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Short Book: Tall Stories, Freakish Facts, and the Long and Short of Being Small in a Great Big World. Paperback – September 17, 2007

4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 4 ratings

Long on laughs and never short on anecdotes, facts, and lore, The Short Book is the last word on all things small—and the perfect stocking-stuffer for diminutive friends and loved ones.

Short people everywhere, stand up and be counted! Oh...you ARE standing up? Then this funny, information-packed little book is for you!

Eighty percent of people in the world consider themselves "short"—and yet the world belongs to the tall. (They get the girl, win the election, get paid more, and even live longer.) So what do short people get? They get THIS BOOK, by a shorty and devoted to all that is fascinating and fabulous—and funny—about being short. Written with humor but filled with "true facts" and entertaining stories,
The Short Book covers such topics as the science of shortness; short criminals, celebrities, and superheroes; shortness in literature, film, sports, and the arts; short job options and "smallotry" in the workplace; short dating, dancing, and romance; short nicknames (and how to answer back); short songs; short clothing—and much more.

Witty illustrations, charts, and photos throughout add visual humor and appeal. How tall are you compared to Napoleon, Danny DeVito, Tom Cruise...? Take a look! What is the Napoleon Complex, and do you have it? Is there any truth to the rumor that the taller candidate always wins the election, and if so—why? What are some of the tricks Hollywood uses to make short actors appear taller than they are—and can you use them in your own life? The facts and fun just keep on coming.

Also included are comments from famous shorties including Will Shortz, Martin Short, Jon Stewart, Dennis Kucinich, and others. Short is beautiful!
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From the Back Cover

Sit back in your high chair, toss back a few tall-boys, kick off your ten-inch heels, and enjoy. Being short has never had it so tall.

Short people of the world, stand up and be counted! Oh...you
are standing up? Well then this book is definitely for you. Painstakingly researched and written by a giant among short humorists, The Short Book is filled with facts (some of them true) and stories (most of them unbelievable) on such topics as the science of shortness; short criminals, celebrities, and superheroes; shorness in literature, film, and the arts; short job options; short dating, dancing, and sex; short nicknames (and how to answer back); short songs; short clothing—and much more.

Here are just a few of the things you'll find in The Short Book
  • Fancy scientific explanations and factoids about shortness
  • Heights around the world and throughout history
  • The tallest and shortest of everyone and everything
  • "Smallotry" in the workplace—and how to strike back
  • Short jokes (and why they're actually funny sometimes)
  • Short conquerors: Attila vs. Napoleon—who wins?
  • Short Oscar winners, artists, sports stars, politicians
  • Some great advice about "living la vida poca."

About the Author

Zachary Kanin, 5'3", is a writer and cartoonist. His cartoons and humor piees have appeared in The New Yorker, where he worked until recently. He lives in New York City.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Black Dog & Leventhal (September 17, 2007)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1579127517
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1579127510
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 4 ratings

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Zachary Kanin
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Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5
4 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2007
This was a terrific book, both funny and heartfelt. I got it as a gift for my uncle who is a short man, and he says the book has meant a lot to him. My wife and I were able to enjoy it even though we are both of average height for our country (the United States). Beat the Christmas rush and buy this book in October!
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Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2007
I DUG this book! I myself am a gangly giantess, but I picked this up because I thought it would be a fun gift for my little nephew. It is! It's full of fun stories and neat facts, really a great present for our small but great loved ones. And it teaches us tallies a little humility!
3 people found this helpful
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