Know It All: The Little Book of Essential Knowledge

A stocking stuffer for my oldest granddaughter (aged 15). Even with all the computer games, music, clothes, jewelry, etc. that she received on Christmas, I caught her reading this book in the afternoon quiet time (after all, we had been up since 0530). She even confessed that it was interesting, even if it didn't ring, or buzz, or make other obnoxious noises!

This book is wonderful. It is useful to yourself and small conversations. It contains all the information that you should probably already know, but have forgotten over the years. It sums up every important beginning to history in a perfect nut shell. Quodos.

So you think you know it all? Or maybe you want to? Want to know what all there is to know? Then get your hands on Know It All: The Little Book of Essential Knowledge by Susan Aldridge, Elizabeth King Humphrey, and Julie Whitaker (Reader's Digest; 978-0-7621-0933-3). Spend some time between the covers and you'll find the scoop on "understanding the universe," "the story of the Earth," "the story of life," "conflicts of the modernage,""the structure of society," "religion and thought," "artistic endeavor," and more. When you want to know what you know, you can take the quizzes at the end of the book. No article is too long or complicated. It's a great little book. Here is an excerpt from the book so you can see for yourself. Know It All: The Little Book of Essential Knowledge

Trivia addicts should love this book! As should those readers who have an encyclopedic thirst, a need to accumulate bits and pieces of information just for the fun of it (or maybe to impress friends at the next cocktail party). The title -- "Know It All" -- is, of course, obviously a case of hyperbole since the topics are limited and the information provided for each of the topics is neither comprehensive nor complete. There are only nine subjects covered and each topic within a subject is discussed on two facing pages, but the facts (and factoids) are presented in a very brief, appealing manner which makes them easily accessible for readers even as young as nine or ten. And the photographs and drawings are very well done. If, however, the reader is expecting a scholarly and extensive work of intellectual erudition, this is not the book you want. I have always had a certain fondness for books like this simply because they are fun to peruse when one has a few minutes to spare. It is not a book I feel I have to read from page one to the end. I can skip around reading only what momentarily appeals to me or skim for some specific bit of information. It is, in a way, a sort of mini-encyclopedia and such works do have a place in one's personal library. So, for the general reader who simply wants to acquaint himself or herself with some general information about the world of science, geography, history, religion, social studies, and the arts, "Know It All" should prove a valuable resource. Moreover, if you like to quiz yourself about what you've read, there are quizzes at the end of each subject-section and a final chapter which presents a series of "test yourself" questions. The only shortcoming I found with the book is the failure to provide a bibliography or a list of resources for further reading. Other than that, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to general readers and I suspect that especially children and teenagers would find the book enjoyable and valuable.

Have you ever wanted to know more about a topic or one part of an subject but never knew where to start? Know It All... promises to take you there. It does so by presenting a nine subjects of study with stories, facts and people. The topics include understanding the universe from the cosmos to the minute atom; surveying the story of the earth through a look at its geology, climate, atmosphere and more; canvassing the living beings in the story of life which covers plants to humans; exploring the world's history; and so much more about the inventions, modern conflicts, structures, religion, thinking and art. Sidebars provide key information about the eminent people associated with each topic and following each unit is a test where you can gauge how well you've absorbed this well-researched and succinctly presented material. Another section within many of the chapters is called a "Conversation Starter," such as the one within "Newton's Laws: Why Things Move as They Do," which asks, "Want to lose weight? Try moving to another country. Weight depends on mass and gravity..." Perhaps you might find the sidebar box entitled "Key Player" more interesting such as the one about artist Georgia O'Keefe who started out as a farm girl and wound up with a passion for all natural plants, flowers, bones and shells, often with "a strong current of sexual symbolism." Again, another part of the chapters also includes a section called "In the Know," which points out fascinating and essential facts connected to the topic that the average reader probably doesn't take much time to consider. How often, for example, do we bother to consider the essential role of satellites in what we often take for granted as we proceed to use our cell phones, televisions, GPS systems, military communications and even our frequent Google searches? Or how many readers realize the civil debate occurring in many Muslim countries over whether religion and politics should be one and the same or separate? Photographs, drawings, timetables and more enhance the reader's appreciation of this book which may result in a reader acquiring new interests, knowledge and conversation starting points with the potential for researching and exploring specific intriguing areas. Know It All: The Little Book of Essential Knowledge is a finely presented, interesting read bound to appeal to any and every reader. Own it, share it and talk about it with others who definitely will want to own and explore it as well! Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on November 16, 2008