Description
Book SynopsisTired of droning pundits and politicians, or the almost daily tirades on the radio, TV, and in print? Ever wonder what the facts are behind so many diverse opinions on such a variety of topics? Statistics maven Cheryl Russell — editorial director of New Strategist Publications and the former editor-in-chief of American Demographics magazine — has spent a career tracking down the facts that many pundits in the media avoid, don't know, or don't care to know. In Bet You Didn't Know, a fast-paced adventure in trend spotting, she separates facts from fantasy and applies a hefty dose of common sense to provide a deeper understanding of the processes at work in American society. Whether you're planning to look for a job, invest in the stock market, get married, have children, buy a house, vote, run for political office, or are just looking for some luscious tidbits to drop at your party, you'd better check Russell's book first to get your facts straight. And you are guaranteed to be amazed by what you find! Russell knowingly focuses her perceptive eye on America's top obsessions: Our bodies—health, weight, food, sex, drugs Families—relationships and children Money—earnings, spending, debt, poverty, and wealth Jobs—school, work, and retirement Luxuries and Stuff—homes, cars, and everything else Free Time—sports, TV, the Internet, and more Big Issues—religion, politics, and national phobias Our Country—race, immigration, regions, and cities In each case, she spotlights the most significant facts and then offers pithy, illuminating commentary to provide a rational perspective and a full-blown reality check. Before making big or small decisions or major pronouncements, you'll want to check this engrossing, concise, fun, and factual guide.
Trade Review"...full of almost random statistical facts. What makes it an intriguing book is the thought and commentary that Russell provides for each statistic... Russell pulled together well-tied themes, and her insights into them is what really makes this book shine... Hopefully, Russell will be successful enough with this volume to turn it into an annual event." -- Sacramento Book Review, September 2008. " A bonanza of information based on the latest data available. Facts about families, men and women, sex, marriage and divorce, babies, housing, technology, health and much more are provided in easy bite-size bits that add up to a portrait of the nation today. If you want to know what is really occurring and why, this book holds the answers." --Bookviews.com, November 2008 "Each page holds a surprise, some good, some bad and each one more interesting than the last. Inquiring minds won't want to miss this one." --MonstersandCritics.com, Oct. 29, 2008
