Author: Spike Carlsen

“A Walk Around the Block: Stoplight Secrets, Mischievous Squirrels, Manhole Mysteries & Other Stuff You See Every Day” by Spike Carlsen is a fascinating exploration of the seemingly mundane aspects of our daily environment. Here’s a detailed summary and some reviews:

Summary

In this book, Spike Carlsen embarks on a journey to uncover the hidden stories and intricate details behind everyday objects and phenomena we often overlook. His curiosity leads him to investigate a wide range of topics, including:

• Stoplights: Carlsen delves into the history and technology behind traffic signals, revealing their evolution and the complex systems that keep traffic flowing smoothly.
• Squirrels and Pigeons: He explores the lives of urban wildlife, shedding light on their behaviors and interactions with human environments.
• Manhole Covers: The book uncovers the engineering marvels beneath our feet, explaining the significance and design of manhole covers.
• Recycling Bins: Carlsen takes readers through the journey of recyclable materials, from collection to processing, highlighting the importance of recycling in modern society.
• Sewers and Power Plants: He provides insights into the infrastructure that supports our daily lives, from the sewers that carry away waste to the power plants that provide electricity.
• Mail Delivery: The book traces the path of an everyday letter, showcasing the logistics and coordination involved in postal services.
• Walking: Carlsen emphasizes the benefits of walking and how understanding our surroundings can enhance our appreciation of the world.

Throughout the book, Carlsen’s engaging writing style and relentless curiosity make even the most ordinary subjects fascinating. He brings a sense of wonder to everyday objects and encourages readers to look at their surroundings with fresh eyes.

Reviews

• Goodreads: The book has received positive reviews on Goodreads, with an average rating of 3.77 out of 5 from over 1,000 ratings¹. Readers appreciate Carlsen’s ability to make mundane topics interesting and his knack for storytelling.
• Amazon: On Amazon, the book has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 470 ratings². Reviewers praise Carlsen for his thorough research and engaging narrative, noting that the book changes the way they perceive their everyday environment.
• BookPage: A review on BookPage describes the book as a “very fun trot,” with chapters that flow and entertain³. The review highlights Carlsen’s relentless curiosity and ability to make readers learn more about their surroundings.
• Four Minute Books: This site provides a concise summary, emphasizing the book’s exploration of 26 everyday wonders that we often take for granted⁴.

Overall, “A Walk Around the Block” is celebrated for its ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, making readers more aware and appreciative of the world around them.

Source:
(1) A Walk Around the Block: Stoplight Secrets, Mischievous…. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50622400-a-walk-around-the-block.
(2) A Walk Around the Block: Stoplight Secrets, Mischievous Squirrels …. https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Around-Block-Stoplight-Mischievous/dp/006295475X.
(3) A Walk Around the Block – BookPage. https://www.bookpage.com/reviews/25637-spike-carlsen-walk-around-block-nonfiction/.
(4) A Walk Around the Block Summary – Four Minute Books. https://fourminutebooks.com/a-walk-around-the-block-summary/.
(5) goodreads.com. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50622400-a-walk-around-the-block.