The Know-It-All by: A.J. Jacobs
review by: Sarah Meyer '08
Berserkers
Savage Norse soldiers from the Middle Ages who, it is
said, went into battle naked. Hence “going berserk.” So to truly go berserk,
you should take off your pants.
Casanova
The famous 18th-centurty lothario ended his
life as a librarian. Librarians could use that to sex up their image.
Above are examples of entries in this fabulous book. Writer A.J. Jacobs set out on a journey to read the entire Encyclopedia Britannica and takes you along for the ride as he shares the highlights of what he reads and the ways that “Operation Encyclopedia Britannica” infiltrates into his life. Jacobs has written for The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, and is editor at large of Esquire magazine. His career provides a perfect platform for relating the Encyclopedia to life in the 21st century. I loved the fun insights and anecdotes he provides along with each of the entries. In the end, the book is even surprisingly touching.
This is the perfect book for those college students who need a book that they can pick up every now and then to read a little bit, perhaps before going to sleep- that’s my favorite time. The Know It-All also gives you many fun facts to share at those often painful table conversations during those early morning caf breakfasts.