Annual Madness

Do you know the feeling of being out of sync? If you’ve ever experienced the annual madness of Daylight Saving Time (DST), then you certainly do. Spring Forward: The Annual Madness of Daylight Saving Time is a comprehensive look at the history, science, politics, and psychology of this twice-yearly ritual that affects billions of people around the world. Written by Michael Downing, a professor of English literature and an expert on DST, this book offers an enlightening look into why we “spring forward” and why it’s so difficult to do. Through engaging anecdotes and interviews with experts, Downing reveals how DST has become one of the most contested topics in modern society and why it remains so controversial. With its thorough analysis, Spring Forward will help readers understand their own experience with DST and make sense of the larger issues surrounding it.

Readers will appreciate Downing’s thorough research and his accessible writing style as he explores topics such as the history and lore behind DST, its psychological impact on sleep patterns, the effects of DST on energy consumption, and more. In addition to exploring these topics in depth, Downing also examines how DST is viewed in different countries around the world; from Australia to Europe to North America. He even looks at how it has affected various industries like farming and aviation. With its comprehensive yet entertaining approach, Spring Forward provides readers with an insightful understanding of this oft-controversial topic.