Mental Floss Presents Know It All

January 1, 2012

Trex (contributor, ESPN Guide to Psycho Fan Behavior) and Will Pearson and Mangesh Hattikudur (coauthors, with Erik Sass, The Mental Floss History of the United States) compile entries from ten years of mental_floss, a popular magazine that's recognized for its unconventional, data-packed lists. The book, whose introduction emphasizes that its focus "is not to offend but to have fun without being political or mean spirited," is easily digestible, providing engrossing tidbits to add spice to dull conversations or perk up boring cocktail parties. It is divided into several sections from "Lighten the Mood at the E.R." to "Lists for People Who Can't Write Good," with subtopics such as "Eight Latin Phrases You Pretend To Understand." Readers will learn, for example, that Play-Doh was initially sold as a wallpaper cleaner, and that Twinkies originally had banana-flavored filling but switched to vanilla when World War II brought the banana trade to a halt. BOTTOM LINE With its wealth of stories and illustrations, simple layout, and low cost, this quick-witted title will appeal to patrons of a broad range of ages and interests. Recommended for students, casual readers, and knowledge nerds of all types.--Bobbie Wrinkle, McCracken Cty. P.L., Paducah, KY

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.