Scan barcode
mquig's review against another edition
4.0
I love a Ken Jennings book! It's like listening to a friend talk endlessly about their nerd passion - except im not expected to respond with the appropriate enthusiasm. I can just enjoy their enthusiasm. I love maps and geography, and it got my nerdiness going. Other than the section on geocashing, I loved every moment.
jetia13's review against another edition
5.0
eclectic mix of stories and facts about map-love. made me feel less alone. i just don't GET people who don't get maps. also, KJ is funny! I earmarked around 20 pages while reading of things I wanted to go back and look up.
p.s. after finishing the book, be sure to skim the index. i normally skip over this part of the book, but don't know why I started looking at it - it might be the funniest part of the book!
p.s. after finishing the book, be sure to skim the index. i normally skip over this part of the book, but don't know why I started looking at it - it might be the funniest part of the book!
mattleesharp's review against another edition
3.0
Maphead was a little too loosely organized. I was hoping for a robust argument about geography education or a sentimental memoir or a history of mapmaking. As it is, this book is a little of each of those things but never enough of any of them. That probably means it appeals to a broader readership, but I think it also means the book doesn't really get to have a strong effect on any of them. I liked the book. If you're interested in anything map related, it's a pretty fun read. Jennings is funny in a dad joke kind of way. I just wish he had really stuck with something. This book could have been a lot more special.
90sinmyheart's review against another edition
A little dry but I've learned a lot, I just can't hack the remaining 8 hours of audiobook to go!
bupdaddy's review against another edition
5.0
I'm an easy sell on a book about maps - I love 'em. Electronic maps were my livelihood for ten years. My checks were faux antique maps. I had note pads made from surplus USGS maps. Still want map pajamas.
Nevertheless, this is a fun read.
Mostly what I learned is: there are a lot of odd ducks out there, whose love for maps has manifested in strange ways. Visiting points where latitude and longitude are nice even numbers, just because they're nice even numbers? Odd. (Although I looked up the closest one to me. It's here.)
Geocaching? Kind of odd.
Guys who visit interchanges and exits on the interstate system to see the new technology in the latest interchange? Really odd.
Others I get while acknowledging they're...unusual. Visiting every country on earth, but arguing incessantly about what constitutes a country (because, you kind of have to at that point). Drawing detailed maps of imaginary places. Framing subway maps as art (the Tube, and the Washington Metro - those are beautiful).
Reading about those odd ducks was great. Well, really, the book is about the unusual pastimes more than the ducks themselves.
Jennings' style is lightly humorous and breezy. I hope he writes more.
Nevertheless, this is a fun read.
Mostly what I learned is: there are a lot of odd ducks out there, whose love for maps has manifested in strange ways. Visiting points where latitude and longitude are nice even numbers, just because they're nice even numbers? Odd. (Although I looked up the closest one to me. It's here.)
Geocaching? Kind of odd.
Guys who visit interchanges and exits on the interstate system to see the new technology in the latest interchange? Really odd.
Others I get while acknowledging they're...unusual. Visiting every country on earth, but arguing incessantly about what constitutes a country (because, you kind of have to at that point). Drawing detailed maps of imaginary places. Framing subway maps as art (the Tube, and the Washington Metro - those are beautiful).
Reading about those odd ducks was great. Well, really, the book is about the unusual pastimes more than the ducks themselves.
Jennings' style is lightly humorous and breezy. I hope he writes more.
lyrareadsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I am a map-geek. I loved this book and knowing so many other people out there love maps in so many different ways made me happy. Well written, breezy style and utterly joyful.
ryan_oneil's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun book about the different forms that being a fan of maps can take, including collecting antique maps, geocaching, geography bees, and just staring at an atlas and being inspired.
hollmarie's review against another edition
4.0
Perfectly pleasant and fun (if you love maps and/or are married to a cartographer).