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mondovertigo's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
3.0
A slow book, not meaty but kind of chewy. And it got slightly better and faster as it went on though a bit weak in the end. I'm definitely not a full fledged maphead, but I understand the completest view of things. I thought the author captured that rather well. And where the jaunty writing has been irritating in some of my recent science reads, in this it was entirely appropriate. 3.5 out of 5 for ending stronger than beginning.
cthulhussy's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
anetq's review
3.0
Bits and bobs about maps. And as much as I love maps (and I do), this felt a bit lightweight. Each chapter about a different type of mapheads (roadgeeks, geography bee contestants, geocachers, collecters of old maps etc), but apart from the reassurance, that I am well within the normal spectrum of normal maploving, it was a bit of; oh right, so there are people doing that?! I didn't feel like I was learning anything new really, and I was sorely disappointed by the description of modern digital maps, and their possible effects (maybe the book is just from 2008, or at least it feels that way?)
I may be a bit harsh, but A) I just read David Byrne's How Music Works, which had a similar structure, but real content teaching me stuff as well... and B) I really like maps, so I was expecting good things!
I may be a bit harsh, but A) I just read David Byrne's How Music Works, which had a similar structure, but real content teaching me stuff as well... and B) I really like maps, so I was expecting good things!
samanthabw's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars *
If you love geography or find yourself studying maps at random - this is the book for you. It’s informative without being dry and Ken Jennings managed to pack a lot of personality into it. I learned so much without feeling like I was reading a textbook. It was a really enjoyable read, and it was the type of book that made me want to research certain subjects more. Who knows, maybe I’ll start geocaching now that I know what that is!
If you love geography or find yourself studying maps at random - this is the book for you. It’s informative without being dry and Ken Jennings managed to pack a lot of personality into it. I learned so much without feeling like I was reading a textbook. It was a really enjoyable read, and it was the type of book that made me want to research certain subjects more. Who knows, maybe I’ll start geocaching now that I know what that is!
mary_clark's review against another edition
5.0
I'm reading this slowly as I have stacks of books to read for school, but it's such fun! Jennings has a delightful sense of humor and a contagious enthusiasm for maps and geography.
areader09's review against another edition
4.0
A fun, breezy read that explores a variety of ways that people who love maps engage with them, from collecting antique maps to geocatching. A little history of maps and the way they have developed over time is sprinkled throughout the book.
tronella's review against another edition
5.0
Although I am not a geography wonk myself, this was a very enjoyable read. The author talks to and about various types of map-lover, including antique map collectors and geocachers, in a way that really conveyed their love of their hobbies. The new-to-me subjects of geography bees and map rallies were especially interesting.