Ripley's Believe It Or Not!: Reality Shock!

I purchased this book thinking that my kids would like it. I however was wrong, they LOVE this book. My daughters found the sections on pop culture and art to be fascinating. They loved the photographs and reading the descriptions that went with them. My sons loved the sections on animals, sports, and body to be amazing. They have been quoting facts to me that they have learned from the book, and I am amazed at how much they have learned. The boys have actually bickered over who would get to bring the book to school first for show and tell. I cannot thank Ripley's enough, you created a book that was able to pull my children away from the lure of electronics and got them reading this book constantly. It is refreshing to see this is the first book they reach for as soon as they are done with their homework. I have been reading it as well, and the section on feats is what fascinates me the most. I am looking at some other Ripley's books as Christmas gifts for the kids. Keep up the excellent work.

I received this book as a gift and I thought, wow, I'm too old for this type of book, I‘m in my 60s. Then I started reading it and haven't stopped. It is full of the most interestingly bizarre and laughable photos and stories. If you want a diversion from everyday life, you will enjoy this Ripley’s “reality shock”. Friends were visiting with their 6, 12 & 16 y.o. kids and they are having so much fun reading the book they wanted it. Nope, its staying with me, but now I know what to give as gifts. All I can say is you can never be too old or too young to enjoy this comprehensive and entertaining 12 chapter book. You can tell that Ripleys takes pride in publishing their books. The book itself is hard covered and made of high quality paper and photos. I’m just so impressed.

This book is great! From the literal "eye catching" cover to the fantastic colorful pictures to the odd almost unbelievable facts, this book totally captures the attention of adults and children alike. I bought it for my two daughters. Many times over the past couple of weeks, I have walked into the room to find them both with their heads together poring over the outrageous details in this book and giggling and gasping at what they read. It sticks with them too as many random times, I then hear "remember that picture from the Ripley's book?" They each have their favorite stories already. Who can resist a skateboarding mouse?? I too found myself engrossed in the detailed pictures in this book, which draw you into the amazing superlatives. I love the international stories in the book and especially appreciated some of the historical facts which are still as fascinating as current events. There are pictures of a tightrope walker from the 1850's juxtaposed with a picture that almost seems futuristic of a man hanging from a skyscraper in Moscow. As I am sitting here writing this, my ten year old just took the book away to find another fact that stuck with her while she was exploring this book. This book was well worth it and a welcomed addition to our collection. Highly recommended.

Reality Shock! is the perfect title for this book; it delivers everything you'd expect from Ripley's, in the best possible way. The 256-page book is absolutely jammed with fantastic oddities from around the world. The stout hardback is divided into 11 subject-specific chapters, covering subjects such as the body, animals, feats, art, and the appropriately titled "Beyond Belief," The photography is fantastic, as is the page design and layout -- it's the kind of book you can read from cover to cover, or flip open to any page and jump in (there's even a super-detailed 8-page index if you're hunting for a specific item). My only regret with this purchase was having it shipped to my office -- I couldn't put it down, and spent the afternoon with it hidden in a file folder!

I purchased this book originally because I wanted to see what the big fuss was about. I had seen a few tv shows about some odd things and even wanted to go to the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum in Orlando. After going through the book I saw some crazy, unbelievable things. The best part about the book is that it's divided by sections so no surprise grotesque images next to cool car facts or anything like that. I have had this book since early September, since I preordered it and have had about 6 different conversations about it since. It is now my favorite coffee table book. :-)

This is a great find - Just when you thought there was nothing else to be shocked about, Ripley's Believe it or not proves you wrong. I have it sitting in my living room next to other quick reads for guests and they always gravitate to this book. I especially enjoyed the bit about the skateboarding mouse in Australia. The book itself is also beautiful - filled with pictures and with a cool reflective cover. If you want to amuse yourself and your guests with bits ranging from people living with lions to fascinating WWI facts, this is the one to get - and the price isn't bad.

Talk about seeing is believing--I bought this book with my nieces and nephews in mind and discovered when I looked through it that is was incredibly entertaining. My first impression was that the pictures are eye-catching, even when they're not just gross or astounding in subject. I thought it was very well organized, and it seems to be written for a wide range of readers. For my younger family members, it'll be a nice book to read together (whether with me, a parent, or an older sibling) and work up to reading independently, There is a high "Wow!" factor to this edition, and I bet it persuades many adults like it did me: a lot of fun and stunning information, even for those with tamer tastes originally.

It will be a Christmas present, but I'm sure that my husband will love it. Very happy that I received it so fast!

At this price point.. A true gem