LETTERS FROM MR. J B FACT FINDER

A debut collection delivers an eclectic assortment of facts.

Although readers never learn all that much about perky Mr. J B Fact Finder, he has a lot to offer. In a series of short chapters written in the form of friendly letters, Mr. Fact Finder provides trivia about topics ranging from the Olympics (the rings of the Olympic flag symbolize the “five significant continents”) to the Empire State Building (the landmark did not turn a profit until 1950) and the origins of different breakfast cereals (C.W. Post once invented a wheat shredding machine). There are also portions on kooky laws in different states (for example, in Georgia, it is illegal to “change the clothes on a storefront mannequin unless you draw the shades first”) and even a few personal flourishes. A chapter devoted to dogs includes a story about a loyal pet named Ubu. Throughout the book, a folksy, Paul Harvey–esque humor (without the politics) prevails. Referring to the many injuries incurred by actors during the filming of The Wizard of Oz, Mr. Fact Finder jokes that the “movie was a workman’s comp nightmare.” After he presents some aspects of the celebrated thoroughbred Secretariat’s life, he confesses: “I’m in love with a horse.” The information provided is certainly entertaining. And there are surprises even for trivia buffs. That 5,000 trees spell out the word STUDEBAKERin Indiana is a true American oddity. Who knew that Beethoven “really loved to cook”? Some attempts at humor do fall flat. For instance, in a “Crazy Laws” chapter, readers are told that in Colorado “tags may be ripped off of pillows and mattresses.” Mr. Fact Finder chimes in with a “Hallelujah we are now safe from the mattress police.” Both the law and the accompanying comic relief feel dated. Despite the overall buoyant tone, some passages take on darker subjects. There are a few mentions of famous people who chose suicide. While a bulleted point about a plane that flew into the Empire State Building in 1945 and killed 14 people may be memorable, it does not resonate with the same playfulness as, say, the history of Hershey Chocolate. Nevertheless, Boyd’s Mr. Fact Finder is always eager to share tidbits in his own upbeat way.

A lively, pleasant look at some obscure nuggets of knowledge.