The Smart Aleck's Guide to American History

It took me a while to get through this, but that's mostly because it's very easy to pick up and put down without losing your place or getting confused when you come back to it. It's almost a history textbook, but filled with snark and silly asides and funny quotes. It reminds me a bit of [b:The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents America|706|The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents America|Jon Stewart|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1157224104s/706.jpg|1589081], only with more history and fewer gags.

I know some folks don't like all the public domain images, but I kind of loved that the pictures were what you'd find in any history text book. Besides, the captions were usually funny enough to make the pictures entertaining.

I'd show more definitely recommend this as a resource for teens doing research or for anyone who wants to brush up on their US history without falling asleep. show less

Funny, clever, informative, readable, intriguing, irreverent, and fascinating.

Those are a few of the words that come to mind after reading Adam Selzer's Smart Aleck's Guide to American History. From the western discovery of America and more or less successful attempts at colonization to major wars, world history, and the present day, this accessible book is packed full of humor and smart stuff. Debunked myths, new views on historical figures, and more will intrigue even the non-history buff. The narrative is split into manageable section with plenty of photographs, art, lists, facts, and mini-biographies. Each chapter ends with a parody of history textbooks' quizzes and questions, mixing absurd multiple choice quizzes with definitely show more smart aleck essay questions. The introduction includes a list of all the contributors and there is a detailed index. No further reading or bibliographies are included (unless I had a blank moment and missed them) but there are frequent references to the website, http://www.smartalecksguide.com/, which is incorporated as a blog. It contains supplementary material and more hilarity, including "assignments" posted in response to the end of chapter quizzes.

Verdict: For every teenager who suspects there may be more to history than what she sees in her textbook. Or anyone who wonders if history is really supposed to be that boring? Reading this book certainly won't endear most high school students to their social studies teachers, but it will certainly get more kids interested in history!

ISBN: 978-0385736503; Published December 2009 by Delacorte; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library show less

An excellent guide to American History! Though listed as a kids book, I find that this is a great reference book for all ages. It contains information that any average American should know about the history of his own country. This book will enlighten its readers about both the little known facts and over-looked people of history and the lies and half-truths we have been passing off to school children for generations as "the whole truth and nothing but the truth". Required reading for all those who seek knowledge and for all those who SHOULD BE seeking it. Fun and education, a history book doesn't get much better then this!

Fun and irreverant look at American history. Covers the 20th century in terms of the Billy Joel song, "We Didn't Start the Fire." Funny! Learned a few things, too. Found this book in Powell's Bookstore in Portland, Oregon. Glad I picked it up.

This was very funny and had a lot of interesting facts in it, and I think kids will love it. I think adults will get something out of it too. I loved the "stupid hats in history" thing. However, I do think the authors' habit of flirting with swear words without actually saying them was really annoying.

An excellent guide to American History! Though listed as a kids book, I find that this is a great reference book for all ages. It contains information that any average American should know about the history of his own country. This book will enlighten its readers about both the little known facts and over-looked people of history and the lies and half-truths we have been passing off to school children for generations as "the whole truth and nothing but the truth". Required reading for all those who seek knowledge and for all those who SHOULD BE seeking it. Fun and education, a history book doesn't get much better then this!

This is meant for a younger audience who want to learn American history with humor. Not for me.