That Is All

By: John Hodgman

Narrated by: John Hodgman

John Hodgman-bestselling author, The Daily Show's "Resident Expert", minor television celebrity, and deranged millionaire-brings us the third and final installment in his trilogy of Complete World Knowledge.

In 2005, Dutton published The Areas of My Expertise, a handy little book of Complete World Knowledge, marked by the distinction that all of the fascinating trivia and amazing true facts were completely made up by its author, John Hodgman. At the time, Hodgman was merely a former literary agent and occasional scribbler of fake trivia. In short: a nobody.

But during an interview on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, an incredible transformation occurred. He became a famous minor television personality. You may ask: During his whirlwind tornado ride through the high ether of minor fame and outrageous fortune, did John Hodgman forget how to write books of fake trivia? The answer is: Yes. Briefly. But soon, he remembered!

And so he returned, crashing his Kansas farmhouse down upon the wicked witch of ignorance with More Information Than You Require, a New York Times bestseller containing even more mesmerizing and essential fake trivia, including seven hundred mole-man names (and their occupations).

And now, John Hodgman completes his vision with That Is All, the last book in a trilogy of Complete World Knowledge. Like its predecessors, That Is All compiles incredibly handy made-up facts into brief articles, overlong lists, and beguiling narratives on new and familiar themes. It picks up exactly where More Information left off-specifically, at page 596-and finally completes COMPLETE WORLD KNOWLEDGE, just in time for the return of Quetzalcoatl and the end of human history in 2012.

16 Hours, Read by Dick Cavett, Patton Oswalt, Jon Hamm, Paul Rudd, Sarah Vowell, Brooke Shields, Scott Adsit, Robin Goldwasser, Jonathan Coulton, John Roderick, Rachel Maddow, Wyatt Cenac, Stephen Fry, Paul F. Tompkins, Prominent Ragnarok Denier Dr. Elliott Kalan.

Music by Jonathan Coulton, John Roderick, John Flansburgh, John Darnielle, Cynthia Hopkins

That Is All

That is all I needed because that is all it needed to be. thank you

Hodgman Never Disappoints

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It's hilarious, bizarre...and, at times, even poignant.

What was one of the most memorable moments of That Is All?

Just one? Try "Today in Ragnarok."

What about John Hodgman’s performance did you like?

The entire cast was amazing. Hodgman almost requires a partner whom he can "educate" on all things falsely historical.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laugh. Do not listen to this in public. You will randomly burst into giggles and people will think you are insane.

Worth every minute

What did you love best about That Is All?

Having read all three books of world knowledge, I wasn't certain if I would be immune to a rereading, but the presentation was more than I could have dreamed for. Full of celebrity cameos and random happenstance, even the tables in the book (something I couldn't imagine being read aloud to me in an interesting manner) were hilarious and captivating. More than a reading, its an interpretation, and a well performed piece of art.

What was one of the most memorable moments of That Is All?

My favorite moment came during the second part (of three) while speaking with Jonathon Coulton. Following the discussion of geists that are not "polter", and preceding the decoding of Coulton's dreams, John tells us about EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) and we get to listen to an EVP of Marlon Brando discussing muffins. I started laughing hysterically in the middle of office. Outstanding.

Which character – as performed by John Hodgman – was your favorite?

Well, he plays the deranged millionaire throughout, but I'd have to say his one upping with John Rodderick about Americana culture and tourist traps was the height of the elitist character.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

All of it.

Any additional comments?

Even if you've read the book, or all the books, this is many many hours of enjoyable listening, and not just a straight reading of the insanity of John's mind.

Great start, slow middle, bloody long finish...

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

The first part of this story was brilliant. The references were funny but.... towards the middle where it jumps into a short story not associated with the actual story, the enjoyment factor started to plummet...

I would certainly listen to the first half but maybe skip the second.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Made the second half more like the first...

Wonderfully comic rantings of a sick mind

Mr. Hodgeman has a knack for making up silliness and sharing it with us, his minions.