If you've forgotten the capital city of Chile; the basics of osmosis; how to solve a quadratic equation; the names of the Bennet sisters in Prid...
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Jan 11, 2012
Meg ♥
rated it: 
This was the "Free Book Friday" selection this week for the Nook, and the blog I found it on marked it with the tagline New Year, Smarter You. Do I think this book makes you smarter? Not really. It is still an interesting and very quick read, anyway.
It started off with English, and I skimmed that. English was the only thing in school I actually did like and remember. For those who are interested it was just a quick rundown of sentence structure and famous authors.
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It started off with English, and I skimmed that. English was the only thing in school I actually did like and remember. For those who are interested it was just a quick rundown of sentence structure and famous authors.
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Jan 27, 2012
Reader's
rated it: 
Headline: I Forgot to Remember this
When Borders was going out of business that was an opportunity for this book collector and avid reader to buy books I would otherwise pass up. I Used to Know That Stuff was one of those books, and I am very glad I didn't leave it on the shelf; my only regret is that I didn't buy more copies.
This handy little book takes the reader back to the classroom and reinforces equations and rules learned while in school, such as I before e except a More...
When Borders was going out of business that was an opportunity for this book collector and avid reader to buy books I would otherwise pass up. I Used to Know That Stuff was one of those books, and I am very glad I didn't leave it on the shelf; my only regret is that I didn't buy more copies.
This handy little book takes the reader back to the classroom and reinforces equations and rules learned while in school, such as I before e except a More...
Aug 23, 2009
Corinne
rated it:
What a snappy little book! It's divided into sections, as if I was still in high school and had to walk from one class to another: English, Literature, Math, Science, History, Geography and General Studies. Some sections I read with relish from beginning to end (English and Literature) some I read part/skimmed part (Math and Science) and the others I happened to read aloud to my husband in the car. The history section was so interesting and the topics (mostly conflicts) were condensed in such a
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Jan 15, 2012
Tammy
rated it: 
How many times did you learn something for school just to pass a test? After the test was over so was the knowledge of that subject. In this book you'll be reminded of all the "stuff" you forgot. All the basic subjects of English, Literature, Math, Science, History, Geography, and General Studies are covered in this book.
Who was Booker T. Washington? How do you find the mode of a set of values? What exactly happens during the Carbon cycle? What were the Napoleonic Wars about? More...
Who was Booker T. Washington? How do you find the mode of a set of values? What exactly happens during the Carbon cycle? What were the Napoleonic Wars about? More...
Jan 11, 2012
Norm
rated it:
If you have no basic education or for whatever reason you managed to skip that effort society pressed on you back then, then this is a good book to study. I wouldn't really call it reading. It touches on those things which we have forgotten as we rarely or never really needed to know them. Degrees Kelvin? I'm sure there's a place for it and it is very handy for some folks but me... I've only heard it mentioned in relation to the Sun or other astronomical discussions. So telling you this is
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Jan 20, 2012
Jennifer
rated it: 
The older I get the more I feel like I know less and less. Older=Wiser? Maybe in an experiential context. Book smarts? Not so much. But one could argue that all the knowledge in the world doesn't equate to wisdom or common sense.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was interesting to read through things I know I learned in school but didn't necessarily stick with me (quadratic equations anyone? I can honestly say I haven't done a quadratic equation since college....but oh how I stressed a More...
I enjoyed reading this book. It was interesting to read through things I know I learned in school but didn't necessarily stick with me (quadratic equations anyone? I can honestly say I haven't done a quadratic equation since college....but oh how I stressed a More...
Dec 26, 2009
Miss Remmers
rated it:
This book was a fun, relaxing, educational, one of a kind read. It was extremely interesting reading all of the bits and pieces of random knowledge; I felt proud after realizing I knew a lot in the English and Literature sections, but I was bit embarrassed that I knew little more.
It was fun rediscovering the knowledge that I had forgotten; reading this book was a practical and effective way of learning. I realized that much of what was covered (at least in the English and Literature More...
It was fun rediscovering the knowledge that I had forgotten; reading this book was a practical and effective way of learning. I realized that much of what was covered (at least in the English and Literature More...
Dec 24, 2009
Linda
rated it:
I Used to Know That is a fun and interesting book with many tidbits of information that can be used for a quick reference guide or to brush up a little on the major subjects of Math, Literature, English, Science, History, Geography, and General Studies.
Authors of classic literature, fractions, geometry, algebra, the skeletal system, periodic table, U.S. presidents, countries and their capitals, and planets are just a few of the topics covered in this jammed packed little book.
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Authors of classic literature, fractions, geometry, algebra, the skeletal system, periodic table, U.S. presidents, countries and their capitals, and planets are just a few of the topics covered in this jammed packed little book.
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Feb 01, 2012
Beth F.
rated it:
She’s right. I had a lot of “oh yeah, I knew that…er, used to know that” moments while reading this. Most of the information was an interesting refresher although I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I nodded off twice while reading the mathematics section during my bus ride home from work! Now, whether that was because the subject matter was uninteresting for me or because it was the end of a day that had begun with a poor night’s sleep (darn kids), I couldn’t say, but I suspect it was a comb
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Sep 15, 2011
Kyle
rated it:
This is a good reference book or just a fun read. It made me remember all the stuff I learned from school, and all the good times I had learning new things back in the day. A good read for anybody who wants a refresher course on their high schoo/college educations, or for anyone who just wants to learn or relearn some interesting facts. I liked the different chapters, and read the book several times. Cleverly and brilliantly written, this book is sure to keep your attention whether you're intere
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Nov 20, 2009
Eastofoz
rated it:
An unexpected surprise for this book with a very à propos title. How many times have you tried to remember the answer to say a geography question and you thought to yourself in frustration: I used to know that!! I thought it’d be a bit dryish but far from it. This is the kind of book you want on your shelf if you’re one of those people who likes to look up fast facts that you “may” have forgotten from those bygone school days, but you never seem to have gotten around to getting it. Sure you
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Jan 06, 2012
Scarlett
rated it:
Definitely a quick read. It's a collection of all the facts and such that you used to know in your school days, but have forgotten over the years. I loved the history and geography sections, and couldn't believe I once knew the data contained in the Math chapter. I know I did, it seems vaguely familiar, but well, I just haven't used it. Huh, I guess I was right when I told my algebra teacher that I was never going to use this stuff in real life!
I'd definitely recommend this book for a More...
I'd definitely recommend this book for a More...
Jan 27, 2012
I am loving this book. I guess it amuses me that some one else remembers totally useless information, but can't seem to remember why it was important when they grew up. Although, I must say I hope that she arrives to the same conclusion that I have, that there is some relevance to the stuff they stuff down our throats as children. So if any one out there is like me and knows a lot about things that no one cares about, I highly recommend this book, even though I am not finished with it.
May 29, 2011
Freda
rated it:
This is a fantastic little book! Everything in it is something you learn in school, but often as adults we forget. It was nice to read through and refresh my mind with this useful information.
It has every thing from presidents and prime ministers, to royalty and their reign. From every war to every turning point in history. Plus a lot of other useful things too.
A great gift for students who need a bit of help in history, or for an adult who loves it.
It has every thing from presidents and prime ministers, to royalty and their reign. From every war to every turning point in history. Plus a lot of other useful things too.
A great gift for students who need a bit of help in history, or for an adult who loves it.
Jan 11, 2010
Kathrynn
rated it:
Another winner from Caroline Taggart! I tell ya, these have become an auto-buy for me. They are so easy to read, well laid-out, funny and I have a lot of ah-ha moments when reading them.
I Used to Know That was no exception. There are brief sections on: English, Literature, Math, Science, History, Geography, and General Studies. Some of the information within these pages is almost verbatim from other books written by Caroline Taggart, but I didn't mind. Good stuff!
All More...
I Used to Know That was no exception. There are brief sections on: English, Literature, Math, Science, History, Geography, and General Studies. Some of the information within these pages is almost verbatim from other books written by Caroline Taggart, but I didn't mind. Good stuff!
All More...
Aug 25, 2011
Laura
rated it:
I'm always saying, "I forgot what my high school teacher said about..." So when I came across this book at Border's going out of business sale, I snatched it up. More or less just a book that you skim through when you have a question on the basics of English, Math, etc... Kind of interesting. I guess I never paid too much attention in most of my classes. Ha.
Jan 22, 2012
Sofia
rated it:
There were definitely parts of this where I really did say to myself, "Hey, I used to know that stuff!" See the sections on math and chemistry, in particular. But there were some notable editing oversights that forced me to lower the rating from three to two stars. Namely, referring to The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock as The Love Song of J. Arthur Prufrock, as well as using the word "appropro" in lieu of "apropos." This is supposed to be a book about re-edificati
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Jan 05, 2010
Amber
rated it:
This is literally what it says. Forget how to calculate the volume of a triangle or how long division works? Forget grammar in its entirety? It's in here.
This is more of a reference material than a book you can read - it's not the type that's full of facts listed out but rather how to apply things you know you knew.
This is more of a reference material than a book you can read - it's not the type that's full of facts listed out but rather how to apply things you know you knew.
Jan 15, 2009
Jennifer
rated it:
My kids got me this for christmas, I have enjoyed reading it. It's brief but concise, history, political, literature, are just a few of the subjects, and they are American, British and other world countries. Apparently it's to give me something to talk about at dinner parties, as if I need that!
Apr 22, 2010
So I saw this book and thought it would be pretty entertaining but it read just like a textbook. Basically the introductory or summary chapter of a textbook. I really was expecting it to be a fun, lots of jokes, while refreshing my memory on topics but I was disappointed.
Jun 02, 2010
Dick
rated it:
Fun and quick read. Runs the gamut from basic English, to math, to science and history to geography. Most of all was learned at one time or another, but at least in my case . . . now archived in the misty dust bins of my memory.
Fun and quick read, though.
Fun and quick read, though.
Feb 18, 2012
Kamas
rated it:
It was pretty basic stuff, almost all of which I still remembered. I was a little disappointed that it wasn't more comprehensive. It was somewhat funny at times as well. Some of the math section didn't render correctly in the eBook format.
Jan 08, 2012
Sherri *SheLuvs2Read*
rated it:
Slightly encyclopedic in nature, this would serve as a great refresher for anyone entering college or even someone studying for a citizenship test. Parts were beyond boring for me, especially the portions on math and English.
C+
C+
Jun 14, 2009
Susan
rated it:
A really neat little reference book. Sort of the highlights from an almanac, it's a good source of very quick facts or explanations of such things as The Periodic Table, Parts of Speech and the The Respiratory System.
Nov 17, 2011
OCLS
rated it:
Warning: this books makes you realize how much smarter you USED to be! Great for relearning all those vital things you were taught in school and promptly forgot. http://iii.ocls.info/record=b1767990~S1
Jan 15, 2012
Scott
rated it:
Interesting little compendium of (mostly) basic knowledge. It's a quick read, and a good thing to have on your reference shelf. Not indispensable, but a fun and interesting way to jog your memory.
Jan 13, 2012
Amanda
rated it:
The only chapter in this book I found interesting was the one on Literature! Imagine that. However, this book may help me if my kids come to me and ask for help with their homework!
Aug 24, 2010
Peter
rated it:
An excellent and interesting read that even at 65 (in a few weeks) has taught me things I did not know (Two Queen Anns?. I also enjoyed the humour in the writing. Many thank Peter T Dawson.
Jan 15, 2012
Tom
rated it: 
While a good idea for a book, it was poorly executed. Spotty and inconsistent in the depth of subjects. Somewhat embarrassed to say I actually read it ll the way through
Jan 11, 2012
Danni
rated it:
I was a little disappointed by this book, probably for the way it was marketed. If it were sold as a handbook, I would understand, but as a stand alone book it was not as interesting as I expected.
