Monday, September 26, 2011

Book Review: Ripley's Believe it or Not: Strikingly True!










Book info 



Summary:

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Strikingly True is an all-new collection of the strangest stories from around the globe. An eye-catching red and silver holographic foil cover with lenticular ensures that the book stands out on the shelf.

A mind-boggling array of incredible and bizarre facts, stories, interviews, lists, and features are all presented in a bright new design. Look out for a special section on weird Olympic facts, and some stunning features on tattooed ladies, ancient mummies, and walls of death, among many others. Fascinating interviews with some of the planet’s most extraordinary people explore their motivations, while the popular “Ripley Research” boxes explain the science behind some of the most unbelievable tales in the book.

Strikingly True also includes a dramatic 8-page gatefold pullout that celebrates the sideshow performers who appeared at Ripley’s first ever Odditorium—at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. With something strange to entertain and shock every member of the family, Strikingly True is sure to continue the massive success of the expanding Ripley’s book brand.




My Thoughts:


I have read a few books in the Ripley's series, and was eager to get my hands on this 8th edition, which included wacky stories like that of Jonathon Trappe, aerial adventurer and pilot, who traveled across the English Channel attached to 55 helium balloons, as well as stories about bizarre foods and so much more.  You will not be able to stop turning the pages of this book.  

Here is just a glimpse of some of the stories included in Ripley's Believe it or Not: Strikingly True!






I like tattoos, but I don't think I could go to this extreme like one California mom:



Bishop’s daughter and mother-ofthree Jinxi Boo, from Southern California, has almost her entire body covered in tattoos. She has a tattoo of a black-and-white dairy cow (because she’s vegan), portraits of her family and her favorite musicians (Gwen Stefani, Björk, Cyndi Lauper and Meg White), plus a spectacular octopus tattoo across her throat and chest that took 26 hours to complete. A trip to Disneyland as a teenager inspired her love of tattoos, but she did not have her first design— a small cherry on her ankle—until she was 30.

Or, who knew there was an annual Glen Nevis River Race in Scotland, where competitors on inflatable airbeds don helmets and life jackets to navigate a treacherous 1½-mi (2.4-km) course along the Glen Nevis River, tackling white-water torrents, rapids and even a 30-ft (9-m) waterfall.  Just look at one of the thrill-seeking competitors:


These are just 2 of the many wacky and zany Ripley's Believe it or Not stories included in this jam-packed and entertaining book.  This book is great for kids and teens, as well as a coffee table read.  It will get your family talking after your peruse through the pages of this book.  Again, Ripley's has turned out another great Believe it or Not book for the entire family to enjoy!  And, with the holidays around the corner, this would make a great family gift or gift for your tweens and teens.

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this book in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.
 
 

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