Customer Reviews

HYPERtheticals: 50 Questions for Insane Conversations

5 star:		(5)
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2 star:		(1)
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Not as good as getting a "real" Klosterman release, but this what-if deck of cards is thought-provoking, most of them featuring Klosterman's off-the-wall wit.

It has potential for party fun, assuming your crowd includes mostly pop-culture-obsessed, half-drunk philosophers.

One downside: About half of the questions previously appeared in "Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs." Readers of that book won't find as much new material. But if it has been a few years since you read SD&C, it's fun to revisit those ponderables again.

A nice tide-over until Chuck gets us another book.

Stumbled across this product and it seemed absolutely engrossing, so me and the wife picked it up. We both find this set of 50 questions (many are not that insane) to be a lot of fun. We bring them along with us in the car and depending on the group of people we might be encountering for an evening also to parties.

One of the cards prompted my mother, my wife and myself into a rather lively debate on how far you can hold a child accountable for their actions, and whether or not the adult version of that child is to be judged based on those actions. It's a conversation that lingered for at least a couple of days as new thoughts and arguments were presented. I brought it with me to a party that included some friends who we usually play somewhat unstructured boardgames with, and thought they would have thoroughly enjoyed it, but the interest level just wasn't there. To others it reminded them of school (i don't see how that's possible).

It's a product that your either going to really enjoy or just be bored to tears with. The latter of which i don't see how it's possible. A bit of how I approach it is to at times play the devils advocate on idea's that me and my wife instantly agree on, or see eye to eye on. In this way it allows us to unravel the question a bit more, and on at least one occasion doing this made me change my mind altogether. There are layers to most questions, but more then one card features a dud, but that may just be my outlook on the question. Much is left up to interpretation and this is a good thing.

As far as the quality of the cards, that leaves something to be desired. They are thin, very thin which i guess helped to keep the cost down, just don't let any younger kids get a hold of them lest they be folded bent and torn. The box they are housed in is robust thankfully. The cards title is on one side and features usually a clever bit of art (nothing intricate simple design motifs) and the reverse is the question. When you first read a few the questions seem to ramble on, but you quickly realize this is to help address "what if's" that might arise when discussing the question.

All and all a solid product and if your one to find your self browsing the cultural studies section at your local book store, then this is more then likely a product you will find yourself enjoying and reaching for anytime you get the opportunity. My favorite question thus far has been one involving "Stereotypical Jesus".

This is a great game of open ended questions. There no score, just great conversations. Most of them are comical and interesting and have the power of creating great debates. A few feel like no brainers and possible filler.
I've played this at parties and when guests come over and it has always been a big hit. Then I started memorizing the best questions and use them as ice breakers for conversion when I was in Germany. Now I ask my co-workers and random customers, when riding in elevators, waiting in line, etc.
They are also a great way to meet women (or men if that's your thing) as they are essentially a great pick up line and a woman's willingness to answer is a great way to see if she is creative and/or has a good sense of humor.
It's gotten to the point that my friends and I make up our own.
Thanks Chuck Kolsterman for making me appear more interesting.

I read Klosterman's book for a project and found that the questions interlude made for great conversations with my friends!! So I bought this for my friend's graduation present and we spent a good while discussing our opinions! Fantastic product!!

This is a brilliant idea that can turn any situation into conversational chaos. 50 cards might not seem like many, but I received these as a gift for Christmas, carry them around in my briefcase to use constantly, and still haven't quite hit every card. I feel like a less sophisticated, modern day Socrates pondering the far-fetched scenarios with people. It's actually kind of amazing how much this deck of cards can reveal about someone, and how much time (hours) you can spend on a single topic. The best part is, you can't believe how much fun these can be. Can't underrate this item and can't wait for HYPERtheticals II (make it happen Klosterman).

The discussions I've had since getting these cards are amazing. I've really learned things about my friends that I never knew and it has proved to be very insightful.

Most of these cards DO lead to some pretty insane conversations. Some of those conversations require some nudging to continue though since a lot of people don't know what to say when you ask them if they'd rather eat old people or babies. It's great for a night out with friends and beers!

The cards are actually very well written. Each scenario goes into enough detail, where the group of people can actually have a meaningful conversation.
Some scenarios are better than others.
You also need to have a diverse group of people to play. Playing with people who think exactly like you yields little fun.
Can be good for car rides and at home.

My co-workers and I try one or two of these every day during lunch. Sometimes they're hilarious and funny, and sometimes they require a subtle push to get the conversations flowing. Regardless, they live up to the promise of providing questions that LEAD TO insane conversations. I'd recommend this product to everyone -- they're fun to read and think about, if nothing else.

such a neat idea. you will learn a lot about yourself and others with these crazy questions. if you like his books these cards are a must buy