Customer Reviews

Why Didn't I Think of That? Bizarre Origins of Ingenious Inventions We Couldn't Live Without

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Every entry in this collection is a good start on the subject - but that's it. As soon as it gets interesting, the authors move on to the next factlet. This may be fun for "Hey, did you know that..." type of conversations, but as soon as someone wants more information, you're out of this book's depth. After a while, it gets frustrating to read - in fact, it's the only book of this type I had to force myself to finish. Plus, the authors' adherence to an apparent 5th grade reading level, with no order or clear chronology even within each entry, makes it even more annoying.

If you want an outline of interesting tidbits, or if you're not yet in high school, you may enjoy this book (in fact, it wouldn't be a bad gift for some little inventor you may know, up to about age 13). But if you want depth, insight, and a touch of adult-level irreverance and humor, go elsewhere (personally, I'm a BIG fan of Cecil Adams).

Forget what some negative reviewer wrote; this book is fast, fun and full of interesting factoids. The language is breezy and the 50 chapters move along at an interesting pace. My entire family really enjoyed this book and we learned a lot of interesting knowledge.

The origins of lots of products made in America is in this book. Short pieces that take only about 5 to 10 minutes to read. I found it fun to read about how people came up with the ideas of such products as Tootsie Roll, Slinky, Silly Putty, Thermos, Tupperware, etc. Not useful information but just fun to learn about. How people come up with ideas for products that are part of everyday life now. Anyone who likes trivia will enjoy this book.

A light interesting recounting of how products were discovered and marketed. Easy to read. Lots of fun. Good for the person thinking of going into business.

This book has a small chapter on the yo-yo, which was well done. Lucky Meisenheimer M.D. author of "Lucky's Collectors Guide to 20th Century Yo-Yos...History and Values.