Mmmmm, books about math. I mean, I'm pretty good at math, which means I'm better than a lot of my friends, but that there are those who has gone on to study math and they are obviously superior to me. But more importantly, I *like* math, which is hardly a common opinion.

I especially like books like this one, that makes me realize just have awesome math can be, and how much of a science it is. You're never really taught that stuff in school though, are you? Then it's just 'calculate this, calculate that', with no explanation for how those things were figured out.

This book is about The Simpsons and math of course, and while I'm not a huge fan of Simpsons, I've seen enough to understand it (but, um, who the fuck hasn't?). I can't say I've noticed any of the math references mentioned in this book, but I kinda wanna get my hands of some of those eps just to look for them.

I am, however, a big fan of SImon Singh, so it's hardly surprising I enjoyed the book. He explains science in a really good way, and if you don't understand exactly what is going on, you usually understand enough to keep up with the "story". Which I enjoy. I'll probably reread some of his other books this year, like the Big Bang book or The Code Book, which I've never read but heard great things about.

Anyway, very enjoyable book, whether or not you're into maths or The Simpsons, I'd say. ( )

I loved this book even though I am far from a math Lover. This was definitely an entertaining read. ( )

Who'd have thought that a family based cartoon series would have so many maths links, but it turns out the Simpsons does. A significant number of the script writers on the Simpsons have some form of maths or science background, and arrived at the studios having either dropped out or after post doc studies.

In this book Singh introduces us to them, and some of their backgrounds, as well as outlining many of the ways that they have sneaked maths puzzles and jokes into the scripts and illustrations. It is not an in-depth maths book, which is what you would expect, as it is being pitched at Simpsons fans.

Overall it was Ok I suppose. I do have one tiny confession though, I have never watched an episode of the Simpsons, so a fair amount of it washed straight over me. Worth 2.5 stars as Singh does write well, and the concepts are clear and well illustrated.. ( )

2 1/2 stars: I didn't particularly like it or dislike it; mixed or no real interest

From the back cover: You may have watched hundreds of episodes of the Simpsons without ever realizing that cleverly embedded in many plots are subtle references to mathematics, ranging from well known equations to cutting edge theorems and conjectures. That they exist, Simon Singh reveals, underscores the brillaince of the shows writers, many of whom have advanced degrees in math in addition to their unparalleled senses of humor.

While recounting memorable episodes ,... Singh weaves in mathematical stories that explore everything from pi to Mersenne primes, from Euler's equation to the unsolved riddle ov P v. NP, from perfect numbers to narcissistic numbers, from infinity to even bigger infinities...and much more. Along the way, Singh meets members of the brilliant writing team behind The Simpsons.

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I really wanted to love this book more than I did. I didn't dislike it, but I just wasn't engaged with it either. Forgettable enough (though I just finished about 2 weeks ago) that I don't have anything to add other than the description. Passing on to a math professor I know, Judygreeneyes. ( )

I really liked this one. It covers some of the episodes of the Simpsons and some of the Mathematics contained therein. A lot of the writers for the Simpsons are also holders of advanced degrees in mathematics and whatnot so it is no surprise that they throw in little nods to nerds here and there.

I found it to be quite entertaining, but it didn't take that long to read it, so I guess I am somewhat disappointed, but at the same time, I can't expect Simon Singh to go and provide an exhaustive list of every single math reference ever included in the show; there are websites for that.

In any case this was a very good book that delivered what it promised. Four out of Five. ( )