What are Hyenas Laughing at, Anyway? [Mass Market Paperback]

David Feldman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1996

Offers facts, clues, and theories about the "Great Mysteries of Everyday Life" that keep people puzzled and entertained, such as why we close our eyes when we kiss, why broccoli is not canned, why women prefer to shop more than men do, and much more. Reprint.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The eighth in Feldman's Imponderables series (When Do Fish Sleep?, etc.), this volume collects questions submitted by readers, each credited individually, ranging through fields of human and animal endeavor. We learn the answer to the eponymous query (hyenas don't laugh), why leather is expensive (if we ate more beef, it wouldn't be), what the difference is between a roll and a bun (none; it's a matter of arbitrary local definition) and how the product Grecian Formula knows what color to dye your hair (it doesn't). Annoyingly, the Imponderables are presented helter-skelter without organization according to subject-matter, e.g., clothing, utensils, etc. Most fun are the chapters on Frustrables, the most frustrating imponderables: Why don't women spit more? Why do dogs tilt their heads when you talk to them? 50,000 first printing; author tour.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Feldman's knack of asking 'imponderable' questions continues in this blend of science and puzzles which come from readers' questions about everyday life. As many of these questions are scientific in nature this book is reviewed here; but trivia fans may find it equally compelling. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade (October 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425154513
• ISBN-13: 978-0425154519
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #558,508 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You have to love it...or at least appreciate it, May 27, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: What are Hyenas Laughing at, Anyway? (Mass Market Paperback)

This book is a riot! Especially for those of us who are easily annoyed with the "why" and "why not" of everything! Even those of you who think you won't like this book will. It answers may of the most absurd questions ever put forth, but yet they are so absurd that you are compelled to read it. I know many people won't find this review helpful, but just trust me and read the book anyway.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You have to love it...or at least appreciate it, May 27, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: What are Hyenas Laughing at, Anyway? (Mass Market Paperback)

This book is a riot! Especially for those of us who are easily annoyed with the "why" and "why not" of everything! Even those of you who think you won't like this book will. It answers may of the most absurd questions ever put forth, but yet they are so absurd that you are compelled to read it. I know many people won't find this review helpful, but just trust me and read the book anyway.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is really great!, April 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: What are Hyenas Laughing at, Anyway? (Mass Market Paperback)

If you love to ponder questions like, "Why isn't there any canned broccoli" or "why do mosquitoes seem to like some people more than others", then you'll definately love this book. It includes many long, interesting, answers to some of the hardest-to-answer questions ever asked. I think this is a great book, and I think it deserves a place on bookshelves everywhere.