Because I Said So!
The Truth Behind the Myths, Tales, and Warnings Every Generation Passes Down to Its Kids
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3.7 • 19 Ratings
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- $13.99
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
Record-setting Jeopardy! champion and author of Planet Funny Ken Jennings “reveals the truth behind all those things you tell your children” (Parade) in this entertaining and useful New York Times bestseller “armed with case histories, scientific finds, and experiments on himself and his own children” (Los Angeles Times).
Is any of it true? If so, how true? Ken Jennings wants to find out if parents always know best. Yes, all those years you were told not to sit too close to the television or swallow your gum or crack your knuckles are called into question by our country’s leading trivia guru. Jennings separates myth from fact to debunk a wide variety of parental edicts: no swimming after meals, sit up straight, don’t talk to strangers, and so on.
Armed with medical case histories, scientific findings, and even the occasional experiment on himself (or his kids), Jennings exposes countless examples of parental wisdom run amok. Whether you’re a parent plagued by needless concern or a kid (of any age) looking to say, “I told you so,” this is the anti– helicopter parenting book you’ve been waiting for.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Jeopardy! champion Jennings (Maphead) tackles the not-so-trivial matters of parenting advice in his latest eye-opening book. With his trademark wit and genius, he dissects common phrases most adults say to their children at one time or another. Using solid research, he judges whether long-held beliefs are true or false. For example, are poinsettias really poisonous? Definitely not, he writes, citing a hilarious study to prove his point. Part entertainment and part informative, in a style that's reminiscent of a quiz show, he assures parents that most of the things we worry about won't hurt us at all. Talking to strangers isn't so dangerous and those silica gel packets in pill bottles won't kill anyone. Some of the topics don't sneeze or your eyeballs will fall out are obviously false, but he skillfully generates interest by telling the reader how these myths originated. And, of course, a few bits, like "don't stare at the sun," are true. Jennings imparts wisdom and good sense in this highly entertaining and oddly educational book.
Customer Reviews
Good Read
I liked this quite a bit. I enjoyed it, and lead to lots of "I told you so!" moments between me and my wife.
This book covers a huge variety of topics. I would have liked less covered, but with more information about each. This book comes across as "trust me, I did the research" in a few places.
This book is fun though. It helps that Jennings jokes are in-tune with my sense of humor.