The Smart Aleck's Guide to American History

It took me a while to get through this, but that's mostly because it's very easy to pick up and put down without losing your place or getting confused when you come back to it. It's almost a history textbook, but filled with snark and silly asides and funny quotes. It reminds me a bit of [b:The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents America|706|The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents America|Jon Stewart|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1157224104s/706.jpg|1589081], only with more history and fewer gags.

I know some folks don't like all the public domain images, but I kind of loved that the pictures were what you'd find in any history text book. Besides, the captions were usually funny enough to make the pictures entertaining.

I'd definitely recommend this as a resource for teens doing research or for anyone who wants to brush up on their US history without falling asleep. ( )

An excellent guide to American History! Though listed as a kids book, I find that this is a great reference book for all ages. It contains information that any average American should know about the history of his own country. This book will enlighten its readers about both the little known facts and over-looked people of history and the lies and half-truths we have been passing off to school children for generations as "the whole truth and nothing but the truth". Required reading for all those who seek knowledge and for all those who SHOULD BE seeking it. Fun and education, a history book doesn't get much better then this! ( )

An excellent guide to American History! Though listed as a kids book, I find that this is a great reference book for all ages. It contains information that any average American should know about the history of his own country. This book will enlighten its readers about both the little known facts and over-looked people of history and the lies and half-truths we have been passing off to school children for generations as "the whole truth and nothing but the truth". Required reading for all those who seek knowledge and for all those who SHOULD BE seeking it. Fun and education, a history book doesn't get much better then this! ( )

Fun and irreverant look at American history. Covers the 20th century in terms of the Billy Joel song, "We Didn't Start the Fire." Funny! Learned a few things, too. Found this book in Powell's Bookstore in Portland, Oregon. Glad I picked it up. ( )

This is meant for a younger audience who want to learn American history with humor. Not for me. ( )