A fabulously entertaining book from the ultimate authority on those
almost-believable tales that always happen to a "friend of a friend."
Alligators in the sewers? A pet in the microwave? A tragic
misunderstanding of the function of cruise control? No, it didn't really
happen to your friend's sister's neighbor: it's an urban legend. And no
matter how savvy you think you are, you are sure to find in this
collection of more than 200 tales at least one story you could have
sworn was true.
Jan Harold Brunvand has been collecting and studying this modern
folklore for more than twenty years. In Too Good to Be True, he
captures the best stories in their best retellings along with their
latest variations and examples of how the stories have changed as they
move from person to person and place to place. To help you find your
favorite, Brunvand has arranged the tales thematically. "Bringing Up
Baby" is full of episodes of child rearing gone wrong, including the
grisly tale of the drugged-out babysitter who mistakes the kid for a
turkey. "Funny Business" showcases stories of infamous lapses in
customer service, such as the story of the shockingly expensive
chocolate chip cookie recipe. And "The Criminal Mind" features both
brilliant--if they were real--scams as well as the purported antics of
the less mentally gifted. Whether you want to become an expert debunker
or just have plenty of laughs, this book will surprise and entertain
you.
