To people like me in mathematical and scientific fields, math can be a lot of fun. Unfortunately, majority of people don’t see it that way. Due in part to its abstract nature and in part to very dry and boring way it is presented in most school curricula, math is often perceived to be somewhere between weeding your grade and a visit to a dentist in terms of its amusement value.

“Math Bytes” is a really fun and educational short math book. It is one of the best recreational/popular math books that I’ve come across. It is written in an amusing and accessible style, while still managing to be very educational. It covers a wide variety of elementary math topics, many of which have a strong visual component. The book should be accessible to anyone who has a good grasp of algebra and geometry. Even if it has been many years since you did any “real” math work, you will still probably be able to jump into “Math Bytes” and enjoy it from the get go.

The book features many fun problems and exercises. It is beautifully illustrated, and in its hardbound edition extremely well crafted. It makes a great gift for someone who enjoys playing with math.

The title “Math Bytes” is a double reference to the use of food in some of the examples in this book, as well as to the computer modeling and simulation that helps with making many of the math concepts more accessible and fun to play with. I use pretty advanced math in my everyday professional work, but nonetheless I have had a lot of fun going through examples in this book and trying to recreate many on my own.

**** Book provided for review purposes. ****