Un Mapa En La Cabeza: Anécdotas, Historias Y Curiosidades De La Geografía (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
I've never really thought about geography much, but felt this book was really great at explaining its popularity and why we need to teach it more in schools. I really enjoyed hearing about all the different sides to maps, like map history buffs, Ken Jenning's childhood, the National Geographic Bee, geo caching and such. Some of it was over my head, but I felt cool for reading it; this book felt like a hidden gem. So many people in this country (nerds I assume) seem to get geography, that I felt a little like a nerd for understanding some of Jenning's jokes and map info that he went into.This book made me think about places I'd been to. Maybe we take geography for granted because the world's so developed, but reading this book felt like going into a time capsule and I hope I develop my sense of adventure more because of it. I was worried that Jennings would just beat us over the head with his cleverness and genius throughout this book, and indeed the phrase "Proustian thrill" appears right on page 1 leading me to believe I was prophetic, but it turns out the beating is not too bad. Definitely worth the read if you have any interest in maps, geography, etc.When I read about the obsessives in this book, I become a bit wistful, part of me wishes I had some overarching obsession to fuel me. I get onto topics for a few months, then move on.I think I had the potential to become a Maphead. Back in the early 1990s I had a job in the back of a bowling alley, which mostly consisted of doing nothing. (Back, meaning behind the pinsetters.) For some reason, there was a Rand McNally road atlas in the back office. On slow nights, I'd just read it in detail for lack of anything else to do.At the time, my world travels consisted of New York City, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and a few obscure points in New Jersey; the road atlas was probably the first opening of my eyes to the larger world. As one example, I traced US 30 out of Atlantic City, following it across the country (where it often merges with interstates), all the way through Boise (where, years later, I'd live) and to its terminus in Oregon.The atlas was at least part of my inspiration for taking a road trip to Florida in 1991, and I finally stepped on an airplane in 1998, and away we go.In fact by the standard of the average person I may be a Maphead; years ago I visited the western terminus of US 30, just to say I'd been at both ends, and I do maintain a large laminated map marked with where I've been.
What do You think about Un Mapa En La Cabeza: Anécdotas, Historias Y Curiosidades De La Geografía (2011)?
For this map buff, this is a great read with Jenning's sense of humor and obvious love of maps.
—Steph
Fun, quick read about the secret world of maps and the people that love them.
—Edisson
