Are We Having Fun Yet? The Human Quest for a Good Time

According to sociologist, Martha Beck, every human has a unique “funprint”: each person prefers certain activities over others. Are We Having Fun Yet? takes readers on a fascinating historical tour of many of the world’s most popular pastimes. Each of the book’s eight chapters highlights a different “genre” of fun, examples of which come from all parts of the world, past and present, and some of which have evolved over time. Sand gardens, playgrounds, and games such as hopscotch, jump rope and tag are just a few of the enjoyable places and activities mentioned in the first chapter which also includes toys and games from various cultures and civilizations.

Subsequent chapters include information about music (dances, instruments and listening devices from the phonograph to present-day Smartphones); art and art movements such as realism, expressionism and cubism; sports, ranging from the first Olympics in ancient Greece to unusual sports such as cricket fighting in China; celebrations and festivals (birthdays, parades and flash mobs, to name a few); leisure time pursuits such as plays, movies, fairs and theme parks; at home activities (video and board games, cards, jigsaw puzzles and television); and fads such as yo-yos, Rubik’s Cube and fidget spinners. When the COVID pandemic forced people to isolate indoors, many families spent more time in nature or got creative and tried new things: baking, learning a new dance, participating in drive-by birthday parades, or communicating via online platforms such as Zoom.

The author freely admits that with over 8,000 sports in the world and so many other pastimes enjoyed by many people, it was impossible to include them all in this book. Neither are crafts mentioned, nor all of the genres of music, but she acknowledges that these and other activities, such as rock climbing, building forts and splashing around at water slides, are all ways to have fun. Finally, the author remarks that many pastimes change as people’s views change. For instance, circuses that have animal acts have fallen from favour in recent years as animal rights activists have shed light on the containment and treatment of circus animals.

Readers will find the text most interesting and educational, and, like the variety of fun activities mentioned in the book, there is something here for everyone. “It’s a Fact” text boxes provide additional information and fun trivia, some examples of which are that the ball pit was inspired by a jar of pickled onions and the fairground carousel was modelled after a training game played by knights.

Illustrations in Are We Having Fun Yet? include black and white and colour photographs, timelines, and brush and ink drawings. A table of contents, a glossary, an index and a list of print and online resources are included.

A most enjoyable read!