Does muscle convert to fat when you stop working out? Does exercising on an empty stomach burn more fat? Are artificial sweeteners bad for you? Do mosquitoes really attack some people more than others? Does sitting too close to the TV damage your eyes? Do you have to wait forty-five minutes after a meal before swimming? Is it safe to shower in a thunderstorm?

These and over a hundred other age-old questions are answered among the pages of Never Shower in a Thunderstorm . Anahad O’Connor, a reporter for the New York Times and author of the weekly “Really?” column, has expanded his scope and increased his research to turn “Really?” into a book about longtime myths, beliefs, and old wives’ tales. The big question, though, is “Are they true?” Some of these long-debated and much-followed “truths” are supported (best not to shower in a thunderstorm), some are lacking strong evidence on either side (while green tea may or may not result in weight loss, there’s no harm in trying), and others are based on outdated evidence (there’s no need to wait forty five minutes before jumping in for a swim).

If you’re curious about the truth behind the myriad of “myths” Never Shower in a Thunderstorm , is the book for you. With research into hundreds of studies, historical facts surrounding their origin, and helpful hints when applicable, O’Connor debunks or brings relevance to hundreds of well-known rules of living. It’s likely you’ll come away with a few new - and perhaps even some improved - rules for living.