From ripley’s believe it or not! Beyond the strange! (ANNUAL)
By: Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!
Publisher: Ripley Publishing
Publication date: August 2019
ISBN: 978-1609912420
Reviewed by: Ellen Feld
Ripley’s newest offering has arrived, and like the previous books in this series, this one is a lot of fun to read, study, and just enjoy.
Readers new to this series will first want to learn about the man behind the books (and the institution that is Ripley’s), Robert Ripley. Beyond the Bizarre dedicates a few pages, as do all the books in this series, to the founder of Ripley’s, always offering some fresh information about the man. We also have some new media event pages for Ripley this year, including the Hollywood Christmas Parade and a new series on the Travel Channel hosted by Bruce Campbell, known to many as Ash Williams in the Evil Dead franchise.
Below are several chapters that divide “strange” facts into categories of: Believe It, World, Animals, Pop Culture, People, and finally, Beyond Beliefs.
Like Robert Ripley, who loved to travel the world in search of facts, rituals, customs, animals, food, etc. New and interesting, this book takes the reader to remote and not-so-remote parts of the world. From a toad museum on the banks of the Thuan River in Yasothon, Thailand, to America’s first female tattoo artist, this book is not just a collection of bizarre facts, but a journey through many regions of the world. The pop culture chapter will undoubtedly be a teen favorite with selfie data, digital ink, a Spider-Man paratrooper, and so many other social media and celebrity gossip they can’t resist. I am always a fan of the animal section and, although I have read all the chapters of this type in the last ten years, I am still fascinated by the novelties of this year. There is certainly something for all interests in this new Ripley book.
Every August, Feathered Quill receives the latest in the annual “Believe It or Not!” From Ripley. series for review. A quality product that always offers something new, high-gloss, bound paper, this book is devoured every year here at the office and enjoyed before a review is published. This year is no different: I spent several hours touring Beyond the Bizarre, enjoying every page. There are so many strange facts that you might have trouble believing, if it weren’t for all the fantastic images that accompany those facts. A goose with an arrow to the head, a Roman-style chariot vs. a Ferrri 458 Italia race and a “tractor tree” are just a few of the hundreds of strange things you’ll find in this book. If you or your child enjoy learning interesting facts from around the world, you should definitely check out Ripley’s Beyond the Bizarre!
Quill says: Another year, another Ripley’s Believe It or Not! annual book of strange and fascinating facts. This series never disappoints. Enjoy!
