Book description
SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History's Greatest Screwups - A Hilariously Insightful Time-Travel
Ed Helms, best known as the star of the hit podcast SNAFU, turns his comedic instincts toward history in a book that feels like an extended episode of his show. From the moment you open the cover-bright illustrations and bold typography-you know this isn't your typical dry chronicle; it's a riotous tour through humanity's most spectacular blunders.
Helms' voice is unmistakably playful yet surprisingly reflective. He starts by unpacking the origin of "SNAFU" (Situation Normal: All Fcked Up) and immediately sets the tone: history is full of moments that make us both cringe and laugh. Each chapter zooms into a different decade, from the 1950s to today, spotlighting incidents like planting nukes on the moon, training cats as CIA operatives, or weather-weaponization schemes. The anecdotes are vivid, often absurd, and always delivered with a wink.
What makes this book stand out is how Helms balances humor with a subtle moral compass. He never shies away from pointing out the real consequences of these mistakes-losses of life, geopolitical fallout, environmental damage-while still keeping the narrative light. The illustrations reinforce this mix: comic-style drawings that capture both the silliness and gravity of each event.
Readers will appreciate the book's structure; it reads like a series of short stories rather than a dense textbook. Each chapter is self-contained, making it easy to dip in for a quick laugh or pull out for deeper reflection. Helms also includes footnotes and sidebars that provide context without breaking the flow-perfect for those who want to dig a little deeper.
In sum, SNAFU* delivers more than just entertainment; it offers fresh insights into how our collective missteps shape the present. If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh while quietly reminding you of history's lessons, Ed Helms' guide is an absolute must-read.
Hitch Frenzy
I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. 🎉 Rekindling my love for stories – this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! 📖🚀 👀📚 Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page – this app is a bedtime dream! 😴🎧
Snow Pharaoh
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. 📱 My secret to staying well-read – this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! 📚📱 Simplifying my reading routine – this app's ease of use is remarkable. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. Auto-rewind is a very handy feature. Excellent app.
MythMaker
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. Download options are abundant, from WiFi to iTunes. It's all about convenience with this app. I love the car mode. It’s so convenient for listening while driving. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didn’t have any major complaints, but I also don’t see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
Red Heroine
I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Twiddle Twix
I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my passport to countless stories. 🧘♀️☕ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! 🍵📖
Taffy Duchess
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly – this app's functionality is commendable. As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure!
Midnight Bat
With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that has a big impact on my listening experience. I love it! I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
DreadSherX
ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's design is a reader's dream. is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
Shay
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. 📱🎧
Snow Hound
Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is impressive. ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection.
CuriousCrafter
The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient – no more complicated processes. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's robust features, I'm always just a tap away from immersing myself in captivating narratives. 📚📱 Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Pogue
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience – it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content.
Crash Test
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience. 🏃♂️📚 I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. 📱📖
Skirble
Unwinding with a good audiobook has become my favorite self-care ritual. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
Midnight Rider
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. Library organization is brilliant. No more cluttered audiobook collection. With support for various audio formats, ListenBook ensures I can enjoy my favorite audiobooks without worries. Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature.
Danger Menace
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Honey
No more straining my eyes – this app lets me 'read' with my ears! ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
ZenZone
🚗📚 Turn traffic into a literary escape – this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. 🚗🎧 Streamlining my audiobook journey – this app's design is top-notch. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. 📱📖 Book groups keep my related titles together for a cohesive listening experience. A thoughtful feature! I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
Easy Street
Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features.
DuckDuck
Audiobook journey simplified – this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true standout.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience