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The Life-Changing Magic of Numbers
If you found maths lessons at school irrelevant and boring, that’s because you didn’t have a teacher like Bobby Seagull.***As seen on Monkman & Seagull's Genius Guide to Britain*** Long before his rise to cult fandom on University Challenge, Bobby Seagull was obsessed with numbers. They were the keys that unlocked the randomness of football results, the beauty of art and the best way to get things done. In his absorbing book, Bobby tells the story of his life through numbers and shows the incredible ways maths can make sense of the world around us. From magic shows to rap lyrics, from hobbies to outer space, from fitness to food – Bobby’s infectious enthusiasm for numbers will change how you think about almost everything. Told through fascinating stories and insights from Bobby’s life, and with head-scratching puzzles in every chapter, you’ll never look at numbers the same way again.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 16, 2022
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April's non fiction book of the month!
Math is not the most exciting thing to read about but I was always a fan. I have never heard if Seagull before and I have never watched University Challenge but I saw this book featured on Ali Abdaal’s YouTube and was intrigued.
To make it short: This book is not for everyone. In fact, this is a niche book and I can’t see it getting a book audience. The book does discuss some interesting topics and it provides mathematical insight which was so easy and basic to more complicated equations.
This may be mean but I think Seagull is a great mathematician but a mediocre writer. I hoped to get a bit more out of this book. I never got the humor or the football references -and boy there were plenty of those- but the math was what interested me and I think it kind of applies to anyone interested in the book.
Summary: The title is a bit dramatic because it did not and won’t change my life in any way but it just gave me some beautiful insight into part of the math world. The writing is a bit rough and the humor did not work for me but it was a fast read anyway. Some of the riddles were cool and some were just meh. I think math nerds can still enjoy this one!
April's non fiction book of the month!
Math is not the most exciting thing to read about but I was always a fan. I have never heard if Seagull before and I have never watched University Challenge but I saw this book featured on Ali Abdaal’s YouTube and was intrigued.
To make it short: This book is not for everyone. In fact, this is a niche book and I can’t see it getting a book audience. The book does discuss some interesting topics and it provides mathematical insight which was so easy and basic to more complicated equations.
This may be mean but I think Seagull is a great mathematician but a mediocre writer. I hoped to get a bit more out of this book. I never got the humor or the football references -and boy there were plenty of those- but the math was what interested me and I think it kind of applies to anyone interested in the book.
Summary: The title is a bit dramatic because it did not and won’t change my life in any way but it just gave me some beautiful insight into part of the math world. The writing is a bit rough and the humor did not work for me but it was a fast read anyway. Some of the riddles were cool and some were just meh. I think math nerds can still enjoy this one!
October 29, 2018
When a science book is branded as having a celebrity author it's tempting to ignore it, but presumably a good number of people buy such books or publishers wouldn't put them out - and in the case of Bobby Seagull, it is at least (we are told on the cover) someone who is famous for being on the TV show University Challenge. The format is an odd one - Seagull gives us shortish chapters on what seem to be random things that interest him, in which he finds a sometimes tenuous mathematical topic. The result is more than a touch bitty.
Each chapter also ends with a little challenge in the form of a puzzle. Some are simple algebra problems (though concealed in words), others hide away mathematical sequences for the reader to spot. These are quite fun initially, though they get a little samey after a while.
How well the topics work depend to some extent on how much your own interests line up with Seagull's. So, for example, as soon as he mentions football (which he does quite often) I tend to turn off - but others might find that appealing. He's best when he's dealing with quite interesting (in the QI sense) maths - for example when dealing with the law of large numbers or mathematics in magic. Elsewhere the maths itself can be rather tedious (for example in a section on compound interest), or the topic itself can seem to have very little to offer mathematically, as in a chapter on 'the strategy of game shows' which feels very forced in to match Seagull's claim to fame.
If this book encourages readers who think they don't like maths to dip their toes in the water (Seagull is doing a doctorate in maths anxiety at Cambridge), then it is highly worthwhile, and I hope it succeeds in making more people realise that maths is magic. But for me, the lack of structure and the rather school-level writing style didn't make it a truly enjoyable read.
Each chapter also ends with a little challenge in the form of a puzzle. Some are simple algebra problems (though concealed in words), others hide away mathematical sequences for the reader to spot. These are quite fun initially, though they get a little samey after a while.
How well the topics work depend to some extent on how much your own interests line up with Seagull's. So, for example, as soon as he mentions football (which he does quite often) I tend to turn off - but others might find that appealing. He's best when he's dealing with quite interesting (in the QI sense) maths - for example when dealing with the law of large numbers or mathematics in magic. Elsewhere the maths itself can be rather tedious (for example in a section on compound interest), or the topic itself can seem to have very little to offer mathematically, as in a chapter on 'the strategy of game shows' which feels very forced in to match Seagull's claim to fame.
If this book encourages readers who think they don't like maths to dip their toes in the water (Seagull is doing a doctorate in maths anxiety at Cambridge), then it is highly worthwhile, and I hope it succeeds in making more people realise that maths is magic. But for me, the lack of structure and the rather school-level writing style didn't make it a truly enjoyable read.
January 11, 2022
This book is an excellent read if you are a a fan of Bobby Seagull's work or have enjoyed watching him on University Challenge or Monkman & Seagull's Genius Guide to Britain.
In this book Bobby explores how fundamental mathematical concepts can aid the average person with many aspects of their day to day lives. The maths of football, friendships and finances are all out on display in this easy to read yet enjoyable book.
Bobby prefaces many chapters of this book with stories of his own life, examples including his time on The Weakest Link (I didn't know he'd been on there either) or his match day routine prior to watching West Ham at their old Boleyn Ground.
This book would be an ideal read for younger people who are asking the question 'Why do I need to know maths after I finish secondary school?' Bobby quickly expels the myth of maths just being another grade on a 16 year old's GCSE grading sheet in just under 300 fun packed pages.
In this book Bobby explores how fundamental mathematical concepts can aid the average person with many aspects of their day to day lives. The maths of football, friendships and finances are all out on display in this easy to read yet enjoyable book.
Bobby prefaces many chapters of this book with stories of his own life, examples including his time on The Weakest Link (I didn't know he'd been on there either) or his match day routine prior to watching West Ham at their old Boleyn Ground.
This book would be an ideal read for younger people who are asking the question 'Why do I need to know maths after I finish secondary school?' Bobby quickly expels the myth of maths just being another grade on a 16 year old's GCSE grading sheet in just under 300 fun packed pages.
March 5, 2021
Great explanations of concepts and makes me want to learn some aspects of maths again. Easy reading and short book so flew through it 😁
February 22, 2021
Great whether or not you love math
I already love math, so I came to this book with a positive bias, but the author shows how our everyday lives are so full of math! Every time I hear someone say they don’t think they should have to study math in school because they won’t use it in the future, I wonder if they will never have to figure out how much they can buy, or whether the utility bill is correct.
I already love math, so I came to this book with a positive bias, but the author shows how our everyday lives are so full of math! Every time I hear someone say they don’t think they should have to study math in school because they won’t use it in the future, I wonder if they will never have to figure out how much they can buy, or whether the utility bill is correct.
March 12, 2021
Rebel Bookclub read for February 2021
Bobby's passion and enthusiasm for maths is contagious. I really enjoyed hearing him speak about the book and I'm sure I would have loved having him as a math teacher back in my school days. However, when it comes to his writing voice... too many personal stories I couldn't relate to (in fact I found the book to be quite laddish and include way to many references to football!) and ended up leaving me cold about the book.
Bobby's passion and enthusiasm for maths is contagious. I really enjoyed hearing him speak about the book and I'm sure I would have loved having him as a math teacher back in my school days. However, when it comes to his writing voice... too many personal stories I couldn't relate to (in fact I found the book to be quite laddish and include way to many references to football!) and ended up leaving me cold about the book.
March 13, 2021
I like to say that I don't understand maths and it's not for me, but the truth is we all need numbers and with practice we will get it. I liked the practical applications and examples, and Bobby's enthusiasm shines from every chapter. I found the last three chapters the most interesting parts of the book but I did learn some surprising facts along the way (I'll be thinking twice about the songs I listen to now!)
February 11, 2020
Well intentioned and a pleasant read, but I think this book is too ambitious. Every chapter is about a different area of maths and as a result just scratches the surface of fascinating topics like probability, love and finance. As a keen maths enthusiast I found I’d heard most of the ideas before and wanted to see the author dare to dive a bit deeper and aim for depth not breadth.
April 20, 2025
I’m so disappointed by this book.
Seagull starts this book very promisingly. A fascinating chapter on counting, which discusses bases and ancient methods of counting, with fun anecdotes throughout. It made me very excited to read the rest of this book.
Unfortunately, for me this was the most interesting chapter. The problem with this book is that it tries to do too much. I loved some chapters, like the chapters on music charts, but zoned out every time football was mentioned. At some points I felt like I was reading the same chapter again and again and at others I felt like we’d barely scratched the surface and the chapter was already ending. This isn’t to say that the book was all bad- I love what it’s trying to do, I love reading about numbers in the ordinary. But it wasn’t for me.
I found the topic would change so fast I got confused- we’d be talking about a formula and with no recognition that that chapter had ended, we’d be talking about another (admittedly nostalgic and sweet) story from Seagull’s childhood.
It was sadly a miss for me but if you like football and numbers then you’ll enjoy this one!
Seagull starts this book very promisingly. A fascinating chapter on counting, which discusses bases and ancient methods of counting, with fun anecdotes throughout. It made me very excited to read the rest of this book.
Unfortunately, for me this was the most interesting chapter. The problem with this book is that it tries to do too much. I loved some chapters, like the chapters on music charts, but zoned out every time football was mentioned. At some points I felt like I was reading the same chapter again and again and at others I felt like we’d barely scratched the surface and the chapter was already ending. This isn’t to say that the book was all bad- I love what it’s trying to do, I love reading about numbers in the ordinary. But it wasn’t for me.
I found the topic would change so fast I got confused- we’d be talking about a formula and with no recognition that that chapter had ended, we’d be talking about another (admittedly nostalgic and sweet) story from Seagull’s childhood.
It was sadly a miss for me but if you like football and numbers then you’ll enjoy this one!
February 6, 2024
I’m so disappointed by this book.
Seagull starts this book very promisingly. A fascinating chapter on counting, which discusses bases and ancient methods of counting, with fun anecdotes throughout. It made me very excited to read the rest of this book.
Unfortunately, for me this was the most interesting chapter. The problem with this book is that it tries to do too much. I loved some chapters, like the chapters on music charts, but zoned out every time football was mentioned. At some points I felt like I was reading the same chapter again and again and at others I felt like we’d barely scratched the surface and the chapter was already ending. This isn’t to say that the book was all bad- I love what it’s trying to do, I love reading about numbers in the ordinary. But it wasn’t for me.
I found the topic would change so fast I got confused- we’d be talking about a formula and with no recognition that that chapter had ended, we’d be talking about another (admittedly nostalgic and sweet) story from Seagull’s childhood.
It was sadly a miss for me but if you like football and numbers then you’ll enjoy this one!
Seagull starts this book very promisingly. A fascinating chapter on counting, which discusses bases and ancient methods of counting, with fun anecdotes throughout. It made me very excited to read the rest of this book.
Unfortunately, for me this was the most interesting chapter. The problem with this book is that it tries to do too much. I loved some chapters, like the chapters on music charts, but zoned out every time football was mentioned. At some points I felt like I was reading the same chapter again and again and at others I felt like we’d barely scratched the surface and the chapter was already ending. This isn’t to say that the book was all bad- I love what it’s trying to do, I love reading about numbers in the ordinary. But it wasn’t for me.
I found the topic would change so fast I got confused- we’d be talking about a formula and with no recognition that that chapter had ended, we’d be talking about another (admittedly nostalgic and sweet) story from Seagull’s childhood.
It was sadly a miss for me but if you like football and numbers then you’ll enjoy this one!
August 11, 2020
Really enjoyed Bobby’s style of writing. I find maths interesting and this book is explored how maths is part of our everyday lives in an informative yet simple and humorous way. I liked the puzzles at the end of the chapters though I rarely worked out the riddles!
I wish him luck in getting rid of that ‘I’m no good at maths’ mantra so many adults spout as if it’s a badge of honour. I loved teaching primary maths and hope I did something to help children realise how fundamental it is and it how much fun it can be.
I wish him luck in getting rid of that ‘I’m no good at maths’ mantra so many adults spout as if it’s a badge of honour. I loved teaching primary maths and hope I did something to help children realise how fundamental it is and it how much fun it can be.
May 7, 2020
His writing voice isn't particularly sophisticated or mature, but his content is great, at least in fits and starts. The "find a number, multiply by nine, think of country" riddle near the middle of the book is worth the price of the book. That, and his casual references to being a University Challenge participant.
February 18, 2021
Clearly Bobby Seagull loves Maths and I am sure his enthusiasm makes him an inspirational teacher but I was largely left cold by this book and only continued to the end because it was a book club choice.
November 21, 2021
Good book. Many interesting facts that wre new to me. Millennium Prize problems are very intriguing. Most of the tv shows mentioned were ones I have not heard of. Took me a long time to finish this book.
November 8, 2024
As much a memoir and manifesto for life as it is a mathematics primer. Thought provoking in places but rather dull in others. I thought the chapter on gambling was misjudged and should probably have been omitted. I'd not come across Benford's Law before.
April 9, 2019
Re-hashing content that has been written about far more elegantly by others. If you want to read a book about maths, pick up Alex Bellos' Alex's Adventures in Numberland instead.
September 18, 2019
Written with infectious enthusiasm, this is a light hearted read on math as relevant to everyday life. Excellent starter to further reading on the subject.
November 21, 2020
As a maths fan, this book was a great read @Bobby_Seagull writes in such a way that the harder concepts are easy(ish) to get your head around.
March 6, 2021
Really enjoyed the challenges at the end of each chapter! Interesting ideas about the number of soul mates actually available too! :)
May 25, 2022
A light reading, somewhat entertaining but a bit too boring when bobby kept on TB his youth times every time. A bit excessive for my liking
August 29, 2023
Honestly not that good. A seemingly random selection of maths anecdotes, many of which I've heard before.
Probably good for beginners but it's very surface level
Probably good for beginners but it's very surface level
September 10, 2023
Really enjoyable little book, Bobby makes maths fun (weird, right?). The reader will find themselves wishing they had a teacher like him whilst they were at school.
May 20, 2024
Didn’t finish. 🥱
February 19, 2024
Bobby’s enthusiasm for numbers is infectious. Over the years my appreciation for numbers has grown massively and there is nothing more satisfying than a good stat or maths fact. There are many facts and puzzles in this book that I will be sharing.
I never knew that Bobby was also a maths teacher. Based on this book it would be interesting to sit in one of his maths classes. I think it would be a lot of fun as he brings maths alive.
I never knew that Bobby was also a maths teacher. Based on this book it would be interesting to sit in one of his maths classes. I think it would be a lot of fun as he brings maths alive.
April 28, 2020
You do the math: mathematician, educator, University Challenge star, Library Champion, and all-round good guy, Bobby Seagull set out to show maths can be fun - and very nearly succeeds! His overwhelming enthusiasm, and troubled sense that we don’t all believe him, are most touching here, and he almost persuaded me to try one of those equation thingies with lots of <>\~¥s and m!s in them that look so intriguing but are as comprehendible as Sanskrit. To paraphrase Tick in Priscilla, “I think I can safely say I know less about maths now than when I opened this up.” But it may work for you, and one can forgive his Judith Krantz out of Dan Brown style (everyone is “world famous”, everything “iconic”) for the drive to do us some good, even if the puzzles are versions of man filling bath using punctured bucket, only where the man is a celebrity. A celebrity with a purpose - and that makes him unusual indeed.
January 12, 2020
Bobby Seagull has put together an engaging book that, as suggested by the title, focuses on the role of numbers in our lives. It’s interesting and easy to read, and has certainly given me food for thought.
At times, though, there are some obvious over-simplifications that annoy me. While I appreciate his ability to address the needs of his audience, it’s the precision of maths that appeals to me - not its simplicity. Looking beyond those moments, though, I can see already that this book has helped to renew my interest in the mathematical order of the world around us.
Well worth a read.
At times, though, there are some obvious over-simplifications that annoy me. While I appreciate his ability to address the needs of his audience, it’s the precision of maths that appeals to me - not its simplicity. Looking beyond those moments, though, I can see already that this book has helped to renew my interest in the mathematical order of the world around us.
Well worth a read.
February 23, 2021
My copy of this book is heavily tabbed (I’m a proud nerd!) and underlined. I really like how many practical tips there are and as someone who fears maths (because I did not bother with it as much as I should have and my last memories of it are from high school and pulling my hair out at stereometry), I truly enjoyed all the magic of numbers!
June 13, 2021
Brand extension with plenty of enthusiasm and formulae. Public intellectuals/teachers are essential in making us all aware of the world. Bobby outlines his own life (Newham, Eton, Cambridge, Uni Challenge) with wide-eyed passion for mathematics. Very good for the target audience of secondary school kids and their parents too.
March 27, 2020
Lacks depth
January 6, 2021
Interesting take on maths
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews