Books Like...
If you liked Naked Statistics: Stripping the Dread from the Data, here are the top 22 books to read next:
A warm, witty, and engaging love letter to math - perfect for math-phobes or anyone curious about what math is really about. It won’t turn you into a mathematician overnight, but it might just change how you feel about numbers.
'The Joy of x: A Guided Tour of Math, from One to Infinity' by Steven H. Strogatz is a collection of short essays covering various mathematical concepts and formulas, presented in an accessible and engaging manner. The book offers a broad scope of mathematics topics, written in a clear and enjoyable style with detailed footnotes and references for further exploration. Readers found the book to be a wonderful introduction to mathematics, providing insights into the history, connections, and joys of math, making it an enjoyable and educational read for both math enthusiasts and those with a fear of math.
As adults, however, we might notice a potential downside to numbers. Sure, they are great timesavers, but at a serious cost in abstraction. Six is more ethereal than six fish, precisely because it’s m...October 2012•336 pages- #2
Save:A unique, thought-provoking love letter to mathematics - perfect for readers who enjoy thinking deeply and independently about math, but may bewilder those wanting a more traditional, practical approach.
Measurement by Paul Lockhart is a unique math book that delves into fundamental questions such as what is measurement and develops mathematics from there. The book is described as an invitation to engage with math as a philosophy and a thought experiment, similar to a philosophy book. Lockhart presents various math problems and puzzles, encouraging readers to think their way through the solutions, akin to how ancient Greeks might have approached mathematics. The writing style is engaging, with the author posing questions and challenges for the readers to ponder, making it a book that offers a different perspective on math.
What we are looking for is an explanation. Of course, one reason why an explanation may not be forthcoming is that it simply isn’t true. Maybe we fooled ourselves by wishful thinking or clumsy drawing...September 2012•416 pages - #3
Save:A bold, thought-provoking manifesto on what's gone wrong with math education - and a call to let creativity back into the classroom. Not everyone will agree with Lockhart's sweeping critique, but it's a must-read for anyone who believes math could, and should, be more than memorization.
'A Mathematician's Lament: How School Cheats Us Out of Our Most Fascinating and Imaginative Art Form' by Keith J. Devlin and Paul Lockhart delves into the issues with the traditional way mathematics is taught in schools. emphasizes the idea that mathematics is an art form that should be explored creatively and not just memorized as procedures and formulas. It challenges the conventional teaching methods that focus on rote learning and highlights the beauty and elegance of mathematics as an art that should inspire and encourage thinking outside the box.
Lockhart's narrative in the book discusses the importance of allowing students to play with math on their own, encouraging imagination and new creations. critiques the current education system for suffocating intellectual development by not allowing a certain amount of playfulness and creativity in the classroom, particularly in the teaching of mathematics.
AMUSICIAN WAKES FROM A TERRIBLE NIGHTMARE. In his dream he finds himself in a society where music education has been made mandatory. “We are helping our students become more competitive in an increasi...April 2009•144 pages A breezy, thought-provoking peek behind the curtains of online behavior - filled with surprises, jokes, and tidbits about who we really are. Not the deepest dive into big data, but a smart, fun read for curious minds.
In "Dataclysm: Who We Are (When We Think No One's Looking)" by Christian Rudder, the author uses data from various online sources, particularly OKCupid, to provide thought-provoking insights into human behavior and relationships. Rudder, a co-founder of OKCupid, delves into the analysis of big data to reveal unexpected connections and patterns, similar to the approach seen in books like Freakonomics and Malcolm Gladwell's works. Through a mix of rigorous analysis and humor, Rudder explores topics ranging from attractiveness preferences to racial attitudes in the USA, offering a unique perspective on who we are as individuals and as a society.
The book is structured around the exploration of data collected from online platforms like Google, Facebook, and OKCupid, providing readers with a glimpse into the inner workings of human interactions in the digital age. Rudder's writing style combines data analysis with anecdotes and reflections on trends, offering a compelling narrative that sheds light on the complexities of human behavior and the impact of big data on our understanding of ourselves.
Up where the world is steep, like in the Andes, people use funicular railroads to get where they need to go—a pair of cable cars connected by a pulley far up the hill. The weight of the one car going...September 2014•306 pages- #5
Save:Charming, approachable, and thought-provoking - a must-read intro to infinity and the beauty of mathematics, perfect for curious minds of almost any age.
'Playing with Infinity' by Zoltan Paul Dienes and Rozsa Peter is a mathematical masterpiece that invites readers on a tour of various mathematical topics. The book is described as a gem in its own right, especially recommended to high school students with a strong interest in mathematics. It is written in a conversational tone, making complex mathematical concepts accessible and enjoyable for readers of all backgrounds. The book covers a wide range of mathematical principles, from basic arithmetic to logic and set theory, offering a fantastic grounding in mathematics.
The authors, particularly Rozsa Peter, have a talent for explaining complicated concepts in a simple and friendly manner, making the book engaging and informative. The work explores the concept of infinity in mathematics, along with related topics from topology and non-Euclidean geometry. The book is praised for its easy-to-follow presentation, with each chapter building upon the last to provide a comprehensive understanding of mathematical principles, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and seasoned mathematicians.
in such a way that each coin is not used more than once, i.e. either 0 times or 1 times. (We cannot make up 16 in this way but no wonder, since 2 x 8 = 16; a ‘sixteen’ is in fact the next unit). Accor...1954•289 pages A smart, approachable guide to thinking critically about statistics in everyday life - perfect for curious minds and anyone who wants to see beyond the headlines.
The Art of Statistics by David Spiegelhalter is an engaging exploration of statistics that focuses on understanding rather than complicated math. The book skillfully weaves real-life examples and anecdotes to illustrate statistical concepts, making it accessible to readers without a technical background. Spiegelhalter emphasizes the importance of questioning the media's portrayal of statistics and teaches readers to become more informed consumers of data.
The writing style is clear and straightforward, with a storytelling approach that keeps readers interested throughout its 380 pages. While it touches on essential theories and statistical practices, it avoids overwhelming readers with heavy equations. The inclusion of a glossary further aids comprehension, making this book a valuable resource for anyone looking to grasp fundamental statistical principles and improve their data literacy.
Joshua L was 16 months old and had transposition of the great arteries, a severe form of congenital heart disease in which the main vessels coming from the heart are attached to the wrong ventricle. H...March 2019- #7
Save:A brief, entertaining handbook that shows just how easily statistics can be twisted - great for anyone who wants to read smarter in today’s info-overloaded world.
'How to Lie with Statistics' by Darrell Huff is a timeless guide that educates readers on how statistics can be manipulated to deceive or draw false conclusions. The book presents a set of techniques and flaws to look out for when evaluating sources of information, especially graphics. It covers topics such as how sampling introduces bias, different ways of reporting averages, manipulation of graphs, and correlation vs. causation. The writing style is described as light, humorous, and easy to understand, making complex statistical concepts accessible to a wide audience. The book uses amusing illustrations and real-life examples to demonstrate how numbers can be used to mislead and deceive in various contexts, from toothpaste advertisements to election polls.
There is small likelihood that the average income of any far-flung group is ever going to be known down to the dollar. It is not particularly probable that you know your own income for last year so pr...1954•143 pages - #8
Save:A deep dive into prime numbers and mathematical intrigue – ideal for math enthusiasts with a sturdy background, but best avoided if you’re after an easy read or a straightforward biography.
'Prime Obsession: Bernhard Riemann and the Greatest Unsolved Problem in Mathematics' by John Derbyshire delves into the intriguing world of the Riemann Hypothesis and its significance in the realm of mathematics. Through simple explanations, the author manages to make this complex mathematical problem understandable to readers who are not mathematicians. intertwines meaty but understandable mathematics with the stories of various mathematicians, providing a glimpse into the history and intricacies of the Riemann Hypothesis.
In August 1859, Bernhard Riemann was made a corresponding member of the Berlin Academy, a great honor for a young mathematician (he was 32). As was customary on such occasions, Riemann presented a pap...April 2003•462 pages A smart, witty guide that shows how math quietly shapes everything around us. Occasionally dense, but mostly fascinating - recommended for the math-curious and lovers of clever, thought-provoking non-fiction.
'How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking' by Jordan Ellenberg is a book that delves into the application of mathematics in everyday life situations, showing how mathematical thinking can guide decision-making and understanding of the world around us. The author uses examples ranging from probability theory to statistics to illustrate how mathematical principles can be used to analyze various scenarios, from drug effectiveness testing to lottery playing. The writing style is described as engaging and accessible, making complex mathematical concepts understandable for readers without a strong math background. The book also includes historical anecdotes and real-life examples to highlight the relevance of mathematics in different aspects of life.
The book covers a diverse range of topics related to applied mathematics and statistics, emphasizing the importance of understanding numbers and patterns to make informed decisions. Jordan Ellenberg's writing style is praised for being informative, entertaining, and thought-provoking, presenting mathematical concepts in a clear and engaging manner. The book aims to teach readers the significance of statistical analysis and probabilities in interpreting information, addressing common misconceptions and emphasizing the practical applications of mathematical thinking in various fields.
The difference between the two pictures is the difference between linearity and nonlinearity, one of the central distinctions in mathematics. The Cato curve is a line;* the non-Cato curve, the one wit...May 2014•480 pagesA fun, clear, and highly readable intro to economics that shows how the subject touches every part of our lives. Great for curious minds and those wanting to drop the fear factor from econ.
'Naked Economics: Undressing the Dismal Science' by Charles Wheelan is a highly accessible introduction to the complex world of economics. Through real-life examples, engaging storytelling, and a touch of humor, Wheelan breaks down fundamental economic concepts in a way that is understandable to readers without an extensive background in economics. serves as a gateway for readers to grasp economic theories, market dynamics, and the broader implications of economic decisions on society.
Wheelan's writing style in 'Naked Economics' is praised for its ability to merge economic theory with narrative storytelling, making the subject matter both simple and interesting. Readers appreciate the book for its clear explanations, engaging anecdotes, and the way it combines humor with educational content. is described as a good starting point for those looking to understand basic economic concepts in a highly accessible manner, without getting bogged down by technical jargon or complex equations.
In 1989, as the Berlin Wall was toppling, Douglas Ivester, head of Coca-Cola Europe (and later CEO), made a snap decision. He sent his sales force to Berlin and told them to start passing out Coke. Fr...September 2002•338 pages
