You know the type of book that you can read in spurts, a couple pages here and there? The type that causes you to burst out with a “Really?!” more than once? The book that you load up with sticky note tabs or dog-eared corners to remind you to read portions aloud to your spouse or friend? Mark Di Vincenzo, author of Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon (linked to my review), has just released his second compilation book, Your Pinkie is More Powerful Than Your Thumb: And 333 Other Surprising Facts That Will Make You Wealthier, Healthier and Smarter Than Everyone Else.
This time around, Di Vincenzo is ready to wow readers with some truly odd, head-shaking tidbits, covering topics as wide as health, money, food, animals, and history. But don’t expect ho-hum kinds of stories here… oh no. Di Vincenzo tackles some very different aspects of these general categories, bringing incredible little-known facts to light.
Can you guess which day of the year is most dangerous to drive a car? (Are the fireworks distracting?) Or be a pedestrian? (Not a good way to start out the year.) Have you ever wondered about the greatest amount ever gambled away in Las Vegas? (A number I cannot even fathom. Enough said.) Can you name some upsides to a recession? (Believe it or not, they are actually significant!) If you like to be environmentally conscious, which drink do you think is best for the environment: milk, beer, tea, wine or coffee? (This one may surprise you!) Besides guide dogs, can you think of other service animals that are assisting people today? (A duck is on this list. Seriously.)
As with Di Vincenzo’s first collection, Your Pinkie is More Powerful Than Your Thumb: And 333 Other Surprising Facts That Will Make You Wealthier, Healthier and Smarter Than Everyone Else makes for a fun and often surprising read, and my husband can attest to the fact that it’s the perfect book for folks who like to read short passages aloud. (He has had the pleasure of hearing me say, “Oh, just one more! Can you believe this?” many, many times.) Filled with the knowledge gleaned from much research and numerous studies, this book would make a great gift for the fact-loving reader in your life.
Dawn’s not sure if she’s healthier or wealthier just yet, but she’s feeling smarter with every fact read. Share in her wisdom (ha!) at her blog, my thoughts exactly.