Books

Sunday Book Club: SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History’s Greatest Screwups, Ed Helms

Every Sunday we are taking a look at the world of books. I read a lot and always want to share my opinions on what I read, so I thought it would be fun to write reviews. Today we are looking at a book about mistakes in history.


SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History’s Greatest Screwups (2025)

Ed Helms


Synopsis

From actor, comedian, writer, and host of the hit history podcast SNAFU, Ed Helms brings you an absurdly entertaining look at history’s greatest screwups, complete with lively illustrations.

History contains a plethora of insane screwups-otherwise known as SNAFUs. Coined during World War I, SNAFU is an acronym that stands for Situation Normal: All F****** Up. In other words, “things are pretty screwed up, but aren’t they always?”

Spanning from the 1950’s to the 2000’s, Ed Helms steps in as unofficial history teacher for a deep dive into each decade’s craziest SNAFUs. From planting nukes on the moon to training felines as CIA spies to weaponizing the weather, this book will unpack the incredibly ironic decision-making and hilariously terrifying aftermath of America’s biggest mishaps.

Filled with sharp humor and lively illustrations, SNAFU is a wild ride through time that not only entertains but offers fresh insights that just might prevent history from repeating itself again and again.

– from Waterstones


Positive Points

This is an interesting and humorous book looking at all the errors that have happened along the way in USA History. Even if you do not have an interest in comedy you may enjoy how enjoyable this is.


Negative Points

It is a book that is very long and you may find if you are in the United Kingdom you may not find it all interesting.


Overall Review

This is an interesting book which allows you to learn some ridiculous stuff about history that you may not of known before. It is a very long book so that can be off-putting but it is interesting read due to the style that Ed Helms has written it.

Rating : **** 4 Stars

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