Bet You Didn't Know: Hundreds of Intriguing Facts about Living in the USA

This book, written by a well-known professional demographer, focuses on many social aspects of life in the USA. But where others may make statements without support or out of whole cloth, this book gives short, but not too short, answers and better yet sources to the information given. All of the articles are short (one page - none longer) and each article is proceeded by a question with the balance of the page giving the answer, the facts, and the sources many of which are checkable on-line. This book would make a wonderful gift to anyone who has an interest in the world around them, but keep one copy for yourself, to settle arguments for this book has many fact based answers to issues that come up in conversation.

Author Cheryl Russell is a recognized authority on statistics and demographics, and BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW: HUNDREDS OF INTRIGUING FACTS ABOUT LIVING IN THE USA offers little-known facts on a range of trends and facts top of America's obsessions. From jobs and money to free time and social issues, the author spotlights facts and offers illuminating commentary. General-interest lending libraries will find it intriguing.

My teenage son puts down his game controller to read aloud from this book. But I like it for more than that. It gives me insight. Each page starts with a Harper's Index style fact about Americans. Russell then explains the story behind the fact and why we should care. And she isn't stingy with her sharp edged wit. I often end up wearing a smirk after reading her analysis. This is smart reading--whether your other book is the NYTimes or an xBox360. Bet You Didn't Know will be my core gift this season.

As a college student who is doing either one of two things, writing papers or entertaining friends, this book definitely has tidbits that will add beef to a paper ranging from a multitude of topics. When discussing topics such as politics with friends, it definitely is helpful to have this book handy for either self-edification or enlightening others. Overall a very accessible book that is excellently written and won't drown you in numbers.

This is a fun book about important issues. It is set up sort of like a blog, with short explanations of trends--one per page. The author is a demographer and is really into numbers. This is a book for number lovers, but it is also entertaining. Who knew that Americans don't like to shop? Religious girls have sex at a younger age than other girls... Older Americans spend 1/4 of their day watching television... This book will take you by surprise!