Weird Math: A Teenage Genius and His Teacher Reveal the Strange Connections Between Math and Everyday Life

There are plenty of mathematical concepts and subgenres that leave most people scratching their heads, either baffled by the actual mechanics or by pondering what possible real-world use there is for such equation-filled shenaniganry.

Weird Math is loaded with many of those concepts and subgenres, but instead of feeling like an impenetrable tome meant to dampen enthusiasm rather than raise it, the book allows readers and the authors alike the opportunity to indulge their excitable nerdy side by delving into prime numbers, big numbers, proofs, and more.

There may be no better introduction to a math book in history than Darling and Banerjee’s opening discussion of 4-D imagery and thinking, engaging in an incredible effort to help the reader visualize 2-D, 3-D, and 4-D imagery and concepts. It’s among the most accessible and effective explanations I’ve ever encountered, and it made me excited to read the book to come.

It might not be everyone’s forte, but it’s a testament to the weird and wonderful world of math all around us. Weird Math is educational and a little subversive all at once.