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daed's review against another edition
2.0
Bastante flojo comparado con las otras dos obras maestras que ha escrito este autor.
Parece que el tema "los Simpson y las matemáticas" no daba para tanto, por lo cual ha tenido que meter bastante relleno a un libro que en su totalidad es algo corto. Mucho de este relleno es aburrido y otra parte es repetición de sus otros libros. Se pueden rescatar algunos momentos interesantes, pero son muy pocos.
Parece que el tema "los Simpson y las matemáticas" no daba para tanto, por lo cual ha tenido que meter bastante relleno a un libro que en su totalidad es algo corto. Mucho de este relleno es aburrido y otra parte es repetición de sus otros libros. Se pueden rescatar algunos momentos interesantes, pero son muy pocos.
ponch22's review against another edition
3.0
I've always loved The Simpsons (maybe a little less in recent years) & I've always loved math (I probably watch enough math-related YouTube videos each month to equal at least one full Simpsons episode), so this book seemed like a no-brainer 5-star read, right?
Unfortunately, [a:Simon Singh|10894|Simon Singh|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1263127928p2/10894.jpg] has written a rather disjointed book that was somewhat disappointing. Sure, every chapter recounts a scene (or several) from The Simpsons (and in later chapters Futurama) and then gives a fairly dumbed-down description of the math referenced in the scene(s). But there was something about the writing that kept me from loving it.
Most of the math discussed are things I've already read about or seen videos about. The best parts of the book were the detailed biographies of the writers. I knew many of them had studied math (or similar subjects) before turning to comedy, but it was interesting to learn more about their pasts. Unfortunately, the histories of the writers were so similar, I can't remember whose story was whose.
I guess my biggest problem with the book is that it seems written for two types of casual readers—those who have no advanced math training as well as those who have never seen a single episode of The Simpsons. While I can understand why the book was dumbed down for both groups of people, as someone in neither group, the book was kind of a chore to get through.
Also, there's the whole issue of comedy being ruined by explaining the joke—and this book is basically chapter after chapter of doing just that...
Unfortunately, [a:Simon Singh|10894|Simon Singh|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1263127928p2/10894.jpg] has written a rather disjointed book that was somewhat disappointing. Sure, every chapter recounts a scene (or several) from The Simpsons (and in later chapters Futurama) and then gives a fairly dumbed-down description of the math referenced in the scene(s). But there was something about the writing that kept me from loving it.
Most of the math discussed are things I've already read about or seen videos about. The best parts of the book were the detailed biographies of the writers. I knew many of them had studied math (or similar subjects) before turning to comedy, but it was interesting to learn more about their pasts. Unfortunately, the histories of the writers were so similar, I can't remember whose story was whose.
I guess my biggest problem with the book is that it seems written for two types of casual readers—those who have no advanced math training as well as those who have never seen a single episode of The Simpsons. While I can understand why the book was dumbed down for both groups of people, as someone in neither group, the book was kind of a chore to get through.
Also, there's the whole issue of comedy being ruined by explaining the joke—and this book is basically chapter after chapter of doing just that...
spav's review against another edition
3.0
A very fun read for those with interests intersecting The Simpsons and mathematics. Though, a bit misleading title, since many of the chapters are dedicated to Futurama as well.
rachelellyn's review against another edition
4.0
Totally for math geeks! This kept my husband awake at night laughing when I listened to it at bedtime. Big lols throughout the book.
seclement's review against another edition
4.0
I had heard several interviews with Simon Singh about this book when it came out, so I knew it would be a fun read, but it was much more enjoyable than I expected. I had it on the shelf for a while, however, because I was uncertain about whether the fact that I hadn't taken calculus for over a decade (and don't have much cause to use maths other than stats in my work) would detract from my enjoyment of the book. It most certainly didn't. For math geeks and math-phobes alike, this book certainly had a lot to offer, and just like the Simpsons, there are different layers of knowledge in the book, with math lovers likely getting even more out of it. I do think you need to be a Simpsons fan to enjoy the book, but there are plenty of those around. I especially like the fact that Singh wove narratives about important historical mathematicians throughout the book, making the book a series of history lessons, maths lessons, nerdy jokes, and Simpsons trivia catalogue all in one. I felt a little cheated by the fact that the last few chapters covered Futurama, which isn't may favourite, but I certainly enjoyed reading those chapters and thought they were well done. There are periodic maths "quizzes" throughout the book, which test your level of knowledge and proclivity for maths humour, getting progressively more difficult. I must admit that I didn't laugh too much (which is how you score yourself) not because I didn't get the jokes - most of them weren't terribly obscure - but because I guess I just don't think maths jokes are all that funny, I guess. I did find myself wishing I was in a profession with so many nerdy inside jokes, so I think that's a sign of success to have a reader walking away with a desire to be part of the cool club of mathematicians.
james_moriarty's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
an incredibly informative and funny book, allowing people to discover maths through an understandable and tangeable way.
jb16772's review against another edition
4.0
Great book and a fun way to (re)learn mathematics. The additional chapters on Futurama don't really fit with the title of the book but contain some of the more interesting mathematics. All mathematics is described well and easy to follow.
lspargo's review against another edition
5.0
This was a great book! I had no idea that The Simpsons writers were so nerdy. I learned almost all of the math in this book at one point, but I haven't thought about any of it in years. It reminded me of why I liked studying math so much. It deals with a lot of higher level math, but I think he explains it all pretty well. I'd be interested to see if someone who hasn't studied higher level mathematics would be able to understand it, and if they'd find it as interesting and exciting as I do.