Are you average? If you are (which most of us obviously are, statistically speaking), are you happy about that? Why or why not? It’s kind of a funny question, really, because even though many of say we are above average, we spend a lot of our time trying to fit in with everyone else (or trying to be average).

This book was written by a guy who once wanted very much NOT to be average. He worked in marketing and public relations research for many major companies, and believed that he knew a lot about the “typical” consumer because he was good at his job. When a (clearly not average) client, Marlon Brando, accused him of “not relating to the Average American”, he decided to find out who represents the most “average” person in the United States. The book chronicles his search, and I think we get to meet the “average American” at the end of the book.

There is a quiz on the back cover to help you determine whether or not you are average. Here is a sample: Do you prefer chunky or smooth peanut butter? (I prefer chunky – not average!) Can you name The Three Stooges? (yes – so I’m average after all) Can you name the three branches of the Federal Government? (yes – see, I’m NOT average!)

I am excited to read this book because I want to see his methodology. I know he used a variety of surveys, starting with the U.S. Census and branching out from there. Every U.S. citizen was theoretically in his initial pool (281,421,906 candidates at the beginning of chapter 1) and he eliminated people as he continued his research. He traveled with a notebook labeled “Mr. Q”, in honor of both “Joe Q. Public – and Adolphe Quetelet, a pioneer of modern statistical research.

I borrowed this book from my mom, and I am going to try to get it read quickly so I can send it back to her, since she has not finished reading it yet.

Other posts about The Average American:

Post 1: The Average American, by Kevin O’Keefe
Post 2: Video Games Make You Smarter!
Post 3: Trivia about You and Me
Post 4: A Spiritual Journey Toward Averageness
Post 5: “What an Honor” to be Average