The Great Book of California
The Crazy History of California with Amazing Random Facts & Trivia (A Trivia Nerds Guide to the History of the United States, Volume 3)
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Buy for $14.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Derek Newman
-
By:
-
Bill O'Neill
About this listen
Are you interested in learning more about California? Sure, you’ve heard of Hollywood, but how much do you really know about the Golden State? Do you know how it got its nickname or what it was nicknamed first?
There’s so much to know about California that even people born in the state don’t know it all. In this trivia guide, you’ll learn more about California’s history, pop culture, folklore, sports, and so much more!
In The Great Book of California, you’ll discover the answers to the following questions
- Why is California called the Golden State?
- What music genres started out in California?
- Which celebrity sex icon’s death remains a mystery?
- Which serial killer once murdered in the state?
- Which childhood toy started out in California?
- Which famous fast-food chain opened its first location in the Golden State?
- Which famous athletes are from California?
These are just a few of the many facts you’ll find in this audiobook. Some of them will be entertaining, some of them will be tragic, and some of them may haunt you, but all of them will be interesting! This audiobook is full of everything you’ve ever wondered about California and then some!
Whether you consider yourself a California-state expert or you know nothing about the Golden State, you’re bound to learn something new in each chapter. You’ll be able to impress your college history professor or your friends during your next trivia night!
What are you waiting for? Get started to learn all there is to know about California!
©2018 LAK Publishing (P)2018 LAK PublishingListeners also enjoyed...
-
The Great Book of Texas: The Crazy History of Texas with Amazing Random Facts & Trivia
- A Trivia Nerds Guide to the History of the United States 1
- By: Bill O'Neill
- Narrated by: Derek Newman
- Length: 3 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Are you looking to learn more about Texas? Sure, you’ve heard about the Alamo and JFK’s assassination in history class, but there’s so much about the Lone Star State that even natives don’t know about. In this trivia audiobook, you’ll journey through Texas’s history, pop culture, sports, folklore, and so much more!
-
-
Texas size trivia fun.
- By cosmitron on 04-12-18
By: Bill O'Neill
-
American History by the State: Interesting Stories and Random Facts About Texas, California, and New York
- History of the United States Box Set, Book 1
- By: Bill O'Neill
- Narrated by: Derek Newman
- Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rich history, important figures, and massive events that rocked the entire continent; each of the 50 states comprising the United States has been the scene of enormous moments in history that are the subject of study all over the world. Knowing such facts and being able to recognize the details of culture, folklore, and sports (among many other pieces of trivia) are gifts that very few have, even those that can boast living in certain states all of their lives.
-
-
I found it boring and superficial.
- By Martha Y. on 12-17-21
By: Bill O'Neill
-
The World War 2 Trivia Book: Interesting Stories and Random Facts from the Second World War
- Trivia War Books, Book 1
- By: Dwayne Walker, Bill O'Neill
- Narrated by: Derek Newman
- Length: 3 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When was the last time someone around you brought up World War Two?
It’s a pretty popular war. Maybe you heard about it yesterday. Maybe last month. But it was probably recent. And when it came up, did you wish that you could be the one to casually drop a fact that would have everyone in the room going, “Wow, I never knew that!”
With this audiobook, you can be that person.
You can listen to it just a few minutes a day.
-
-
Little known facts about the biggest war
- By LITRPG Audiobook Reviews on 03-17-18
By: Dwayne Walker, and others
-
The Great Book of 1980s Trivia
- Crazy Random Facts & 80s Trivia (Trivia Bill's Nostalgic Trivia Books, Volume 1)
- By: Bill O'Neill
- Narrated by: Mike Alger
- Length: 4 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Take a fantastical journey through the 1980s as we uncover every riveting storyline that dominated the "decadent decade". Revisit, or explore for the first time, the big stories and the forgotten facts of 10 fast-paced years that would reshape the world and lay the foundation for the way we live today.
-
-
The King of trivia is back.
- By cosmitron on 07-06-18
By: Bill O'Neill
-
The Great Book of Ireland: Interesting Stories, Irish History & Random Facts About Ireland
- History & Fun Facts, Book 1
- By: Bill O'Neill
- Narrated by: Scott Miller
- Length: 3 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This book is packed with trivia facts about Ireland. Some of the facts you’ll learn in this book are shocking, some are tragic, and others will leave you with goosebumps. But they’re all interesting! Whether you’re just learning about Ireland or you already think you’re an expert on the state, you’ll learn something you didn’t know in every chapter. Your history teacher will be interesting at all of your newfound knowledge.
-
-
When’s the next book?
- By Margaret on 11-10-19
By: Bill O'Neill
-
The Fun Knowledge Encyclopedia
- The Crazy Stories Behind the World's Most Interesting Facts - Trivia Bill's General Knowledge, Volume 1
- By: Bill O'Neill
- Narrated by: Rob Maxwell
- Length: 5 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Are you the trivia buff in your friend group? Maybe you're just always hoping to learn more random facts to keep up your sleeve. Whether you're a regular trivia fanatic or someone looking for a fun audiobook to listen to, this audiobook goes beyond the scope of general knowledge into some of the most interesting facts and intriguing trivia tidbits out there.
-
-
this book is awesome!
- By TinkerMel on 09-27-17
By: Bill O'Neill
-
The Great Book of Texas: The Crazy History of Texas with Amazing Random Facts & Trivia
- A Trivia Nerds Guide to the History of the United States 1
- By: Bill O'Neill
- Narrated by: Derek Newman
- Length: 3 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Are you looking to learn more about Texas? Sure, you’ve heard about the Alamo and JFK’s assassination in history class, but there’s so much about the Lone Star State that even natives don’t know about. In this trivia audiobook, you’ll journey through Texas’s history, pop culture, sports, folklore, and so much more!
-
-
Texas size trivia fun.
- By cosmitron on 04-12-18
By: Bill O'Neill
-
American History by the State: Interesting Stories and Random Facts About Texas, California, and New York
- History of the United States Box Set, Book 1
- By: Bill O'Neill
- Narrated by: Derek Newman
- Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rich history, important figures, and massive events that rocked the entire continent; each of the 50 states comprising the United States has been the scene of enormous moments in history that are the subject of study all over the world. Knowing such facts and being able to recognize the details of culture, folklore, and sports (among many other pieces of trivia) are gifts that very few have, even those that can boast living in certain states all of their lives.
-
-
I found it boring and superficial.
- By Martha Y. on 12-17-21
By: Bill O'Neill
-
The World War 2 Trivia Book: Interesting Stories and Random Facts from the Second World War
- Trivia War Books, Book 1
- By: Dwayne Walker, Bill O'Neill
- Narrated by: Derek Newman
- Length: 3 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When was the last time someone around you brought up World War Two?
It’s a pretty popular war. Maybe you heard about it yesterday. Maybe last month. But it was probably recent. And when it came up, did you wish that you could be the one to casually drop a fact that would have everyone in the room going, “Wow, I never knew that!”
With this audiobook, you can be that person.
You can listen to it just a few minutes a day.
-
-
Little known facts about the biggest war
- By LITRPG Audiobook Reviews on 03-17-18
By: Dwayne Walker, and others
-
The Great Book of 1980s Trivia
- Crazy Random Facts & 80s Trivia (Trivia Bill's Nostalgic Trivia Books, Volume 1)
- By: Bill O'Neill
- Narrated by: Mike Alger
- Length: 4 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Take a fantastical journey through the 1980s as we uncover every riveting storyline that dominated the "decadent decade". Revisit, or explore for the first time, the big stories and the forgotten facts of 10 fast-paced years that would reshape the world and lay the foundation for the way we live today.
-
-
The King of trivia is back.
- By cosmitron on 07-06-18
By: Bill O'Neill
-
The Great Book of Ireland: Interesting Stories, Irish History & Random Facts About Ireland
- History & Fun Facts, Book 1
- By: Bill O'Neill
- Narrated by: Scott Miller
- Length: 3 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This book is packed with trivia facts about Ireland. Some of the facts you’ll learn in this book are shocking, some are tragic, and others will leave you with goosebumps. But they’re all interesting! Whether you’re just learning about Ireland or you already think you’re an expert on the state, you’ll learn something you didn’t know in every chapter. Your history teacher will be interesting at all of your newfound knowledge.
-
-
When’s the next book?
- By Margaret on 11-10-19
By: Bill O'Neill
-
The Fun Knowledge Encyclopedia
- The Crazy Stories Behind the World's Most Interesting Facts - Trivia Bill's General Knowledge, Volume 1
- By: Bill O'Neill
- Narrated by: Rob Maxwell
- Length: 5 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Are you the trivia buff in your friend group? Maybe you're just always hoping to learn more random facts to keep up your sleeve. Whether you're a regular trivia fanatic or someone looking for a fun audiobook to listen to, this audiobook goes beyond the scope of general knowledge into some of the most interesting facts and intriguing trivia tidbits out there.
-
-
this book is awesome!
- By TinkerMel on 09-27-17
By: Bill O'Neill
-
California
- A History
- By: Kevin Starr
- Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
- Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Acclaimed author, historian, and Guggenheim Fellow Kevin Starr is a professor at the University of Southern California. His extensive knowledge shines through this concise, yet comprehensive, depiction of the most fascinating aspects in California's history. From its colonial beginnings through Governor Schwarzenegger's administration, the Golden State has become a uniquely American phenomenon that has enchanted people with the possibility of a better life.
-
-
Interesting read, until it's not
- By MiamiMe on 03-27-18
By: Kevin Starr
-
Norse Mythology
- By: Neil Gaiman
- Narrated by: Neil Gaiman
- Length: 6 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Neil Gaiman has long been inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction. Now he turns his attention back to the source, presenting a bravura rendition of the great northern tales. In Norse Mythology, Gaiman fashions primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds; delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants; and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people.
-
-
A Comedy-Tragedy of Gods Giants Dwarfs & Monsters
- By Jefferson on 02-24-17
By: Neil Gaiman
-
New Spring
- The Wheel of Time Prequel
- By: Robert Jordan
- Narrated by: Kate Reading, Michael Kramer
- Length: 12 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For three days battle has raged in the snow around the great city of Tar Valon. In the city, a foretelling of the future is uttered. On the slopes of Dragonmount, the immense mountain that looms over the city, a child is born, an infant prophesied to change the world. That child must be found before he can be killed by the forces of the Shadow.
-
-
Read it after reading others in the series
- By Stacy Fair on 12-13-07
By: Robert Jordan
-
The Book of Giants
- The Watchers, Nephilim, and the Book of Enoch
- By: Joseph Lumpkin
- Narrated by: Dennis Logan
- Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Among the first seven scrolls discovered in the caves of Qumran at the Dead Sea is a scroll given the name "The Book of Giants". It is thought to have been based on the Book of Enoch, a pseudepigraphical Jewish work from the third century BCE. The Book of Giants, like the Book of Enoch, concerns itself with the Nephilim, which are the offspring of fallen angels, who are called the Watchers. Two main versions of the text exist. The Dead Sea version is written in Aramaic.
-
-
Codex Corrupted - Otherwise A Good Listen
- By Jesse on 09-13-17
By: Joseph Lumpkin
-
A Short History of Nearly Everything
- By: Bill Bryson
- Narrated by: Richard Matthews
- Length: 18 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Bill Bryson has been an enormously popular author both for his travel books and for his books on the English language. Now, this beloved comic genius turns his attention to science. Although he doesn't know anything about the subject (at first), he is eager to learn, and takes information that he gets from the world's leading experts and explains it to us in a way that makes it exciting and relevant.
-
-
The Only Book I reread imediatley after reading
- By Andrew on 11-09-09
By: Bill Bryson
-
The Very First Damned Thing
- An Author-Read Audio Exclusive
- By: Jodi Taylor
- Narrated by: Jodi Taylor
- Length: 2 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jodi Taylor reads the long-awaited prequel in her Chronicles of St Mary’s series, as Dr Bairstow struggles to set up St Mary’s as we know it in a world still scarred by the ravages of civil war. Ever wondered how it all began? It’s two years since the final victory at the Battersea Barricades. The fighting might be finished, but for Dr Bairstow, just now setting up St Mary's, the struggle is only beginning. How will he assemble his team? From where will his funding come?
-
-
Wait for it on Kindle. Not the best on audio
- By Sheryl on 11-05-15
By: Jodi Taylor
-
What If?
- Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions
- By: Randall Munroe
- Narrated by: Wil Wheaton
- Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Millions of people visit xkcd.com each week to read Randall Munroe's iconic webcomic. His stick-figure drawings about science, technology, language, and love have a large and passionate following. Fans of xkcd ask Munroe a lot of strange questions. What if you tried to hit a baseball pitched at 90 percent of the speed of light? How fast can you hit a speed bump while driving and live? If there were a robot apocalypse, how long would humanity last?
-
-
Hope You got an A in Math and Physics...
- By Rod on 09-13-14
By: Randall Munroe
-
Mobituaries
- By: Mo Rocca
- Narrated by: Mo Rocca
- Length: 11 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mo Rocca has always loved obituaries - reading about the remarkable lives of global leaders, Hollywood heavyweights, and innovators who changed the world. But not every notable life has gotten the send-off it deserves. His quest to right that wrong inspired Mobituaries, his number one hit podcast. Now with Mobituaries, the audiobook, he has gone much further, with all new essays on artists, entertainers, sports stars, political pioneers, founding fathers, and more. Even if you know the names, you’ve never understood why they matter...until now.
-
-
Very good, but.....
- By Christopher on 11-15-19
By: Mo Rocca
-
One Summer
- America, 1927
- By: Bill Bryson
- Narrated by: Bill Bryson
- Length: 17 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of the most admired nonfiction writers of our time retells the story of one truly fabulous year in the life of his native country - a fascinating and gripping narrative featuring such outsized American heroes as Charles Lindbergh, Babe Ruth, and yes Herbert Hoover, and a gallery of criminals (Al Capone), eccentrics (Shipwreck Kelly), and close-mouthed politicians (Calvin Coolidge). It was the year Americans attempted and accomplished outsized things and came of age in a big, brawling manner. What a country. What a summer. And what a writer to bring it all so vividly alive.
-
-
Why 1927?
- By Mark on 10-18-13
By: Bill Bryson
-
Alaska
- A Novel
- By: James A. Michener
- Narrated by: Larry McKeever
- Length: 57 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The high points in the story of Alaska since the American acquisition are brought vividly to life through more than 100 characters, real and fictional.
-
-
I KNOW ALASKA LIKE THE BACK OF MY HAND
- By Jim "The Impatient" on 08-19-15
-
Bill O'Reilly's Legends and Lies: The Patriots
- By: Bill O'Reilly, David Fisher
- Narrated by: Holter Graham, Bill O'Reilly
- Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The must-have companion to Bill O'Reilly's historical docudrama Legends and Lies: The Patriots, an exciting and eye-opening look at the Revolutionary War through the lives of its leaders. The American Revolution was neither inevitable nor a unanimous cause. It pitted neighbors against each other as loyalists and colonial rebels faced off for their lives and futures. These were the times that tried men's souls: No one was on stable ground, and few could be trusted.
-
-
Couldn't stop listening!
- By Erin on 08-05-16
By: Bill O'Reilly, and others
-
The Adventure of English
- The Biography of a Language
- By: Melvyn Bragg
- Narrated by: Robert Powell
- Length: 12 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This is the remarkable story of the English language; from its beginnings as a minor guttural Germanic dialect to its position today as a truly established global language. The Adventure of English is not only an enthralling story of power, religion, and trade, but also the story of people, and how their lives continue to change the extraordinary language that is English.
-
-
Many Of Course monments
- By Leigh A on 10-21-05
By: Melvyn Bragg
Related to this topic
-
The Great Book of Texas: The Crazy History of Texas with Amazing Random Facts & Trivia
- A Trivia Nerds Guide to the History of the United States 1
- By: Bill O'Neill
- Narrated by: Derek Newman
- Length: 3 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Are you looking to learn more about Texas? Sure, you’ve heard about the Alamo and JFK’s assassination in history class, but there’s so much about the Lone Star State that even natives don’t know about. In this trivia audiobook, you’ll journey through Texas’s history, pop culture, sports, folklore, and so much more!
-
-
Texas size trivia fun.
- By cosmitron on 04-12-18
By: Bill O'Neill
-
Now I Know
- The Revealing Stories Behind the World's Most Interesting Facts
- By: Dan Lewis
- Narrated by: Jeremy Arthur
- Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Did you know that there are actually 27 letters in the alphabet, or that the U.S. had a plan to invade Canada? And what actually happened to the flags left on the moon? Even if you think you have a handle on all things trivia, you're guaranteed a big surprise with Now I Know. From uncovering what happens to lost luggage to New York City's plan to crack down on crime by banning pinball, this book will challenge your knowledge of the fascinating stories behind the world's greatest facts.
-
-
Scientifically inaccurate
- By Sara on 12-04-20
By: Dan Lewis
-
191 Fascinating World Facts That Will Blow Your Mind and Get You Thinking
- Facts You Need to Know Before You Die
- By: John Waitsburg
- Narrated by: Ross Pipkin
- Length: 1 hr and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 191 Fascinating World Facts That Will Blow Your Mind and Get You Thinking, you're going to learn about the world's secrets that will help you gain more knowledge. You will be able to use these facts with whomever, whenever, wherever; there's no wrong time to tell these fascinating facts.
-
-
Just great!!!
- By straa on 08-08-21
By: John Waitsburg
-
Made in America
- By: Bill Bryson
- Narrated by: William Roberts
- Length: 18 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Made in America, Bryson de-mythologizes his native land, explaining how a dusty hamlet with neither woods nor holly became Hollywood, how the Wild West wasn't won, why Americans say 'lootenant' and 'Toosday', how Americans were eating junk food long before the word itself was cooked up, as well as exposing the true origins of the G-string, the original $64,000 question, and Dr Kellogg of cornflakes fame.
-
-
Bryson Not Reading Makes For a Rare Fail
- By John on 02-28-14
By: Bill Bryson
-
One Summer
- America, 1927
- By: Bill Bryson
- Narrated by: Bill Bryson
- Length: 17 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of the most admired nonfiction writers of our time retells the story of one truly fabulous year in the life of his native country - a fascinating and gripping narrative featuring such outsized American heroes as Charles Lindbergh, Babe Ruth, and yes Herbert Hoover, and a gallery of criminals (Al Capone), eccentrics (Shipwreck Kelly), and close-mouthed politicians (Calvin Coolidge). It was the year Americans attempted and accomplished outsized things and came of age in a big, brawling manner. What a country. What a summer. And what a writer to bring it all so vividly alive.
-
-
Why 1927?
- By Mark on 10-18-13
By: Bill Bryson
-
Oh, Florida!
- How America's Weirdest State Influences the Rest of the Country
- By: Craig Pittman
- Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain
- Length: 13 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Oh, Florida! To some people it's a paradise. To others it's a punch line. As Oh, Florida! shows, it's both of these, and, more important, it's a Petri dish, producing trends that end up influencing the rest of the country. Without Florida there would be no NASCAR, no Bettie Page pinups, no Glenn Beck radio rants, no USA Today, no "Stand Your Ground" - you get the idea.
-
-
A book about the author's political views - boring
- By L. Burney on 03-03-17
By: Craig Pittman
-
The Great Book of Texas: The Crazy History of Texas with Amazing Random Facts & Trivia
- A Trivia Nerds Guide to the History of the United States 1
- By: Bill O'Neill
- Narrated by: Derek Newman
- Length: 3 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Are you looking to learn more about Texas? Sure, you’ve heard about the Alamo and JFK’s assassination in history class, but there’s so much about the Lone Star State that even natives don’t know about. In this trivia audiobook, you’ll journey through Texas’s history, pop culture, sports, folklore, and so much more!
-
-
Texas size trivia fun.
- By cosmitron on 04-12-18
By: Bill O'Neill
-
Now I Know
- The Revealing Stories Behind the World's Most Interesting Facts
- By: Dan Lewis
- Narrated by: Jeremy Arthur
- Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Did you know that there are actually 27 letters in the alphabet, or that the U.S. had a plan to invade Canada? And what actually happened to the flags left on the moon? Even if you think you have a handle on all things trivia, you're guaranteed a big surprise with Now I Know. From uncovering what happens to lost luggage to New York City's plan to crack down on crime by banning pinball, this book will challenge your knowledge of the fascinating stories behind the world's greatest facts.
-
-
Scientifically inaccurate
- By Sara on 12-04-20
By: Dan Lewis
-
191 Fascinating World Facts That Will Blow Your Mind and Get You Thinking
- Facts You Need to Know Before You Die
- By: John Waitsburg
- Narrated by: Ross Pipkin
- Length: 1 hr and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 191 Fascinating World Facts That Will Blow Your Mind and Get You Thinking, you're going to learn about the world's secrets that will help you gain more knowledge. You will be able to use these facts with whomever, whenever, wherever; there's no wrong time to tell these fascinating facts.
-
-
Just great!!!
- By straa on 08-08-21
By: John Waitsburg
-
Made in America
- By: Bill Bryson
- Narrated by: William Roberts
- Length: 18 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Made in America, Bryson de-mythologizes his native land, explaining how a dusty hamlet with neither woods nor holly became Hollywood, how the Wild West wasn't won, why Americans say 'lootenant' and 'Toosday', how Americans were eating junk food long before the word itself was cooked up, as well as exposing the true origins of the G-string, the original $64,000 question, and Dr Kellogg of cornflakes fame.
-
-
Bryson Not Reading Makes For a Rare Fail
- By John on 02-28-14
By: Bill Bryson
-
One Summer
- America, 1927
- By: Bill Bryson
- Narrated by: Bill Bryson
- Length: 17 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of the most admired nonfiction writers of our time retells the story of one truly fabulous year in the life of his native country - a fascinating and gripping narrative featuring such outsized American heroes as Charles Lindbergh, Babe Ruth, and yes Herbert Hoover, and a gallery of criminals (Al Capone), eccentrics (Shipwreck Kelly), and close-mouthed politicians (Calvin Coolidge). It was the year Americans attempted and accomplished outsized things and came of age in a big, brawling manner. What a country. What a summer. And what a writer to bring it all so vividly alive.
-
-
Why 1927?
- By Mark on 10-18-13
By: Bill Bryson
-
Oh, Florida!
- How America's Weirdest State Influences the Rest of the Country
- By: Craig Pittman
- Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain
- Length: 13 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Oh, Florida! To some people it's a paradise. To others it's a punch line. As Oh, Florida! shows, it's both of these, and, more important, it's a Petri dish, producing trends that end up influencing the rest of the country. Without Florida there would be no NASCAR, no Bettie Page pinups, no Glenn Beck radio rants, no USA Today, no "Stand Your Ground" - you get the idea.
-
-
A book about the author's political views - boring
- By L. Burney on 03-03-17
By: Craig Pittman
-
The Dinosaur Artist
- Obsession, Betrayal, and the Quest for Earth's Ultimate Trophy
- By: Paige Williams
- Narrated by: Ellen Archer
- Length: 12 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this 2018 New York Times Notable Book,Paige Williams "does for fossils what Susan Orlean did for orchids" (Book Riot) in her account of one Florida man's attempt to sell a dinosaur skeleton from Mongolia—a story "steeped in natural history, human nature, commerce, crime, science, and politics" (Rebecca Skloot).
-
-
More filler than Joan Rivers’ face.
- By Brandi on 03-13-19
By: Paige Williams
-
1969
- The Year Everything Changed
- By: Rob Kirkpatrick
- Narrated by: Jonah Cummings
- Length: 12 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Woodstock, the moon landing, Charles Manson, Richard Nixon, the Vietnam War, and more. A must-have for baby boomers and the generations that came after! In this rich and comprehensive narrative, Rob Kirkpatrick chronicles an unparalleled year in American society in all its explosive ups and downs.
-
-
What a year!!
- By kathy deal on 11-17-20
By: Rob Kirkpatrick
-
Christmas Past
- The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions
- By: Brian Earl
- Narrated by: Brian Earl
- Length: 4 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday’s Traditions reveals the surprising, quirky, mysterious, and sometimes horrifying stories behind the most wonderful time of the year.
-
-
Pop-culture Christmas History
- By Harley Easton on 01-23-23
By: Brian Earl
-
Best. State. Ever.
- A Florida Man Defends His Homeland
- By: Dave Barry
- Narrated by: Dick Hill
- Length: 4 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
We never know what will happen next in Florida. We know only that, any minute now, something will. Every few months, Dave Barry gets a call from some media person wanting to know, "What the hell is wrong with Florida?" Somehow, the state's acquired an image as a subtropical festival of stupid, and as a loyal Floridian, Dave begs to differ. Sure, there was the 2000 election. And people seem to take their pants off for no good reason. And it has flying insects the size of LeBron James. But it is a great state, and Dave is going to tell you why.
-
-
Most. Annoying. Narration. Ever.
- By Triple A on 06-21-17
By: Dave Barry
-
Canada
- By: Mike Myers
- Narrated by: Mike Myers
- Length: 5 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Comedy superstar Mike Myers writes from the (true patriot) heart about his 53-year relationship with his beloved Canada. Mike Myers is a world-renowned actor, director and writer and the man behind some of the most memorable comic characters of our time. But, as he says, "No description of me is truly complete without saying I'm a Canadian". He has often winked and nodded to Canada in his outrageously accomplished body of work, but now he turns the spotlight full-beam on his homeland.
-
-
Thoughtful and perfect for any X-Pat from Canada
- By Hugh Burnham on 05-02-17
By: Mike Myers
-
Ghostland
- An American History in Haunted Places
- By: Colin Dickey
- Narrated by: Jon Lindstrom
- Length: 10 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Colin Dickey is on the trail of America's ghosts. Crammed into old houses and hotels, abandoned prisons and empty hospitals, the spirits that linger continue to capture our collective imagination, but why? His own fascination piqued by a house hunt in Los Angeles that revealed derelict foreclosures and "zombie homes", Dickey embarks on a journey across the continental United States to decode and unpack the American history repressed in our most famous haunted places.
-
-
A fluffed-up college essay writ large.
- By Gavin on 10-13-16
By: Colin Dickey
-
In-N-Out Burger
- A Behind-the-Counter Look at the Fast-Food Chain That Breaks All the Rules
- By: Stacy Perman
- Narrated by: Loren Lester
- Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It's the untold story of the renegade burger chain that evokes a passionate following unlike any other. In fast-food corporate America, In-N-Out Burger stands apart. Begun in a tiny shack in the shadow of World War II, this family-owned chain has steadfastly refused to franchise or be sold. It is a testament to old-fashioned values and reminiscent of a simpler time when people, loyalty, and a freshly made, juicy hamburger meant something.
-
-
Flowery Promo Piece
- By Melissa on 02-22-10
By: Stacy Perman
-
The Disneyland Story
- The Unofficial Guide to the Evolution of Walt Disney's Dream
- By: Sam Gennawey
- Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin
- Length: 16 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Disneyland Story: The Unofficial Guide to the Evolution of Walt Disney's Dream is the story of how Walt Disney's greatest creation was conceived, nurtured, and how it grew into a source of joy and inspiration for generations of visitors. Despite his successors' battles with the whims of history and their own doubts and egos, Walt's vision maintained momentum, thrived, and taught future generations how to do it Walt Disney's way.
-
-
The narration is killing me.
- By Chris on 03-24-15
By: Sam Gennawey
-
Here Is Where
- Discovering America's Great Forgotten History
- By: Andrew Carroll
- Narrated by: Andrew Carroll
- Length: 14 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The centerpiece of a major national campaign to indentify and preserve forgotten history, Here Is Where is acclaimed historian Andrew Carroll’s fascinating journey of discovery in which he travels to each of America’s 50 states and explores locations where remarkable individuals once lived or where the incredible or momentous occurred.
-
-
A Man who Loves his Country
- By Daryl on 03-12-17
By: Andrew Carroll
-
Strange Stones
- By: Peter Hessler
- Narrated by: George Backman
- Length: 13 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Full of unforgettable figures and an unrelenting spirit of adventure, Strange Stones is a far-ranging, thought-provoking collection of Peter Hessler’s best reportage - a dazzling display of the powerful storytelling, shrewd cultural insight, and warm sense of humor that are the trademarks of his work. Over the last decade, as a staff writer for The New Yorker and the author of three books, Peter Hessler has lived in Asia and the United States, writing as both native and knowledgeable outsider in these two very different regions.
-
-
funny, entertaining
- By Katherine on 08-02-13
By: Peter Hessler
-
The Three-Year Swim Club
- The Untold Story of Maui's Sugar Ditch Kids and Their Quest for Olympic Glory
- By: Julie Checkoway
- Narrated by: Alex Chadwick
- Length: 14 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 1937, a schoolteacher on the island of Maui challenged a group of poverty-stricken sugar plantation kids to swim upstream against the current of their circumstance. The goal? To become Olympians. They faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The children were Japanese-American, were malnourished and barefoot, and had no pool; they trained in the filthy irrigation ditches that snaked down from the mountains into the sugarcane fields.
-
-
Great story but the Hawaiian words get slaughtered
- By Arabella on 01-26-16
By: Julie Checkoway
-
The Mirage Factory
- Illusion, Imagination, and the Invention of Los Angeles
- By: Gary Krist
- Narrated by: Rob Shapiro
- Length: 11 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Little more than a century ago, the southern coast of California - bone-dry, harbor-less, isolated by deserts and mountain ranges - seemed destined to remain scrappy farmland. Then, as if overnight, one of the world’s iconic cities emerged. At the heart of Los Angeles’ meteoric rise were three flawed visionaries: William Mulholland, an immigrant ditch-digger turned self-taught engineer; D.W. Griffith, who transformed the motion picture from a vaudeville-house novelty into a cornerstone of American culture; and Aimee Semple McPherson, a charismatic evangelist.
-
-
Great start, weak completion
- By steve on 05-11-21
By: Gary Krist
What listeners say about The Great Book of California
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Rayc
- 08-16-18
Enteraining
The Great Book of California: The Crazy History of California with Amazing Random Facts & Trivia (A Trivia Nerds Guide to the History of the United States, Volume 3).. One of the best trivia books I've ever read. three hours plus full of facts and trivia about California and it's people.
The narrators voice is clear and concise and very easy to listen to.
I was given a free copy of this audiobook at my own request, and voluntarily leave this review.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mortimer
- 09-21-18
Not Bad for California Newcomers
As a native Californian, I was interested to hear some new tales about the state and see if there were any other gems of information I was not aware of. For me, there was very little that I had not read or heard before, usually many times. However, I think this would be a good primer on California for someone who has not lived here for an extended period of time.
The narrator is very good. However, I was appalled to hear city and other names of Spanish origin pronounced as if they were English words. La Jolla, for example, was pronounced "la jolla" instead of "la hoya". He repeated the name a number of times at one point and it really began to grate on my ears. I have encountered mispronunciations in other Audible books (people's names and geographic names, which are well known to those you are familiar with them), but these errors come up much more often in this work than in any I have encountered. I'm not sure why an editor does not clue the narrator in with a script note before the recording is executed.
Anyway, I did find some enjoyable discoveries in this Audiobook, making it worth the cost.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Shannon G
- 09-26-18
Yet Another Great Trivia Book!!
Here, once again, Bill O'Neill brings us another state in a snapshot! There are plenty of fun facts listed in this book and little tales to go with some. It's a wonderful way to learn about another state of our country. I truly hope Mr. O'Neill continues and gives each their own book so we can learn about them as we have CA and NY. Thanks for another great trivia book!! The narration was not as good as the others due to mispronunciation of many Spanish names. But despite this annoying bit I still enjoyed listening to this book of facts.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Margaret
- 09-29-18
More!
This is the sixth book I’ve read/listened to by this author and considering I have listened to this many, it’s a sure thing I will listen to more.
He covers California from a great many angles, like examples that are listed in the publisher’s summary. I prefer listening to the historical facts but also like the random, more trivial facts. Some are longer explanations. Some are one sentence statements. There is a question and answer after each segment that is easily skipped if desired.
This is the fifth book I’ve listened to by this narrator ( Derek Newman ) and all have been written by Bill O’Neil. He does nicely reading this content. His cadence is appropriate.
There are no explicit sex scenes, excessive violence or swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lila Fowler
- 10-29-18
Fun listen, lots of trivia.
I listen to a lot of trivia books, this one was really good. It's not just the same old information, there are chapters on urban legends, sports, attractions, pop culture, inventions, history, etc. So it's a wide selection of information in a small book. I look forward to listening to the rest of the states.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Victoria Haugen
- 10-10-18
I MAY EVEN LIKE CALIFORNIA NOW!
If they weren't ALL moving to the Pacific NW LOL! ;-)
LOVED this audiobook!
Filled with tons of entertaining and little known info, trivia, fun facts, etc.
I've listened to a few of Bill's books before, and they're all AMAZING, well put together, well written and wonderfully narrated.
Bills book are a must have for anyone who loves fun facts & trivia!
All sorts of interesting tidbits about California in this one, take a look and see for yourself, well worth it :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Please take a moment to click the "YES" ("Helpful") button below if you found this review helpful :) Thank you!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mark Twain "Eddie"
- 08-11-18
Great book of California trivia!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I've always enjoyed trivia collections, and this is more than three hours of cool facts about California. The narrator was well-spoken and easy to understand. Definitely makes a long commute shorter.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Michelle
- 08-23-18
Great information for any Californian
Lots of great trivia facts about California. So much information that was unknown. Great tid bits that you can use to impress your date and stump your friends. Makes a Cali native proud. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- BookLover
- 09-14-18
O'Neill Does It Again
I love these books by Bill O'Neill. He makes learning fun and you always get little tid bits . Looking forward to listening to more!
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Suzan
- 08-29-18
Learning amazing facts
I am a native Californian and still learned things about this wonderful state. The only problem I had was when the book is being read to you (an audiobook) they read everything so there is a lot of repeating and I found that very annoying. The narrator Derek Newman has the perfect voice for this kind of book. I was gifted this book with the understanding that I would leave an honest review. I would have done 5 stars except for the over repeating.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!