The editors at mental_floss magazine have produced yet another entertaining volume sure to provoke laughter and discussion. In chapters such as “Ignore the Naysayers,” “Impress your Mother-in-law,” and “Bend the Laws of Science,” our intrepid researchers present the steps required to become a teen idol, stop global warming, brew a lifesaving cuppa joe, get out of jury duty, and much more. What sets this book apart from its imitators is 1) it actually is well-written and has a sense of style, and 2) the amount of research that’s gone into each entry. A great gift for the recent graduate wondering how to make it in this bad ol’ world.

Recommended by Anne