101 Things You Should Know How to Do

by Michael Powell

Presents instructions for a variety of everyday tasks, including how to play chess, tipping, folding clothes, hanging wallpaper, unclogging a sink, selecting fruit, and avoiding jet lag.

Genres: Nonfiction, How To, Reference

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Randell Carlton Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun coffee table book. Would also be well served in waiting rooms.

[Sandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Concise descriptions of how to do common things everyone should know. The ones I found most helpful - maybe not the most useful for me ;) - were play poker, play chess, dance the waltz, reduce snoring, shave, choose a pair of sunglasses, understand care labels on clothes, fold clothes, introduce people, buy a sofa, treat stains, mow the lawn, tell if an egg is fresh, eat a lobster, taste wine, and smoke a cigar.

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Useless

[Joey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the title of this book that is why I snagged it off the discount shelf at Barnes and Noble. And it is a pretty good book, there are some nifty things in it I did not know how to do, that said, I needed more illustrations. I cannot tie a windsor knot from read instructions. I really need pictures to walk me thru. But this book would be great for that someone setting out on their own for the first time.

[Seanmallory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very handy end-table book to have. Learn how to do all kinds of things. Just having the knowledge of how to do this stuff is handy in its own right. Some things will make you look macho. Some things will make you look sensitive and creative. If you memorize all 101 things in this book, you're sure to get laid. That's all I'm trying to say.

Also, if you just want to know how to do stuff... it'll suffice.

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice design and I appreciate that power napping is among the 101 things I should know how to do. Many of the values in this book, however, perpetuate outdated sexist ideas and stuff that can make people feel bad about their bodies and themselves. Flip through it, add some things to your bucket list and garner tips for decluttering your home, and put it back on the shelf.

[Marjorie Elwood · Rating 1 out of 5]

Strangely enough, this book is somewhat misogynistic in attitude. Not much here that I thought "necessary" to know (I mean, I like chess and all, but I wouldn't consider it essential....). Nonetheless, there were a few tips, such as "how to paint a room" and "how to taste wine", that were of use.

[Sb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Completely simple read and one that is probably useful for most people to read. Many of the things in this book I already knew, but there were plenty that I didn't. Many little tidbits of knowledge that are useful in everyday circumstances and as hobbies.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

everything

[Michael Hinsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one got me on 'The Hospital Fold". I think I learned that one at around 8 years of age. This was genuinely amusing.

[Sharlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few good how-tos for the whole family... Although I will still lose at chess and won't appreciate the art of chopping an onion without crying

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good summary of some useful information. Worth a borrow from your library, as it is a fast read.

[Alana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had some time to kill, and read this at a used book shop. It included things like power napping, speed reading, playing poker, tying knots, ect.