Geek Logik

by Garth Sundem

Here for the geek in all of us are fifty foolproof equations that take the guesswork out of life—and the funniest twist on an idea since Richard Smith’s The Dieter’s Guide to Weight Loss During Sex. Call it the algebra oracle: By plugging in the right variables, GEEK LOGIK answers life’s most persistent questions. It covers Dating and Romance, Career and Finance, and everyday decisions like Should I get a tattoo? Can I still wear tight jeans? Is it time to see a therapist? How many beers should I have at the company picnic?

How does it work? Take a simple issue that comes up once or twice a week: Should I call in sick? Fill in the variables honestly, such as D for doctor’s note (enter 1 for “no,” 10 for “yes,” and 5 for “yes, but it’s a forgery”), R for importance of job (1-10, with 10 being “personally responsible for Earth’s orbit around Sun”), Fj for how much fun you have at work (1-10, with 10 being “personal trainer for underwear models”), N for how much you need the money (1-10, with 10 being “I owe the mob”), then do the math, and voilà—if the product, Hooky, is greater than 1, enjoy your very own Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

Includes a pocket calculator so that prospective geeks can immediately solve the equation on the back cover: Should I buy this book?

Genres: Mathematics, Humor, Science, Nonfiction, Reference

128 pages, Hardcover

First published September 23, 2006

About the author

Garth works at the intersection of math, science, and humor, with a background including a growing list of bestselling books, a Magna Cum Laude pre-med/music degree from Cornell University, and math-for-hire for mobile app and tech companies. In addition to conferences, colleges, and bookstores, you may have seen Garth's work on the Science Channel, where he's a frequent onscreen contributor, online at his popular blog (scientificblogging.com), or in magazines including Esquire, Wired, Publisher's Weekly, and Congressional Quarterly.

Garth grew up on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, where his dad----a former President of the American Accounting Association----taught for 34 years in the UW business school. Garth lives in Ojai, California, with his wife, two small kids, and one large Labrador, commonly found shoulder-deep in Ojai's municipal fountain (the dog, not the kids; the kids only go in up to their knees).

Stay tuned for more fun, fascinating and sometimes useful books nestled at the nexus of pop and science.

Reviews

[Pashmina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, but funny read. I was a bit disappointed by the fact that it was assumed that only men would read this book, but other than that, it was pretty great! (Apparently I should cut my hair short, never get a pet, and DEFINITELY see a therapist...)

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun book! Algebra equations for almost every major life decision, like Is it time to see a therapist, p. 108 with variables like "V=how many violent fantasies have you had in the past week?" and Whose family should you visit over the holidays? p. 42 with variables like "Dh= How disturbed are her family's holiday traditions? (1-10 with 10 being "you're forced to sleep on basement sofabed despite six years of marriage").

A great diversion to a stressful work environment, family stressors, or just for fun sitting around with friends.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love it.

I was able to decide that I did indeed deserve to buy myself a second pea coat. Scott was able to discern whether or not he should still wear a Speedo.

Before this book we might have agonized for minutes over these decisions, but with Geek Logic we were able to plug 'n chug accurate answers in a matter of hours.

You might want to use your own graphing calculator; the one that comes with the book doesn't have power functions.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very silly and amusing. An interesting way to quantify unquantifiable matters.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really a book to read, but a book to own and flip through. But good nonetheless.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusing.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not especially helpful but good for many lols.