This week for our 2019 Reading Challenge, we're exploring the world of "Science and Mathematics" through two people who managed to turn their science degrees into TV careers.
Adam Spencer graduated university with a Bachelor of Science (majoring in pure mathematics) and built a career as a TV and radio presenter and comedian. Professor Brian Cox is arguable the rock star of physicists, but he actually was a rock star at one point - being a keyboard player in the bands Dare and D:Ream. He's also fronted so many TV shows about science that it's hard to keep track of them all.
Samantha Baxter read Adam Spencer's Big Book of Numbers, by Adam Spenser.
Adam Spencer graduated university with a Bachelor of Science (majoring in pure mathematics) and built a career as a TV and radio presenter and comedian. Professor Brian Cox is arguable the rock star of physicists, but he actually was a rock star at one point - being a keyboard player in the bands Dare and D:Ream. He's also fronted so many TV shows about science that it's hard to keep track of them all.
Samantha Baxter read Adam Spencer's Big Book of Numbers, by Adam Spenser.
“How can a prime number be ‘sexy’ and ‘safe’ at the same
time? Why shouldn’t Aussie cricketers be scared of the number 87? And how many
bacteria live in your pants …
All the answers and more are in Adam Spencer’s Big Book
of Numbers. This is a book for readers of all ages who love numbers, who want to
love numbers, or who just love to laugh and learn about the wonderful world we
live in.”
Adam Spencer’s Big Book of Numbers is a great book to browse, you could read it cover to
cover, but I had fun jumping around particular numbers, learning little facts
about each number from 1-100.
In addition to trivia (such as the existence of The 47
Society) the book includes little maths ‘party tricks’ for you to try at home.
I must admit I am not a big maths person but I do enjoy
looking at the world through different lenses and this book certainly gives you
the opportunity to do that.
Non-fiction,
Australian author, Author I have never read, 513.2 SPE
A review of yet another popular book, this time delving into
the realm of science. How to Build a Universe: Part 1 is touted as being
a science read for the lay person. I picked
it up thinking I hit that demographic but honestly, my head hurt in bits. At
times I found trying to grapple with the concepts somewhat over awing if not a
little terrifying.
Headache aside,
famous physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince
do a pretty nice job of putting together some quirky metaphors for
understanding a selection of the universe’s more complex topics. The duo hits
on dark matter, the big bang, parallel universes, extra-terrestrial life and AI. Nicely illustrated with a whack of cartoon like visuals
which some might find useful, others distracting, Cox gets clear about what is
theory, what is evidence and what is fact. Very refreshing for the librarian
that dwells within us all.
The comedic angle (and the fact that we
all know that Cox was keyboard player for 90’s British pop rock group D:Ream, right!) does make it feel a little bit Dr Whoish…
in a good way of course. Primarily a “best of” compilation
of Cox’s BBC radio program the, Infinite
Monkey Cage, the read does inspire me to
think about drifting over and taking a listen to the podcast series. And if you
find yourself getting a little bit terrified just remember Cox would say…Things Can Only Get Better
Author I haven't read before, Non-fiction call number 500
Cox
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