The Great Book of Alaska: The Crazy History of Alaska with Amazing Random Facts & Trivia (A Trivia Nerds Guide to the History of the United States) Paperback – October 12, 2018

Back is 1867, when Russian had become disheartened with the low profits they’d been getting with Alaskan settlements; and still remembering how the British had treated us in our colonial days, the US Secretary of State, William Seward, somehow through his continuous provocation of President Jackson, had gotten him to purchase the frozen wilderness known as Alaska from the Russian for $7.2 million. This newly acquired territory ultimately became known as “Seward’s Folly”, "Seward's Icebox," or "Andrew Johnson's Polar Bear Garden", due it’s unpopularity amongst many American. But, just look at how great Alaska has become today.What this author, Bill O’Neill, has done in this book is to once again share with his readers in his unique style a cornucopia of interesting and amazing variety of facts and trivia about our 49th state. To get an idea of what this book does in its desire to enlighten its readers regarding, just peruse the preview pages for the book on Amazon.For giving his readers an informative reading experience about a state where people had gotten paid to just living there, I’ve given Mr. O’Neill 5 STARS for his efforts here.

Bill O’Neill is a master of trivia books. He knows the subjects that he writes about and communicates it in a fun easily readable manner. We learn amazing facts by reading his books. In this one, we learn about Alaska being bought less than 100 years ago and becoming the US’s largest State. It has two capitals. Its name means “the place where the sea crashes against.” Eskimo means “eater of raw meat.” It was attacked after Pearl Harbor. Living in an Igloo. What is an Eskimo kiss? Alaska music. Alaska inventions. And many more fascinating facts. I enjoyed the book very much.

This book has some GREAT trivia in it. I live in Alaska and there were quite a few things I didn't know and learned while reading it. I definitely enjoyed it and found myself calling out to my husband to ask "did you know...?" many times through out. I recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a book full of fun trivia facts. It is an easy read, probably suitable for 4th graders and up. My only criticism is that there are a couple spots where words are duplicated or missing - it could use a once-over with an editor. It doesn't take away from the book and could be a fault of how the book converted to Kindle. Overall, I'd give this book 4/5 stars. Great book for residents and curious tourists alike!

I really enjoyed The Great Book Of Alaska: The Crazy History. I Like so many of Bill O’Neill’s books. But I love the State Books and the Movie Trvia Books!!!!They are my Absolute Favorite!!!I really love the format. You can pick out sections that you want to read right now, or find again later to tell your husband, wife, friends etc. I especially like The Fun Facts. Things you didn’t know section. You are thoroughly entertained and you also learn a lot that you didn’t know. Like for instance Alaska is the highest State for Men to Women ratio. And the Crazy Laws. They are unbelievable. Hunters especially better read them if they are going to visit or live in Alaska any time soon. Like I said before I really love the State books. And I Hope Bill O’Neill does all 50 of them!!!True Fan Forever

GAVE BOOK AS GIFT TO FRIEND WHO HAD MADE MANY TRIPS TO ALASKA. HE WAS IMPRESSED WITH ALL THE INFORMATION GLEANED AND THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THE READ.

Don't depend on this book for a dependable depiction of Alaska's history, people, development, or challenges. Sure the book dumps a lot information but do you really need to know what baseball player was born in the state or what "rapper" was tricked into visiting the state. If one really want to learn Alaska there are other better written and dependable books on Amazon. If you really want to take the fanciful trivia tour at least consider buying a used copy of this book.

Alaska is fun and interesting. I was lucky to be assigned there for 30 days one September and got to travel widely. The railroad from Anchorage to Denali was a high point. Attending the state fair in Palmer (giant vegetables, dancers, fried fish) was a real treat. Whale watching, visiting gold mines and glaciers, shopping everything from native crafts to fur coats, glaciers and wild/beautiful country everywhere, food to try everywhere. I’m thinking about a trip back and used this book to expand my thinking. Learned lots of interesting things that will be food for thought as I continue to plan.

Just returned from a Crystal Cruise to Alaska and thought this would be a fun read. Enjoyed it but the end with spooky stuff is so hokey.