The Areas of My Expertise

An Almanac of Complete World Knowledge Compiled with Instructive Annotation and Arranged in Useful Order

By: John Hodgman

Narrated by: John Hodgman

Length: 6 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

In the great tradition of the American almanac, The Areas of My Expertise is a brilliant and hilarious compendium of handy reference tables, fascinating trivia, and sage wisdom on all topics large and small. Although best sellers such as Poor Richard's Almanack and The Book of Lists were certainly valuable, they also were largely true. Here is a different kind of handy desk reference, one in which all of the historical oddities and amazing true facts are sifted through the singular, illuminating imagination of John Hodgman, which is the nice way of saying: He made it all up.

©2005 John Hodgman (P)2006 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

Critic reviews

"Wonderfully absurd." (The New York Times)

"Hilarious ... Nabokov's Pale Fire as directed by Wes Anderson." (Time Out New York)

"If Borges and Ben Franklin got drunk and decided to write a book together, the result might have been something a lot like this freaky 'almanac.'" (Tom Perrotta)

Funny, but not quite funny enough

This book is often funny, and sometimes hilarious. However, it didn't stand up to a listen of any more than about 10 minutes at a time, due to a combination of the sheer weirdness of some of the essays and Hodgman's overly deadpan delivery.

I enjoyed it

It was not something that I listened to for content, but something I listened to for enjoyment. I had a lot of time when I was doing something alone and wanted to listen to something, and this happened to be great at the time.

Wildly, painfully, hilariously brilliant

Hodgman's dry wit, keen intellect, weird sensibility, and hilarious timing are all on display in this stellar adaptation of his almanac for the new millennium. This is not simply a reading of his book (although it is mostly that), but a brilliant audio adaptation that takes full advantage of its departure from the printed page. Jonathan Coulton is a delightful addition to the festivities. You will laugh till tears stream down your cheeks.

Exceptional

I have the paperback version of this book but wanted to listen to the audio version as I read. I was more than impressed to find that John Hodgman went WAY above and beyond in the recording of his audiobook. A lot of authors don't even read their own audiobooks. Not only did he do that, but he also had Jonathan Coulton play music in certain parts and had Paul Rudd read a short excerpt of the book. Even more surprising, Hodgman went over nearly all of the tables in the book and read each and every one of the 700 hobo names. I have never found myself wondering if an audiobook was better than the written book, except in this case. I would recommend this audiobook to anyone, whether you have read John Hodgman's books or not.

Perfect Comedy?

The jokes! The timing! The infectious enthusiasm! Could this be the pinnacle of comedic genius? I think it might be.

My favourite audiobook. Period.

Almost six years later, this is still my favourite. I listen to it about twice a year, and it never gets old.

This last time my wife and I listened to it together (her first time) on our cross-country move and it had us both laughing out loud. The content, delivery, and variety are brilliant. A perfect mix of witty, dry humour, and clever use of the medium.

I actually got this audiobook for free from iTunes when it was released, but have since repurchased it from Audible for convenience (I can listen to it again any time using the iPhone app!) and out of appreciation for the countless hours of entertainment Hodgman, Coulton, and the others have given me. Thank you!

That is all.

Good for a few hearty laughs.

I can see how some people love this book, and some people hate it. You really need to appreciate John Hodgman's dry sense of humor to enjoy this book. I thought it was alright. Definitely good for a few hearty laughs. I would probably enjoy Hodgman's wit more in smaller doses, like in a weekly blog or podcast. This book couldn't keep my attention for long stretches at a time.

Delightfully silly.

The word "droll" was invented for this pleasantly silly, highly-listenable collection of nonsense. The production is actually an improvement over the print version as Hodgman wisely avoids literal readings of much of the material (which included endless charts and lists), instead treating it as an extended radio broadcast, incorporating music, sound effects, and continuous banter with longtime friend and collaberator Jonathan Coulton. Listened to in small segements, this low-key offering provides the perfect antidote to a high-stress filled day.

Laugh out loud funny!

Mr. Hodgman has brilliantly adapted his book into an audio version, that in my mind, suprasses the original. His reading and interaction with musician Jonathan Coulton, who performs all of the state theme songs, is not to be missed. If I could give this book more stars, I would.

I thought it was good. I liked it.

See above. The above is where I stated my opinion. My opinion was positive as I did in fact enjoy the book.