I’m a bit of an odd ball… and proud of it. I collect unusual things (horror memorabilia, zombie gnomes, Fisher Price Little People…). I LOVE watching videos on YouTube that pertains to things like the paranormal and cryptids (I think being a Cryptozoologist would be fun), and I love watching documentaries on the oddest subjects (not mainstream documentaries).
I really like the quote “why try to fit in when you are meant to stand out.” I think I was meant to stand out.
I have always been this way, even as a child. I was always fascinated by so many different things.
I know I am not alone. I know that there are plenty of people, both young and old, who find the world around us intriguing.
If you are looking for a great gift idea for someone who enjoys learning more about weird, wild, wacky and entertaining things, I have a suggestion for you.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Dare to Discover, in a newly released hard cover book overflowing with bite size information about the most unbelievable things.
This beautifully made hardcover book has so many interesting tidbits and spectacular color photos filling it’s 256 pages.
I was sent a copy of the book to check out for myself.
I used to watch the television series Ripley’s Believe it or Not back in the 80’s. It was hosted by the late Jack Palance. I know it was revived many years ago, hosted by actor Dean Cain. I never got a chance to watch it then (I’m not sure what channel it was on).
My husband tells people how smart I am. I always say that I “know a little bit about a lot of things.” I attribute that to watching television shows such as Ripley’s Believe it or Not. No kidding.
This new book, Dare to Discover, offers readers the same type of “bite size” information about so many different subjects. With each page you’ll discover more amazing information.
Dare to Discover is not just a book, but an invitation to explore the limits of human curiosity and the boundaries of what is possible. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! or discovering it for the first time, this annual edition promises to entertain, educate, and above all, astonish.
Here are just a few examples.
- There is a resort in Chile called San Alfonso Del Mar which has a made made pool so massive that you can said a boat in it (it’s more than nine football fields in size).
- There is a bar in Switzerland called the HR Giger Bar that has skeletons and bones decorating the ceilings, floors, walls, chairs – even flower vases.
- Robin Slain is one of three women in the United States who can spin ten basketballs on her body at the same time.
- Artist David Alvarez created a rendition of Heath Ledger as the Joker out of 336 Rubik’s Cubes. He has made other portraits out of things such as Post-It notes, dice and playing cards.
- In 2022, archaeologists discovered clay posts in Egypt containing cheese that was over 2,600 years old.
- All 6,000+ residents of Suloszowa, Poland, live on the SAME street.
These are just a few interesting things found among the pages of this book. Along with this information there is also hundreds of photos. Each page features full color photos.
You can even use this book as a coffee table book. The cover is really cool looking with a shiny, foil-like design. Since receiving this book to review I have kept it on our coffee table (literally!). I find myself grabbing it to read a few pages here and there in-between commercials or when there is nothing interesting to watch on television.
Dare to Discover is a fantastic read for families or individuals. You can pick it up and enjoy it at any point,” said Amanda Joiner, Vice President of Believe It or Not! Creative Solutions. “Every story is meticulously fact checked by our team of researchers and editors to ensure that what you see—although incredibly hard to believe—is undeniably true.
I am not sure what the reading level is for this book, but it’s great for kids, teens and adults. It’s a book the whole family can enjoy.
I know that some people don’t think of books as holiday gifts. Personally I do. I have gifted my kids books in the past.
You don’t have to be an avid reader to appreciate this book. You just have to be curious about the world around us.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Dare to Discover is available from many retailers including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Target, to name a few.
Be sure to check out the plethora of other Ripley’s Believe it or Not! publications. You can also check out Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, Guinness World Records Attractions, Aquariums, Wax Museums, traveling shows, and miniature golf, and more.
I regret not visiting the Ripley’s Believe it or Not museum that was in New York City when it was still open (sadly COVID caused it to close). If they ever return to the New York City area, I’ll be sure to visit with my family.
Learn more about Ripley’s Believe It or Not! by visiting Ripleys.com and following on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Their links are found on the bottom of the brand’s website.
Are you fan of Ripley’s Believe it or Not? Have you ever visited any of their locations? Feel free to comment and share your thoughts. I always love to hear from readers.
Kimberly
*I received a free copy of this book, and other fun goodies, in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own (unless otherwise noted) and not influenced in any way.
