What's with St. Louis?

by Valerie Kienzle

Why do I feel like I'm in an outdoor sauna during the summer? Are all the stop signs just a suggestion, because no one seems to obey them? And what's with the word ''hoosier'' when we're two states away from Indiana? These and other nagging questions about St. Louis have perplexed natives and newcomers for generations. Author Valerie Kienzle scoured archives and consulted local experts to find the answers, and she presents her findings here in What's with St. Louis a handbook to understanding a city and its ways. Part history lesson, part cultural study, Kienzle's work reveals the backstories of meaningful places and events, not to mention common and sometimes odd customs of language, recreation, and food preference. Curious to know if Cardinal Nation is a religious group or why everyone keeps asking where you went to high school? Look no further than this entertaining and informative book for answers!

Genres: Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2016

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cheesy, but fun to read. I was disappointed that very little of north St. Louis is discussed in these one page essays. It is definitely a happier side of St. Louis portrayed in this book.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice quick read about all things St. Louis. Full of info and an enjoyable read.

[Michelle Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, very quick read. I giggled in several places, nodded along at many, and actually learned a couple of things about my home city. I have never heard anyone say 'farty-far' instead of '44', other than as a joke, but other than that, this book is pretty true.