Fascinating, fun facts fill Montana trivia book

Fans of trivia and lovers of Montana can indulge their passions in “Montana Trivia,” a lively new book by Janet Spencer of Helena.

The book answers 1,263 questions about Montana, from extreme weather records to common bar names, and from famous Montanans to not-so-famous desperadoes.

The book has chapters on geography, history, sports, entertainment, science and nature, and arts and literature. Emphasizing its factual and fun style, the book even includes a few crossword puzzles and word games based on its contents, and the book can be used to play a Montana version of the game “Trivial Pursuit.”

Spencer, who jokes that she is “the trivia queen,” has written or contributed to numerous trivia books, including the highly popular “Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader” series. She said writing this book was pure fun because Montana holds so many surprises. “It’s a state of superlatives,” she said.

Spencer said that in addition to writing about the biggest of this and smallest of that, and everything in between, she learned that Montanans have a natural sense of fun that is unparalleled.

“We’ve got barstools on skis, skydiving sheep, pitchfork fondues, and cow-pie bingo,” she said. “And I got to answer many perplexing questions, such as, ‘Why is the easternmost town in Montana called Westby?’ and ‘What does ‘Ekalaka’ mean, anyway?’”

“Montana Trivia” sells for $9.95. It is available at bookstores or by calling Riverbend Publishing toll-free 1-866-787-2363.

Press releases and related documents may be copied electronically at www.riverbendpublishing.com. Click to the book description and click on “Press releases.” Or email ccauble@riverbendpublishing.com to have the documents sent via email.