John Thompson (6)

This made a fine book for the bathroom, where short articles of interest are sometimes useful. It seems U.S.A. centric, and tells you a little about the origins of items you probably never wondered about but always took for granted. Frequently you are left wanting more, but that's not what this book is about, it is about a taste of knowledge.

Well written, though you need a dictionary for many adjectives and the occasional important word. I consider myself an average to above average reader and had a great deal of difficulty understanding some sections. Just glossing over most of the words you don’t know, you can still enjoy it as written. Those words may add shades of meaning, yet you lose other meanings and connections by taking the time to look their meaning up.

If you're taking any sort of US history classes, this book helps as an additional source. It can simplify confusing ideas and time periods, explain more about something than a textbook might, and just generally comes in handy for double checking things. Easy and concise.

Watch Bethanne Patrick interview herself about her book AN UNCOMMON HISTORY OF COMMON THINGS on The Book Studio.