Customer Reviews

Bubble Gum and Hula Hoops: The Origins of Objects in Our Everyday Lives

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

 

 

The cover promises, "In this intriguing volume, Harry Oliver reveals the most diverting and amusing stories that lie behind the objects and inventions we take for granted..". I found neither diversion nor amusement in the one or two paragraphs for each topic. I honestly don't know why the publisher even agreed to (presumably) pay for such a poorly researched piece. You would do much better to take the first Google search or Wikipedia reference available than to check out this book.

I think this book is excellent. It makes for great cocktail party talk and the paragraphs are the perfect length for use in public speaking presentations. It provides vignettes that would make a child interested in history.

A nice collection of snippets--but be aware that the title and cartoon-style cover can be deceiving. Before purchasing for a child who enjoys books of this type, be aware that this may lead to a discussion you're not prepared for when they reach page 129.

I definitely wouldn't buy it again. No sources or references listed, some inaccurate information, horrible puns. Over-zealous use of exclamation points, which makes it seem like writing done by an elementary schooler. He also makes the middle-school writing mistake of referring to people by their first names. Here's a hint, Mr. Oliver--unless you know them personally, which you don't, use their first names!!