Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-10 of 119
 Good book September 26, 2009
Shawn (South Carolina)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is a fun and informative book. It follows the progression of probability and statistics through history and shows how the concepts correlate to ones life. The only thing that kept this from being a five star book for me is that I wanted more about "how randomness rules our lives"... How minuscule random events compound on each other to thoroughly define our lives. But Mlodinow still does a very fine job in making the reader take an alternative perspective to the events that go on around him/her. I suppose I would give this book 4 1/2 stars if I could. Just don't expect the entire book to be about the drunkard's walk.
Rotated the logical of my brain September 23, 2009
Kermit L. Cain (San Diego, CA United States)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Was able to follow everything the author outlined (and it is but an outline) concerning the random nature of why things happen. TOTALLY changed the way I view events that contribute/distract from the end result.
During my MS program I took every test possible that I would be administering to a client and I scored extremely high in logic, well - apparently not really. This book will make you realize that what is "obvious" is not obvious at all.
This book is required for anyone who wants to have all the tools needed to rationally "think". Would have been a five star if a little broader in examples (Perhaps I'm too slow?).
 Fancinating read September 23, 2009
MarthaTree (Gorham, Maine United States)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book explores the world of 'what are the chances' in a scientific but entertaining and sometimes humorous way. I'm not a mathematician and I love reading this book. Give it a try.
An Accesible Layperson's Guide to Probability and Statistics September 17, 2009
bronx book nerd (Bronx, NY USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This is another book that promises to help the reader see the world differently. I think it generally delivers on this promise and it does so by providing an accessible layperson's guide to randomness, probability and statistics. Leonard Mlodinow, a professor at Cal Tech, and former writer for television programs, has managed to combine his talents effectively. I have read and reviewed other books that attempt to teach probability and statistics to us mere mortals, and I think that this book does the best job. I believe (and I think the science supports this) that the ability to understand probability is not hard-wired into the human brain, and so for many of us, understanding problems related to probability is a challenge. Mlodinow's writing is casual and leads the reader via the use of what are now traditional examples in these subjects (the Monty Hall problem, the myth of the hot hand) as well as personal anecdotes, in such a way that the reader can absorb and reflect on the material, and leave with an understanding of the subject. Mlodoniw's greatest strength comes in the way he introduces bits and pieces of difficult to understand subjects, while covering another area, and then loops back and ties the loose ends together in a manner that results in understanding. The books overall lesson is that, by distinguishing what is the result of randomness and what is not, we can better assess situations and respond or act with more effectiveness in areas where we truly have some control.
 Never write books about maths without using maths!!! September 16, 2009
P. P. Papadakis (Athens, Greece)
1 out of 12 found this review helpful
The book has a very interesting title and some enthusiastic comments by prominent people. To me however, things are quite different.
The author is trying to present interesting problems in probability w/o maths - just like fiction. Well, the layman understands next to nothing and of course the scientist knows all about it - and better.
Therefore the book appeals to no one in particular. And I would not recommend it to anyone.
Showing reviews 6-10 of 119
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