The Great Book of Michigan: The Crazy History of Michigan with Amazing Random Facts & Trivia (A Trivia Nerds Guide to the History of the United States)

“Trivia” is defined as “things that are very unimportant, inconsequential, or nonessential.” But there is another requirement for trivial items to be included in a trivia compendium. They must be interesting. The author must dig through mountains of irrelevant facts and find those that elicit a nod or chuckle from readers instead of a “so what” stare. Bill O’Neill has written over 50 trivia books available on Amazon, including many that focus on a specific subject. “The Great Book of Michigan” is one of a series dedicated to facts about a particular state, its people, and its history. Although the book contains some material that’s not all that interesting and factual inaccuracies, a terrific final chapter makes it a worthwhile read.“The Great Book of Michigan” comprises six chapters, each covering a specific subject. Every chapter begins with a series of one- or two-page articles, followed by a list of 20 one-paragraph “random facts.” A chapter concludes with a five-question multiple-choice quiz, asking about information mentioned earlier. (These quizzes are a silly waste of time and space in a relatively short book.) The subjects of the various chapters are state history, pop culture, business and science, attractions, sports, and “weird facts.”The first five chapters of “The Great Book of Michigan” are a hit-and-miss proposition. Some of the material is very interesting, while other articles read like excerpts from tourist guides. Thus, the fascinating is mixed with the mundane. For example, in the Michigan Attractions chapter, the author describes the Henry Ford Museum, which includes dozens of famous buildings transported from their original locations. These include Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park laboratory and the Wright Brothers bicycle shop. That’s unique and fascinating. But the author follows that discussion with a description of a water park with a wave pool, water slides, and a nature trail. I’m sure it’s a nice water park, but it doesn’t stand out from dozens of similar parks in the other 49 states.The connection between an article’s subject matter and the State of Michigan is often tenuous, especially in the pop culture and sports chapters. Many famous people were born in a large population state like Michigan, but had no genuine connection with that state in people’s minds. For every celebrity associated with Michigan, like Eminem or Magic Johnson, the author adds several random biographies of others who left the state as children. He dedicates two pages to the acting couple, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepherd. That article is basically a listing of their acting achievements.The author also hasn’t done a very good job of fact-checking this book. He devotes an article to Charles Lindbergh, whose connection with Michigan is minimal. After describing some of Lindbergh’s exploits, the author concludes by describing Lindbergh’s tragic kidnapping and death in 1932. The only problem is that Lindbergh’s infant son was kidnapped, not the aviator. Later, in an article about former University of Michigan quarterback Tom Brady, the author states Brady holds the record for the longest touchdown pass in the NFL, 99 yards (which is true). But the author then says that Brady shares the record with Wes Welker. That’s not true. Welker caught Brady’s 99-yard touchdown pass, but a dozen other quarterbacks have also thrown 99-yarders (the longest pass completion possible under NFL scoring rules). Anyone who relies on a trivia book for factual research deserves what they get, but an experienced trivia writer like Bill O’Neill (and his editors) shouldn’t make these types of mistakes.Before I reached the final chapter of “The Great Book of Michigan,” I was inclined to give the book a marginal rating. However, that last chapter is by far the best in the book. It’s entitled “Michigan’s Urban Legends, Unsolved Mysteries, and Other Weird Facts.” That title accurately describes the contents. The chapter is a compendium of bizarre occurrences, bits of folklore, and unsolved mysteries. Naturally, the author devotes a lengthy section to the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. But the chapter also has an article about the still-unsolved murder of thriller writer Donald Goines and other articles about sensational murders and disappearances of non-celebrities. The chapter has reports about UFO sightings in Michigan, the Michigan Lake Monster, the Michigan Dogman, haunted lighthouses, and other tales of the strange and paranormal. This chapter was so fun to read that I wish the author had expanded this material to an entire book.The first five chapters of “The Great Book of Michigan” are like most of Bill O’Neill’s other trivia books, with the same strengths and weaknesses. That last chapter, however, while not the usual sort of subject for a trivia book, elevates the work to a much more entertaining level. This might not be a “great” book, but it’s spookily good.The author informed me that the book was then available for free on Amazon. However, the decision to review the book and the contents of that review are my own.

I loved this book. Now I’ll go find more of different states. It’s a nice blend of history and lore. Read in one day.

This book is filled with information about Michigan that I have never ever heard before in my life. It's super entertaining and informative and just a great read. If you love trivia you'll love this book.

This is an excellent interesting book about Michigan. I got this book for my personal enjoyment. I liked this book because I learned some new information about Michigan that I did not know before reading this book. Some of the interesting information that is mentioned in this book includes the following interesting information: Battle Creek, Michigan was once home to 80 cereal companies. Daniel Frank Gerber founded Gerber's Baby Food. Domino's Pizza and Little Caesar's Pizza started out in Michigan. The name Michigan came from the Native Americans from a word which translates to large water or large lake. Michigan is bordered by four out of five of the Great Lakes. No matter where a person is standing in the state of Michigan, that particular person will never be further than 85 miles from one of the Great Lakes that border the state of Michigan. Michigan is the only place in the world that has a floating post office. It is on the JW Westcott II vessel which is located on the Detroit River. Google co-founder Larry Page was born in East Lansing, MI. In the past American Top 40 radio show host Casey Kasem was born in Detroit. His real first name was Kemal. Singer Madonna was born in Bay City, MI. Michigan is home to five National Parks.

I enjoyed reading about the history of the early days of the state.

A brief collection of fun facts about Michigan and the people and places that make the state famous. A very enjoyable and quick read!

The section on Michael Moore has a couple typos. Michael attended and graduated from Davison High School and not Davis High School as published in the book. I know this for an iron clad fact as he graduated with my sister from Davison High School in 1972.

This was a very easy, informative read. It was interesting and I had a hard time putting it down. I wish it were longer and included more history of Michigan. Good book!

Boring material I didn't need or want to know....