Customer Reviews

Those Crazy Germans! A Lighthearted Guide to Germany

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Those Crazy Germans! is a must read for anyone traveling to Germany. Having traveled to Germany on several occasions prior to reading the book, Those Crazy Germans! answered all of the questions that I had about Germany and my experiences there that I was afraid to ask. This book is not a travel guide in the traditional sense - but rather an insider's view into the culture, people, traditions and idiosyncrasies that make Germany such a unique country. The author narrates his story in an easy to read manner as if he was recanting stories from his favorite vacation to his best friend over lunch. His enthusiasm and love for all things German is evident and is contagious as you turn the pages. I highly recommend this book for anyone traveling to Germany whether it be your first time or your tenth time - you are sure to enjoy it.

Those Crazy Germans is equal parts education and entertainment. Covering everything from sports and politics to beer and nudity, the book captures a unique perspective. Whether you are traveling to Germany or working for a German company, you can look past the stereotypes and formality into everyday life and perspective. The book is fun and you'll enjoy it while you learn.

It's a slim little book--a mere 100 or so pages--but a worthwile investment for me. I'm currently living in Germany and cultural clashes are bound to happen whenever two cultures collide. It really helps when you can start understanding the German psyche, something you don't get much of in your language course. The author has a great love for the German people and that's apparent thoughout his book. His perspective has certainly helped me get along more amicably, and learn to appreciate, my rule-abiding neighbors. It is a highly recommended read for anyone who will be living in Germany, but also with the type of tourist who mingles with the locals. If you are a tour-type tourist, it might not be worth the money unless you are just curious about German culture. In my experience, ex-patriots all idealize life/culture in German--it's almost a fairy tale. (Germans in Germany are much more critical of their culture). This book bridges the gap, it's written with love, but there is some examination of the uniquely German world view. It's appropriately titled, it's a light-hearted 'taste' of life in Germany.

This book is a lighthearted delightful read. Not only did I enjoy but while visiting Germany I passed it around to my German colleagues and they loved it for its descriptive accuracy of customs and differences region by region. If going to Germany or if you enjoy German culture you will find the book amusingly accurate fun book that is also a useful travel companion.

This book was a great read. Growing up in a family of German Hertiage and visiting Germany I can say this book hits the nail on the head. It is a fun, and light hearted read, that gives great insite to Modern Germany. From the description of the crosswalks and rules in Germany (I have also been corrected in Munich for not waiting til the light said it was ok to cross) to the Bier, customs and quirks. The book is a great travel companion to any person planning to visit Germany for the first time or the tenth time. I would highly recommend this book to everyone, even those who may never even visit the Vaterland (though everyone should at least once!).

If you are looking to find out some useful information about Germany or the German people, this book is probably not for you. However, if you are interested in the different types of beer served in Germany, the different places you can drink beer, where you can sunbathe topless or in the buff or maybe catch a glimpse of others doing so, you've struck a gold mine. While beer and nudity are a part of German life, I purchased this book hoping to learn a little more about the German people, their idiosyncrasies, and how to navigate both of those (since this book touts itself as "guide"). I was sorely disappointed.

This book is a must read for those interested in travelling to Germany or those who want a better grasp on German culture.
I am the daughter of two German immigrants and married to a German man- this book really hit home. I found everything factually accurate. The author is well versed on the subject and his love for German culture shines through.
I highly recommend this book to anyone wishing to expand their knowledge of this wonderful and diverse country and its people.

I've taken a couple years of German in college, and I wanted to learn some more about the culture. I read some reviews here and got it. I read it in one sitting, and because it was so short, I think $15 is a bit overpriced. I also did not learn as much as I wanted. Each theme or topic was no more than a few pages long, so this is more of a brief introduction to German culture. I did learn a few things, but I would not buy this if I could go back in time. If you're completely new to all things German, then this could be a fun read (I also didn't really see how this book was "lighthearted"...), but if you know just a little at least, then you're better off with a survival guide when you take a trip or to just read a more specific book. That's just what I think.

Some parts of the book were fine but the author went on too long in certain other areas. When he was talking about off beat customs the book was very good. When he got into other areas such as October fest the book sounds like it was written by a college student on his first weekend away from home- juvenile. Not worth the money.

This book is shallow and full of hand waving at the convenience of the author, connecting history with present in very uninformed ways for the sake of punchlines. Several things described are as if they were taken from Germany of the 1920s. Furthermore it seems the author has written this book in a couple of weekends without a true intent.
This book is more damaging than helpful.