Buzz
Books are one of my favorite gifts to receive (just check out my Amazon Wishlist). Thanks to my love for lists and trivia, I've accumulated a lot of books on these topics—many of which have inspired the lists shared here. This Christmas, I recommend gifting a book to someone or picking up a couple for yourself, especially if you haven't indulged in a great book for a while. The following list features books from my personal collection that I would happily suggest to Mytourrs.
10. World’s Worst Mark Frauenfelder
This fun little book showcases some of the world's worst things—ranging from dangerous people and places to grotesque creatures, and more. In well-researched, humorously scathing essays, Mark Frauenfelder uncovers the lesser-known, often absurd, stories of the worst people, places, and things on Earth, providing both amusement and insight for the reader. Half of the entries are also playfully illustrated by the author, making this a perfect bedtime read.
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9. The Disappearing Spoon Sam Kean
In The Disappearing Spoon, Sam Kean explores the periodic table of elements, sharing captivating stories and anecdotes about each one. The book is filled with entertaining tales of scientists—both brilliant and eccentric—and delves into topics such as thallium (Tl, 81) poisoning, the creation of the silicon (Si, 14) transistor, and how the ruthenium (Ru, 44) fountain pen point brought millions to the Parker company. With a constant stream of fascinating facts, this is the ideal read for anyone who loves trivia and little-known tidbits of information.
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8. Forbidden Knowledge By Michael Powell
This book unveils secrets about things society considers forbidden – such as how to counterfeit money, break into a car, become a religious figure, and even includes a humorous list of ten things you shouldn’t say to a police officer – like: “When I bent down to pick up my bag of crack, my gun slipped off my lap and got stuck between the brake and gas pedals, causing me to speed uncontrollably.” Whether you find it humorous or not, this book is captivating and will interest a wide audience.
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7. History's Greatest Lies By William Weir
This book unpacks many well-known myths from history that are often found in textbooks and other sources. For instance, the author clarifies that Emperor Nero didn’t play the fiddle while Rome was burning, as the violin wasn’t invented until the 16th century (you heard it here first!). The story comes from his rivals. Paul Revere did his best to warn the Colonial militia about the British invasion, but they captured him before he could spread the word, which was then relayed in various ways. The storming of the Bastille was not to free prisoners but to seize its gunpowder reserves. The political prisoners were actually treated well. This book offers a fascinating and alternative view of history.
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6. Why Do Men Have Nipples? By Billy Goldberg, M.D.
This delightful little book, put together by doctors, answers those burning questions we all have but are too shy to ask or don't have anyone to ask. Some of the intriguing questions include: “Why do men wake up with an erection?” and “Why do you see stars after being hit on the head?” The answers? You'll have to get the book to find out!
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5. A Short History of Nearly Everything By Bill Bryson
From the origins of the universe to the present day, A Short History of Nearly Everything chronicles how humanity has uncovered the mysteries of the world around us. Bill Bryson taps into a vast array of sources, from popular science books to conversations with experts in various fields. His goal is to help those who find traditional textbooks dull appreciate how science has helped us understand everything from the tiniest particles to the farthest reaches of space.
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4. An Incomplete Education William Wilson
This comprehensive guide offers everything you missed in school–and much more that you never encountered–presented in an all-in-one reference book. Originally published in 1987, this instant classic has been updated to cover 12 different fields, from American studies to philosophy and world history. Along the way, Judy Jones and William Wilson present a wealth of insightful information, including the plot of *Othello* and the distinction between fission and fusion. This remarkable book has also been featured on Mytour and is so exceptional that it’s even available in our bookstore.
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3. Secret Places, Hidden Sanctuaries Klimczuk/Warner
This book will captivate anyone who enjoyed our list of places you can’t go. Within its pages, the doors to some of the most secretive and elusive locations in the world are swung wide open! Some names may ring a bell: Area 51, Yale’s Skull and Bones, Opus Dei, and the Esalen Institute. Others, however, are more enigmatic, concealed by fate or deliberate concealment, like the Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center, the ultra-secure facility where Vice President Dick Cheney was taken after the 9/11 attacks, and Germany’s Wewelsburg Castle, designed to become the mythological epicenter of the Nazi regime. Readers are given an unprecedented chance to explore military installations and shadowy organizations that dwell in the darkest corners of our world. This is no casual read–it's an intelligently researched, thoroughly fascinating book that you’ll thoroughly enjoy.
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+ Ultimate Book of Top 10 Lists
The Ultimate Book of Top 10 Lists is the first volume in what will ultimately become a trilogy based on Mytour. It covers all the categories featured on Mytour, offering the best lists from each in a format that’s both easy to read and highly convenient. Ideal for display on your coffee table or for reading in bed.
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2. The Book of Myths and Misconceptions Armchair Reader
Armchair Reader: The Book of Myths & Misconceptions uncovers the truth behind countless “facts” that are widely (and wrongly) believed to be true. Read this book, and you’ll be able to astound, educate, and challenge your friends. This book will undoubtedly appeal to anyone who enjoys our Fact & Fiction category. For me, at least, it’s a must-have for anyone who visits Mytour.
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1. Sneaky Uses for Everyday Things Cy Tymony
Do you know how to create something that can detect whether the $20 bill in your wallet is counterfeit? Or how to generate battery power using everyday household items? Or how to build your own home security system? Cy Tymony, the science-minded author, knows how. Now, you can discover how to make these gadgets – plus more than 40 other cool creations – in *Sneaky Uses For Everyday Things*. This isn’t just another DIY guide; it’s a quirky collection of clever ideas for turning regular objects into the extraordinary. The best part is that you don’t just read about them – you actually get to build these gadgets, making it a perfect way to spend a winter weekend.
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++ Ultimate Book of Bizarre Lists
The remarkable success of our first book led to the creation of *Ultimate Book of Bizarre Lists* – a volume dedicated entirely to the weird and wonderful topics featured on Mytour. If you're a fan of top 10 lists, this is a must-have, packed with lists you’ve never seen before on Mytour.
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Still craving more? Over the years, we've compiled hundreds of lists filled with exceptional books that we highly recommend to anyone who loves Mytour. That’s thousands of books – enough to keep you reading for a lifetime!
Explore our book lists, or Browse the Art & Literature category.
