Ngaire Genge

Rating: 3 of 5

Organized its over 400 "modern myths" into categories by the tale's topic or theme, such as "Oh, Scare Me!", "Happy Holidays," and "Crazy Little Thang Called Sex!" The author explored the social context, briefly discussed any validity or basis in true events, possible reasons behind origins, and the ways in which certain tales have evolved over time.

Definitely check out pages 175-176 for the state laws as well as page 286 for "You Don't Say!" - hilarious! For example, instructions for Japanese food processor read, "Not to be used for the other use."

Recommended to readers who want A LOT of urban legends jam-packed into one book.

Notes for my quick reference:

"In one sense, urban legends resemble fairy tales. Though they are meant to be taken literally, as having really happened, they contain clearly visible warnings or lessons (p. xvii)."

"What separates an urban legend from a rumor, or a bit of simple misinformation, or a fairy tale? Consistency of form (p. xviii)."

"Legends frequently derive their punch from irony (p. xix)."

"the 'truth' of a legend isn't necessarily all that important (p. xix)."

"folkloric purists (p. xxii)."

Correlation between Little Red Riding Hood and "The Ride" on pages 58-59.… (more)

This "episode guide" covers the first two seasons of Buffy, although the author seems to think they all belong to the first season. This is only one example of the problems i have with this book.
Each section introduces an episode and gives a brief summary of the episode, then goes on to discuss a topic tangentially related to the episode. For instance, in the part about "The Witch" the author chose to discuss the rise of the Spanish Inquisition, and "The Dark Age" goes on and on about premonitions in historical fiction. There are also trivia questions, which are mostly good, sidebars about goofs and continuity errors in the show, which, whatever, and this thing called "Everything I need to know, I learned from Buffy" which is really obnoxious. Examples: Never let an ax-wielding vampire guard your back, leaving a party with a bra you didn't bring with you just isn't a good thing, never turn your back on a man who sells cursed Halloween costumes... See what I mean? They aren't even funny.
Ugh. This whole thing is so irritating. It's barely about Buffy, the author is trying too hard to be funny, and it's not even 100% correct. Unless you're a completist Buffy fan, give this one a pass.… (more)