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kluwes's review
3.0
This book was fascinating. Not only can a 300 page book be written about standing in line, there is an entire field of study devoted to it. The author presents some interesting concepts and theories but the lack of references is a little disappointing.
aziz_reads's review
4.0
Did you know the concept of waiting in line didn't occur to Englishmen (and therefore Americans) until 1837? Apparently while heads were rolling in France, those classy citizens waited in queues for their bakery orders.
The first bit of this book focuses on different types of lines from the author's experiences: boot camp (which gave me bittersweet memories if ROTC), American lines, and Jordan lines in Amman. There wasn't too much of an emphasis on the 'why' aspect of our distaste of lines
As we got more into the history of things and away from personal anecdotes, references would have been great. But a simple Google search for most of the sources won't kill anyone who really really wants to be an expert on lines.
The author explains when lines started and the different types and evolutions of lines. This is awesome information! I didn't realize I was such a fan of lines until I read this book!
So when my coworkers asked me what I was reading today, I said "it's a book about waiting in line." Naturally they thought it sounded boring, but the glory of a talented author is that even this boring, menial subject that few care about was made interesting. I liked reading this. I recommend it for doctor and dentist offices, post offices, and DMVs. Any place with a waiting room, really.
The first bit of this book focuses on different types of lines from the author's experiences: boot camp (which gave me bittersweet memories if ROTC), American lines, and Jordan lines in Amman. There wasn't too much of an emphasis on the 'why' aspect of our distaste of lines
As we got more into the history of things and away from personal anecdotes, references would have been great. But a simple Google search for most of the sources won't kill anyone who really really wants to be an expert on lines.
The author explains when lines started and the different types and evolutions of lines. This is awesome information! I didn't realize I was such a fan of lines until I read this book!
So when my coworkers asked me what I was reading today, I said "it's a book about waiting in line." Naturally they thought it sounded boring, but the glory of a talented author is that even this boring, menial subject that few care about was made interesting. I liked reading this. I recommend it for doctor and dentist offices, post offices, and DMVs. Any place with a waiting room, really.
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