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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The United States of Absurdity summary
Dave Anthony
Brief summary
The United States of Absurdity is a humorous take on American history. Filled with bizarre and unbelievable stories, this book will entertain and educate you about the quirky side of the United States.
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The United States of Absurdity
Summary of key ideas
Exploring the Bizarre Side of American History
In The United States of Absurdity, Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds take us on a journey through the lesser-known, often bizarre, and frequently hilarious aspects of American history. The book is an extension of their popular podcast, The Dollop, where they explore the weird and wonderful stories from the past.
The authors start with the story of President Andrew Jackson, who was gifted a 1,400-pound wheel of cheese by a dairy farmer. Jackson, not knowing what to do with such a massive gift, decided to invite the public to eat it. This event, known as the 'Big Cheese' incident, is just one of the many absurd tales that the authors recount.
From the Wild West to the White House
As we move through the book, we encounter a variety of oddities. We learn about the time when the US Congress tried to pass a bill to fund a naval exploration of the moon, and the story of a man who attempted to walk from New York to San Francisco in a bear costume. We also delve into the world of presidential pets, including a raccoon named Rebecca who lived in the White House during Calvin Coolidge's presidency.
One of the most entertaining chapters is dedicated to the life of William Henry Harrison, the ninth President of the United States, who died just 32 days into his term. Harrison's story is a testament to the unpredictability of history and the absurdity of life.
Exploring the Quirky Side of American Culture
As we continue our journey, we explore the quirky side of American culture. We learn about the origins of the Kentucky Meat Shower, an event where chunks of meat rained from the sky, and the phenomenon of 10-Cent Beer Night, a promotional event at a baseball game that ended in a riot.
The authors also delve into the world of American inventions, highlighting some of the more unusual creations, such as the 'Pigeon-Guided Missile' and the 'Anti-Masturbation Device'. These stories serve as a reminder that history is not just a series of significant events, but a collection of strange and fascinating moments.
Unearthing the Unusual in American History
Throughout The United States of Absurdity, Anthony and Reynolds maintain a light-hearted and irreverent tone, making even the most bizarre stories entertaining. They remind us that history is not just about wars, politics, and famous figures, but also about the strange, unexpected, and downright absurd.
In conclusion, The United States of Absurdity is a delightful exploration of the unusual side of American history. It's a reminder that the past is full of surprises, and that sometimes the most interesting stories are the ones that don't make it into the history books.
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What is The United States of Absurdity about?
The United States of Absurdity by Dave Anthony is a humorous and informative book that delves into the bizarre and lesser-known moments in American history. From a plan to use bats as bombs during World War II to a presidential candidate who ran on the platform of pants, this book uncovers the weird and wacky side of the United States.
The United States of Absurdity Review
The United States of Absurdity (2017) is a hilarious exploration of the weird and wacky moments in American history that often get overlooked. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It uncovers hidden stories about bizarre events that took place throughout US history, exposing the absurdity that is often hidden behind official accounts.
- The book uses humor and wit to bring these stories to life, making it an entertaining read that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
- By shedding light on the quirky and outrageous aspects of American history, it offers a refreshing perspective that challenges conventional narratives and adds depth to our understanding of the past.
Who should read The United States of Absurdity?
- Readers looking for a humorous and irreverent take on American history
- Individuals with an interest in quirky and bizarre historical anecdotes
- Those who enjoy informative books with a comedic twist
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The United States of Absurdity FAQs
What is the main message of The United States of Absurdity?
The main message of The United States of Absurdity is a humorous exploration of the strange, bizarre, and unbelievable moments in American history.
How long does it take to read The United States of Absurdity?
The reading time for The United States of Absurdity varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The United States of Absurdity a good book? Is it worth reading?
Yes, The United States of Absurdity is worth reading. It offers an entertaining and insightful look into the quirky side of American history.
Who is the author of The United States of Absurdity?
Dave Anthony is the author of The United States of Absurdity.
What to read after The United States of Absurdity?
If you're wondering what to read next after The United States of Absurdity, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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