The Voice of Math: Unlock Your Imagination with the Narrative of Numbers

by Dave Kester, Mikaela Ashcroft

If you’ve spent a fair share of time in math class glancing at the clock, you’re not alone. Glancing at the clouds and wondering how well counting the flower petals on the windowsill can help you run out the clock is a pretty common phenomenon for people who aren’t into numbers. But those connections you make aren’t just in your head. You might just be closer than you think to understanding the universe.

The Voice of Math takes a deep dive into understanding numbers through the lens of humanity. You’ll see the struggles humanity has taken to understand life and the hiccups in understanding. If you look closely, you’ll probably see yourself, too.

If you’ve always been curious about math but don’t know where to start, pick up this book. Inside you’ll find Easter eggs we’ve scattered through its pages. Inside you’ll find mathematical problems broken down to become more understandable. Inside you’ll unlock mysteries history has solved and a few you can unlock on your own.

This book is designed to inspire curiosity. It’s to develop a love for math from an anecdotal point of view. Who you are may just be hidden in these pages, and your journey to become a mathematician might just be right around the corner.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2024

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

A book that tries to interest the casual person in math. I think it makes a good try, even with its self-congratulatory tone. I really appreciate the effort, and I learned something.

[Lucia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I need to be honest, I don't know why there are so many 4 and 5 star reviews here as I would rate this 2.5.

One of my degrees is in mathematics and I do have a passion for the science. You can tell the author's have a sincere love and passion as well. But without my degree, I feel like I would have walked away 10x more confused about principles like irrational numbers, equations, geometry, etc. This gives me sincere pause before recommending it to people who want to understand math but struggled in class. The most enjoyable part was the history.

My recommendations on improving the book would be to provide more real life examples of how these principles can be applied to everyday engineering problems. Even while earning my degree, the concepts didn't quite click until I took them into electronic engineering courses I took at the same time. Additionally, I recommend taking the religious stuff out. Though it's admirable that the author is open with his beliefs, it felt inappropriate to tie these natural principles to his Christian designer theory.

[BookishSoulZeynep · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here’s a thing I liked about the voice of math; the author really is passionate about the subject. You know what they say about The Divine comedy? That it’s incomprehensible to someone who isn’t a Christian and to be able to understand Dante one must become a Christian for a few hours. This has the same effect.

The author starts the book with a reference to a friend who loves rocks. He describes his friend’s passion for rocks and how that affects his friend’s way of looking at rocks, and how rocks are special and unique to him.

Here’s another thing; Dave Kester tries to communicate this love of math in words and can simplify huge parts of math so that someone who doesn’t like math can understand what he means.

This book was more about the history of math and understanding the concepts of math than solving equations. I think this way of approaching math and teaching it is better than just solving and memorizing equations, because this way you actually understand how math works rather than how to solve a problem.

I recommend the voice of math to people with a background with mathematics as well as beginners to deepen our understanding of the subject. I believe that the not-too-complex writing style that wasn’t in long chunks will fit many different kinds of readers’ tastes and teach them something about math that they didn’t learn about at school.

[Sekar Writes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC as the exchange for review.

The Voice of Math takes readers through the history of numbers, revealing the hidden beauty and joy of mathematics. Rather than focusing on solving equations, this book explores how our number was developed over time by various cultures and people. It is started by going into the history of numbers, showing how they have evolved through different eras and civilizations.

While this book is perfect for those with a background in math, it's also accessible to anyone curious about the history and evolution of numbers. The engaging stories and historical context make complex ideas more understandable and enjoyable. I find the Appendix offers practical problems to work through, providing a hands-on way to apply the concepts discussed.

The Voice of Math enriches our appreciation for the development of mathematics throughout history. By blending engaging stories with deep insights, the book reveals the true beauty of math and its profound impact on human culture. It's a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding and love for mathematics.

[AMR CAMI · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really recommend this book!

Fascinating, interesting, helpful, and mind hanging are some of the many words that I would use to describe this amazing book made by Dave Kester. This book that talks about diverse topics such as the universality of mathematics, the relation between math and nature, and the diverse uses of mathematics in many fields, helped and changed the perspective that I had about the use of mathematics.

Some of the big highlights about this book is the clear and engaging writing style, that helps understand better, and is accessible for anyone. Also, the addition of real world examples of math and its daily life allocations makes the book relevant and interesting. For another hand, the anecdotes and stories illustrated by the author gave a human element to math and its use, making this one outstanding from others. In overview this book is really useful for anyone who is wanting to change their perspectives on their use of mathematics as an educational tool such as expanding their understandings, or as exploring other uses for mathematics in daily life.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I was little, I was curious about mathematics, but I didn't always understand the explanations very much. I always felt that they were very abstract. Since I read this book, the author made me discover a world I didn't know; he even made me interested in mathematics.
This book inspires curiosity from several aspects; from the first page, the reader is involved in a world little known to many. This reading inspires curiosity even those who say they don't like mathematics.
It is a complete and dynamic book, full of examples, with an understanding of numbers through the lens of humanity. Certainly, a book that I recommend to the general audience, but especially to all those who say they do not like mathematics. Believe me, readers are going to get to know the world of mathematics from a new perspective.

[Ivan M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Voice of Math is the type of book designed for that person who hates or doesn´t understand math and finds it exhausting or boring. I'm not going to say it's my favorite, but after reading this book, I remembered how important it is, even in our daily lives.

I enjoyed this book mostly because it's complete. It doesn´t offer solutions, it makes you think while explaining the concepts efficiently. It also provides some historical events, famous mathematicians, and theories that made this read completely interesting, in my opinion.

Overall, a great book for the math enthusiast. Every day, people worry more about social media than acquiring useful knowledge, so I think this book is a pillar of education.

[Margarita Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an interesting and engaging book.

I must say it is one of the most unique and intriguing books I have ever read. If you are a fan of math or simply curious about the subject, this book will pleasantly surprise you. "The Voice of Math" takes you on a fascinating journey through mathematics and logic, revealing how they help us to be more creative and to discover fundamental truths about our existence. This book uncovers surprising facts about ourselves and demonstrates the essential role of numbers in our survival. With an unusual approach, it is easy to read and thoroughly engaging. This is a must-read for anyone looking to explore the beauty and utility of mathematics.

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

For someone who never had the chance to view Math positively, reading this book made me question just how wrong the teachers and instructors I met were, and more so just how wrong they were about Math.
Math lovers would definitely get most of the concepts and practical sessions the author includes here, however, there is one extra great thing about this, the author provides history and gives background information unraveling how most of the concepts we know today came about and if you love a good story, or history, then that's where this book will get your attention.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hated math classes all my life, I had to put a lot of effort to understand and I got bored easily. It is clear that they are extremely necessary for life in general and that we cannot underestimate them, but it is often difficult to feel attracted by their complex topics.
If I had had this book when I was a student, I would have had a much better time. Although I found nothing new under the sun in its pages, I was able to understand and see things in a different way.
I found the way in which the writing is organized, how the book is narrated and the amount of examples it includes to be incredible.

[Camilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book!

I have to admit that when I read the title of the book, I thought that it would be a very heavy book, and I really didn’t bet that I will finish it. But when I opened the book and started reading it, I just got a big surprise. Kester’s promise of value “unlock your imagination with the narrative numbers” is true! I always thought maths were a very boring thing, but my logic and the way I think now a days, I owe a large part to mathematics. It is also important to mention that all of the above happened due to the great narrative and the way Kester present each of the topics along the book. For sure, this is a book for everyone!

[Caro Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

Math, my least favorite subject in school. The one that made me struggle all throughout high school. I’ve honestly never liked math and although I do love history, the history of math wasn’t one I was particularly fond of; until this book fell into my hands.
Told from the perspective of a man who is passionate about numbers and sees math as not just a subject in school, but also as a way to solve and redirect problems and situations in life. I believe the author had created this book with all of his enthusiasm and all of his passion to create a new and optimistic vision of math. I really enjoyed this book.

[Agustina Sureda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is quite particular, and I can even say it might be one of a kind! Understanding numbers is the main key here and being curious can be of great help! This is a book intended for math, science, and evolution lovers! Starting with topics like the universality of mathematics, the relation between math and nature, and the diverse uses of mathematics in many fields that have not only changed the view and growth of our minds but our world!

By unlocking the explanations with solid examples from the real world the author is able to connect with the reader very quickly; this book can be fascinating for anyone who is seeking an innovative read!

[S Tyty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Designed to inspire curiosity, this book is an original approach that can help any type of reader develop a love for math from an anecdotal point of view.
The narrative is packed with information about the history of math and scientific facts we do not normally know or are familiar with.
The narrative is deep and full of graphs and numbers that back up the information proposed by Kester and Ashcroft. This is an interesting, well-written book for those who are not so into math and also for those who want to expand their knowledge on the matter.
The authors have chosen a conversational style that allows us to feel closer to what they are saying. A great resource!

[Mayra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book by Dave Kester and Mikaela Ashcroft to be a captivating and stimulating read. To be honest, I have never been a fan of math, so I took this book to make peace with the subject and ended up loving it. What I liked the most about this book is that it explains not only where numbers come from, but also where they can take us. I found fascinating the fact that it explores the history and philosophy of mathematics, revealing the human element behind abstract equations. It helped me open up my mind a lot. The conversational style makes the topics dealt with reachable to a varied range of readers. 5 stars for sure.

[Almiria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Voice of Math by Dave Kester is a math book with a difference – it actually makes math fun and interesting! Kester shares his own enthusiasm for math and adds interesting history, fun facts and personal enthusiasm for the subject to this book. I’ve never been a math person, and I can’t say this book has suddenly converted me and made me love math, but I was able to appreciate the importance and nuance that can be found in this topic. The author’s knowledge and passion for mathematics really shines through in this book. If you’re into math or trying to get yourself more into it, then this book is definitely a read I can recommend!

[Yolanda Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe that all of us at some point in our lives have felt totally frustrated with a specific subject or in general with mathematics, because this book will help you understand mathematics in a completely different way. It is not focused on learning by heart formulas and methods, but has as its focus the real understanding of mathematics in a much more natural and human way. It is a book that will enliven your imagination and will make you discover an unknown and very interesting world. I am completely sure that when my children grow up, this will be the book I will use to teach this subject. It will be less traumatic and very interesting.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never imagined I would find a book that would completely change the idea I had of learning mathematics. The first thing I thought when I read it was how I would have liked to have been taught the subject with this approach as a child, but then I realized that it's not too late to learn it in a different way and really understand what's behind it. It is a very interesting book that has several themes and learnings, but it also has the answer to many problems and mysteries that have always been on my mind. I highly recommend it, you will really understand mathematics in depth and much easier.

[Nancy M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Math can be palatable

Engaging book. I think the claim that anyone could understand is a bit exaggerated, but anyone with a comfort level handling graphing and exponents can understand. The font for the mathematical formulas was eye straining, even on a full size iPad. I do agree with the author that mathematics and its beauty is a great argument for a creator, but his digressions about both God and personal growth were not well integrated with the mathematical discussions. The history of math and mathematicians was more successfully integrated. I would enjoy hearing more about openness to new views and creative solutions growing from the study of math but it would require another book

[JKC · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was going to be proud of myself for reading this. Instead, I only read a few pages before DNF. However, I recommend it to those who have math trauma and want to benefit from seeing math in an alternative, more playful and creative way. It does help.

[Annazetta Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was definitely out of my league! I know some math but this was intense and very interesting to say the least. I'll leave the math to his generation.