Really really funny, but too long ( )

adult (fictionalized nonfiction) humor. On video I find Hodgman funny but without the visual expressions his writing has more of an annoying, bloated ego to it. It's unfortunate. ( )

This is hilarious and unlike anything I have read. It is fictitious non-fiction and major props to John Hodgman for making up everything -- and including a few kernels of truth, which are really hard to find. By billing this as an almanac he has given himself the perfect platform to include a bunch of randomness. He seems to gravitate toward hoboes and werewolves -- and why not? He has also included lots of tables and charts (also made-up) so extra points for creativity in that regard. Some entries include: "Hints on Building Snow Forts"; "Dog People vs. Cat People"; "Secrets of Yale University"; "Four Famous Monsters and Their Hunters" and some local flavor: "Secrets of the Mall of America" and "Four Dubious Fables of Chicago" as well as a look at all 51 states in "The States, Their Nicknames and Mottoes" -- the 51 is explained. His tone is so deadpan and exaggerated that he seems almost believable and puts me in mind of Dave Barry, Rex Huppke and Jim Gaffigan but with a higher IQ audience in mind. He is a "frequent voice" on This American Life if that gives you some context. Though published in 2005 this book is perfect for our 'fake news' era and Hodgman would probably say this "Almanac of Complete World Knowledge" predicted it. He closes the book with this send-off: "Such is the effect of KNOWLEDGE upon the brain -- a zinging clarity that does not quickly fade, but will last all the way to dinner, and then by bedtime will turn into awful, crushing dread." (223) ( )

A wonderfully goofy almanac of fake facts. Hodgman's lies jump back & forth from "possibly plausible" to "outright ridiculous" so nimbly that you never know what he's going to say next. Worth reading for his "facts" about the 51 states and the 700 hobo names alone.

Also, it's even better if you imagine him reading the book to you in his dry, "Hi, I'm a PC" voice.

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If you find the idea of a Hobo rebellion nearly overturning the American government oddly compelling, this is the book for you. And if there are dozens of facts that you need to have confirmed for you are not true...this is the book for you. A joyous and rye look at the missing facts of American History and how we are left sadder for their never having occurred. I look forward to reading his sequel which even now is sitting quietly, if suspiciously, on my shelf. ( )