Sometimes you need a book you can pick up, set down and come back to without needing to remember who the characters are, let alone a plot. Or a book you can read while half listening to your spouse keeping up a running commentary on whatever show they’re watching. A book fitting this description is a blessing if you are snatching time to read between say checking on the laundry, stuck at the stove or in your car waiting for an appointment to end. The trick is to find one of these books is to haunt the bookstore shelves.

Or in my case, scanning the New Fiction section of a library with a combination of excellent funding and a buying committee likes to mix it up. A few weeks ago, I was at just such a library and stumbled across J.W. Ocker’s Cursed Objects: Strange But True Stories of the World’s Most Infamous Items. I know it seems I stumble across many books but thanks a nasty childhood accident back when Jaws ruled the box office, I’m lame in the old-fashioned sense, walking with a limp best described as “broken Frankenstein’s Monster” and unless I’m paying attention to my surroundings can stumble over my own darn feet before you can say “library book sale”.

There I was, bending over slightly at the waist to scan the new books, when a lovely book bound in black with dull bronze lettering caught my eye. I swear I do not pick books on looks alone but let’s be honest, a well-designed book is going draw the eye. Especially if said book isn’t a standard hardcover size.

Now books in the Dewey Decimal 001 need a second, third and seventh look over because even though like many Generation X people, I grew up with In Search of and Time-Life paranormal books, I am more skeptical. And most Dewey Decimal 001 books tend to lean much more woo than I can tolerate.

Cursed Objects: Strange But True Stories of the World’s Most Infamous Items is not woo. Don’t let the title fool you. Yes, it covers several woo classics (the Hope Diamond, mummy curses, crystal skulls) but there is a strong streak of here’s the story, here’s the truth and enjoy the ride.

Remember me talking about books you can read for a moment and put down? Cursed Objects: Strange But True Stories of the World’s Most Infamous Items passes the test with flying colors. Early morning trip to the laundromat with five loads of laundry-all with different wash/drying times? Reading while waiting for the electric kettle to finish? A quick chapter before bed? All done and dusted. And if you want to read more? The selected bibliography has some solid reading for those willing to track down or expand their minds.

It’s not a book I would recommend to my father (his tastes run more True Life in the Woods Adventures), or the spouse (World Building Fantasy For The Old School D&D crowd). But I would recommend Cursed Objects: Strange But True Stories of the World’s Most Infamous Items to my brother, people who loved the original Nimoy hosted In Search of and fun informative podcasts. You are my people, read this book if you’ve haven’t already.

Now the book design. It’s more important than you think. People’s book dollars are limited. An excellent book in a poorly designed/constructed edition isn’t going to appeal to the eye or wallet. If this doesn’t influence your book buying? Lucky you and obviously I am living my life wrong. Cursed Objects: Strange But True Stories of the World’s Most Infamous Items is a Quirk Books title.

If you are brand new to Quirk Books? They’re an independent publisher who specialize in quirky books. Their titles are informative without talking down to the reader. And their design team? Love love love. One of the reasons Cursed Objects: Strange But True Stories of the World’s Most Infamous Items is such a good book is the design. Crisp but not overpowering colors, fun graphics all around. Combined with J.W. Ocker’s sharp writing? Cursed Objects: Strange But True Stories of the World’s Most Infamous Items should be on your Wish/TBR list. It’s definitely on my To Buy list.

Now to return Cursed Objects: Strange But True Stories of the World’s Most Infamous Items to the library for someone else to enjoy.