided into six section:
Modern History
Culture of Alaskan Natives
Pop Culture and Sports
Attractions
Inventions
Supernatural
Each section is divided into quick bites of related facts, perfect for reading if you only have a few minutes. The simple writing style make it accessible to upper elementary school and older. The comprehensive table of contents at the front of the book make finding a favorite fact super easy. The short quizzes at the end of each chapter allowed readers to check memory and reading comprehension. This would work as a decent homeschooling tool.
As a researcher who focuses on interactions between disparate American cultures, I was impressed by the way O’Neill described the history and modern lives of Alaskan Natives. He highlighted multiple cultural groups, explaining the etymological origin of the word “Eskimo”, and dispelling myths about igloos and words for snow. While a few descriptions might not pass the strictest political correctness filter, O’Neill clearly made an effort in his research.
However, related to research, O’Neill does not cite sources or include a bibliography, so it is unclear where he gets his information. Before reading this book, I did know several facts about Alaska that appeared in this book, so I am assuming most of the information is correct. Even so, students should not cite this book in graded school projects. Additionally, the text should not be used to teach writing style, as it is somewhat lacking in correct word choice, grammar, and punctuation.
For a fun taste of Alaska appropriate for the whole family, you cannot go wrong with The Great Book of Alaska as long as you do not take the book too seriously. As a historian who enjoys an author that does not take himself too seriously, I would happily read and enjoy the other books by O’Neill.
December 5, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"Food, fashion, fur, and more."
Another in the fascinating series of books presenting interesting facts and stories of the various states of America. This time it is Alaska, the 49th state, sometimes known as the Last Frontier, or the Land of the Midnight Sun, and big in every way from actual size (One fifth of the size of the USA) to earthquakes and volcanic activity. But there is gold there, too, most still unmined, and oil reserves.gr8
Divided into six main chapters covering distinct areas from general history to hauntings and the supernatural, each section is followed by a short quiz to test the reader. Perfect for people who enjoy participation in trivia challenges of just enjoy acquiring obscure bits of information. The book is ably read by Derek Newman, with warmth in his voice and good intonation.
Unlike many travel guide type volumes, A Great Book of Alaska is never dull. My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. It was an enjoyable as well as informative fun read about the oh-so-cold state where some believe that the Northern Lights are dancing spirits and that a child born under them will be granted a lucky life.
"Food, fashion, fur, and more."
Another in the fascinating series of books presenting interesting facts and stories of the various states of America. This time it is Alaska, the 49th state, sometimes known as the Last Frontier, or the Land of the Midnight Sun, and big in every way from actual size (One fifth of the size of the USA) to earthquakes and volcanic activity. But there is gold there, too, most still unmined, and oil reserves.gr8
Divided into six main chapters covering distinct areas from general history to hauntings and the supernatural, each section is followed by a short quiz to test the reader. Perfect for people who enjoy participation in trivia challenges of just enjoy acquiring obscure bits of information. The book is ably read by Derek Newman, with warmth in his voice and good intonation.
Unlike many travel guide type volumes, A Great Book of Alaska is never dull. My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. It was an enjoyable as well as informative fun read about the oh-so-cold state where some believe that the Northern Lights are dancing spirits and that a child born under them will be granted a lucky life.
October 19, 2018
Back is 1867, when Russian had become disheartened with the low profits they’d been getting with Alaskan settlements; and still remembering how the British had treated us in our colonial days, the US Secretary of State, William Seward, somehow through his continuous provocation of President Jackson, had gotten him to purchase the frozen wilderness known as Alaska from the Russian for $7.2 million. This newly acquired territory ultimately became known as “Seward’s Folly”, "Seward's Icebox," or "Andrew Johnson's Polar Bear Garden", due it’s unpopularity amongst many American. But, just look at how great Alaska has become today.
What this author, Bill O’Neill, has done in this book is to once again share with his readers in his unique style a cornucopia of interesting and amazing variety of facts and trivia about our 49th state. To get an idea of what this book does in its desire to enlighten its readers regarding, just peruse the preview pages for the book on Amazon.
For giving his readers an informative reading experience about a state where people had gotten paid to just living there, I’ve given Mr. O’Neill 5 STARS for his efforts here.
What this author, Bill O’Neill, has done in this book is to once again share with his readers in his unique style a cornucopia of interesting and amazing variety of facts and trivia about our 49th state. To get an idea of what this book does in its desire to enlighten its readers regarding, just peruse the preview pages for the book on Amazon.
For giving his readers an informative reading experience about a state where people had gotten paid to just living there, I’ve given Mr. O’Neill 5 STARS for his efforts here.
July 10, 2025
interesting facts but presented completely disjointedly with not much care. very much enjoyed reading it to pass the time while relaxing in an Airbnb on a trip to Alaska. can't imagine another situation where I'd recommend it though.
October 17, 2025
Inaccurate.
5 errors in first chapter. Identified President of US twice at time of Alaska Purchase. Said a leak in AK Pipeline near Fairbanks left 16000 gallons of oil in ocean - Fairbanks is in the middle of the state. Attributed writer of 2 songs about Alaska wrongly.
5 errors in first chapter. Identified President of US twice at time of Alaska Purchase. Said a leak in AK Pipeline near Fairbanks left 16000 gallons of oil in ocean - Fairbanks is in the middle of the state. Attributed writer of 2 songs about Alaska wrongly.
October 18, 2018
Alaska
I lived in the Aleutian islands for four years. I learned so much from this book that I wish I had known then!
I lived in the Aleutian islands for four years. I learned so much from this book that I wish I had known then!
June 12, 2022
Listened to the audio book on our driving trip in Alaska. Pretty fun and keep us enjoy the Alaska mountains more!
June 12, 2022
I don't really like the way the author keeps repeating "Did you know..", "Have you ever wondered"..
August 13, 2022
Great book!
Great book if you wNt to know more about Alaska!
If you are visiting Alaska,this book is for you!
Ver good facts and research bt the author.
Great book if you wNt to know more about Alaska!
If you are visiting Alaska,this book is for you!
Ver good facts and research bt the author.
July 22, 2023
Super short- needs some editing and proofing but some Interesting trivia
February 28, 2024
Some interesting tidbits but I felt like I was reading a children's book
March 19, 2024
3.5 stars. Fun and simple
April 26, 2024
Great book! Very informative.
June 8, 2024
Mediocre book our family used to prep for trip to Alaska. Cheaply put together but provided some interesting facts. Not recommended, but it did help get us pumped for our trip.
June 21, 2024
Non-American reader who knows basically nothing about Alaska. Fun, easy and interesting read for a profile such as mine!
July 4, 2019
Lectura ligera, ideal como primera aproximación a "La última frontera".
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews