One for the Crapper: Nick Belardes and his Random Obsessions

When I say I’ve got one for the crapper, I mean that in the best way possible. Friend of the blog, Nick Belardes released a weird little book earlier this month that I can honestly say is totally unique. Every crapper in America should have a copy of this book accessible. Random Obsessions is one of those trivia collections you can pick up and start reading anywhere. Belardes, a historian and illustrator (he drew the maps for my forthcoming novel, West of Here!) has ransacked the useless information files and uncovered some real gems. To wit: I had no idea Napoleon suffered from crippling hemorrhoids—so bad in fact, a hemorrhoid may have cost him a victory at Waterloo. I was also unaware that actress Sarah Miles drank her own urine for thirty years, believing that it immunized her against allergies. Just two examples of the sort of edification readers can expect from Random Obsessions. As a bonus, the book features a foreword by another friend of the blog, Brad Listi. It’s time to start thinking about stocking-stuffers, kiddies, and this book will make a good one.

JE