Recently, officials in Florida’s Escambia County Public Schools district have plunged into a literary adventure of their own: removing and flagging over 1,600 books for review and potential banning. In a weird plot twist, this includes eight encyclopedias, five dictionaries, and hundreds of reference books – including three of our very own Ripley’s Believe It or Not! titles.
Believe It or Not!, Ripley’s is in excellent company, accompanied on the list with no less than Stephanie Meyer, Maya Angelou, Ernest Hemmingway, and Charles Dickens!
However, the pen is mightier than the sword, and Ripley’s has decided to gift a complimentary copy of their annual book to Florida residents, free of charge. Now through May 15, 2024, Florida residents can request a book be mailed to them here , or – even better – get one right away, in person at a Florida Ripley’s Believe It or Not! attraction in Panama City Beach, Orlando, and St. Augustine Florida with a Florida ID while supplies last.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! books have entertained both adults and children alike for generations, as researchers, writers, and factcheckers scour the globe looking for stories of the weird and wonderful.
“The very idea of banning these books is worthy of entry to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Ironically, Escambia County officials are practically authoring our next book for us,” says Ryan DeSear, Vice President of Attraction Operations for Ripley Entertainment. “While Ripley’s response to this issue is a bit tongue-in-cheek, we very much encourage all Florida residents to claim their free copy and decide for themselves."
Full of inspirational stories, compelling science, unbelievable history, and amazing human achievements, one of the best ways to learn about the world is by reading a Ripley’s book. They captivate and educate, making them valuable resources for even the most reluctant reader.
"Our focus for the last 105 years has always been a lighthearted look at the curiosities that make up society. We celebrate uniqueness, a responsibility that we take to heart and will continue to for years to come,” DeSear continued.
The request period is now closed. Thank you to the tens of thousands of Ripley’s fans who helped support our efforts. To continue to inspire curiosity, ignite imaginations, and celebrate the extraordinary in our world, we would like to extend an exclusive offer on our next annual book, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Dare to Discover .
Use code 50RIPLEY for 50% off pre-sale orders of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Dare to Discover on Amazon now through July 6, 2024.
November 21, 2024
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Robert Ripley began the Believe It or Not! cartoon in 1918. Today, Kieran Castaño is the eighth artist to continue the legacy of illustrating the world's longest-running syndicated cartoon!
