The Tall Book: A Celebration of Life from on High (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Though it may in part revere the tall, essayist Cohen proclaims, clearly "society is not built for us." Six-foot-three Cohen (Confessions of a High School Word Nerd) covers many taken-for-granted challenges facing "talls," including public toilets, exercise bikes, doorways, couches and airplanes. Especially complicated is dating; some tall women would never "date down"-that is, a man shorter than they are-while other talls (i.e. men) refuse to date anyone but the short. Being tall costs more, due to expenses like "double-price clothes," "high ceilinged homes," and "the food," but it also pays better: tall people earn approximately 2.5% more per inch. Height also helps get presidents elected; 26 out of the last 30 presidential contests went to the taller candidate. Cohen has been frustrated, ever since she was a 5'3" eight-year-old that no one has written a book about tall people ("The Dewey Decimal index didn't even assign a classification number to tall people. Surely the world kidded"). She fixes that problem handily with a guide both practical and proud, and with enough self-deprecating humor to charm readers of any height; an ideal gift for talls, their loved ones, and (perhaps) their jealous detractors.
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Review

“Given her smarts, inquisitiveness, and warm wit, I'd follow Ms. Cohen up any learning curve. With The Tall Book her assignment is personal, and richer for it. The result is a real resource for giants of all ages (and those who love them) so that we can fully appreciate the advantages and navigate the downfalls of our standing. Not since Randy Newman's "Short People" have those of us of a certain stature had a better rallying cry.”—Brad Wieners, 6'7", Editor, Men's Journal

 

“This is a funny and lively book that belongs -- quite literally -- on the top shelf of American literature. One of us 'talls' will be happy to get it down for you.”--Steve Rushin, 6'5", Sports Illustrated columnist and author of Road Swing

 

“As a 12-year-old, told to act my age and not my shoe size, I could honestly say, 'They're the same.' Arianne Cohen has written a book for everyone, like me, who grew up (and up) to be proud of their height.”--Rebecca Lobo, 6'4", Olympic gold medalist basketball player and ESPN Commentator

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA; 1st edition (June 9, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596913088
• ISBN-13: 978-1596913080
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #9,442 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, someone has wrote a book that I can relate to, completely!, June 24, 2009

By	Merl (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews

This book is fabulous. I am a 6'4" female, age 36. I have hated every inch of my height, until I read this book. WOW, amazing what a little bit of well written reseach can do to flip my world upside down. I couldn't be happier. THANK YOU for writing this. Words cannot describe the positive perspective you have given me. What a gift. This book is well written, well organized, and has great information. LOVE IT! I am the lucky one!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Tall Drink of Literature!, June 25, 2009

By	Alexandra "Alexandra" ((San Diego, CA)) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Extremely well-researched with eye-opening analysis ranging from the economics, evolutionary psychology, and anthropology of being tall; then goes on to detail Cohen's gallivants around the globe chronicling tall issues and tipping the iceberg of what it means to see over crowds and be an instant attention-grabber...Cohen has written a first for tall body-image, and has imbued a sense of pride in me that, even after 22 years of emotional support from my own over 6-feet-tall parents and extended family, has not been validated until this, The Tall Book.

Ari- Thank you for starting, what I believe, will be a fabulous revolution of tall pride, confidence and celebration.

-Alexandra, 6'0"

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! How enlightening!, June 26, 2009

By	Beth Ehmke Bluman (Gansevoort, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Thank you, thank you for this book - I am a 6'2" 48 year old with two older sisters just as towering tall. Their birthdays are in July, and before I had the pleasure of reading this wonderful book, ordered three books - one for each of us! And I have no regrets, as I devoured this book in no time at all - sure my sisters will feel the same way - I think I have found their best birthday present ever.

This was such a self-esteem booster - growing up I had many of the same experiences as Ms. Cohen, and it was refreshing to feel not so "alone" in the feelings, situations and awkwardness that can come along with tallness.

A great read, to go back to again and again to pick you up and make you smile.