The Voice of Math
Unlock Your Imagination With the Narrative of Numbers
by Dave Kester
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Pub Date Jul 16 2024 | Archive Date Jul 16 2024
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Description
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.
Advance Praise
"Dave has created a fascinating exploration of mathematics, its historical evolution, and its profound influence on our thinking and humanity. This book is filled with insights revealing the beauty, patterns, and infinite possibilities within the realm of numbers. A must-read for anyone intrigued by the hidden impact of math in our lives, whether they reside inside or outside of math professions."
Aree Bly
Success Coach, Speaker, and Author of The Sustainable Brain
"The Voice of Math is a book for everyone, regardless of where they are on their mathematical journey. Through Dave's insightful perspective on numbers, readers can explore their own understanding and appreciation for the beauty of mathematics. As you delve into the book, you may even discover another voice speaking to you, guiding you to your unique perspective. Everyone has a voice, and it is uniquely yours. I hope this book helps you find yours, so together, we can create harmony in the world of mathematics."
Hannah Y. Park
Actuarial Manager I, Root Insurance
"I find certain languages to be beautiful and various words bring me joy. Dave extends these concepts to numbers and mathematics in a very thought-provoking way. I have numbers that hold meaning for me and there are patterns in nature, especially in flowers, that I deeply appreciate. I enjoy numeric puzzles and often reach the end of my understanding. This book pulls all of these things together and helps me appreciate the history and beauty in numbers and mathematics. Novices of math and experts alike will find this a delightful read!"
Susan Osweiler
Chief Risk Officer, Sammons Financial Group
"The Voice of Math is a great read for all but especially for those of us who love mathematics. As a mathematician whose research is mainly in Combinatorics and Algebra, this book accentuates the beauty of the integers and how they are such an integral part of our lives. Thank you, Dave, for the history lesson as I can now use some of this knowledge when teaching my classes."
Dr. Candice Marshall
Actuarial Science Program Director, Morgan State University
"In The Voice of Math, Dave Kester uniquely utilizes the concepts and history of mathematics to help the reader navigate through a thought-provoking journey of personal reflection, meaning, and purpose. Whether you are a mathematician, a scientist or mostly disconnected from both, you will enjoy this book as an easily accessible and enjoyable way to look at our world and your life from a different, and hopefully more meaningful, perspective. Like an old and trusted friend, The Voice of Math will be a reliable resource that you will turn to again and again to help challenge your mind and give you some peace and clarity of purpose."
Brian Rihner
Pastor, Grace Church of Denison, Iowa
"First off, I am not what I would consider a math guy; However, Dave Kester has compelled me through many conversations (and now in his new book) to see the beauty of numbers and math. He has a unique way of using story to connect his audience to his lifetime pursuit of questions, observations, and creative solutions in the math world. When reading The Voice of Math, I am drawn to listen and to consider what I believe to be true about much of life and numbers. I can guarantee that interacting with Dave’s book will challenge you in many areas of your life! And I appreciate that he has spent so much more time than I have researching and contemplating all things math… it has enriched my life tremendously!"
Andy Fjellman
Owner, Jabbermouth Media
Featured Reviews
Sekar W, Reviewer
This book is ideal not only for those with a background in math but also for anyone interested in the history and evolution of numbers. For readers eager to go deeper or find the book is hard to grasp, the Appendix provides practical problems to solve, offering a hands-on approach to applying the discussed concepts. It offers an exploration of the history of numbers, showing the hidden beauty and joy of mathematics. Instead of focusing on solving equations, this book talks about the development of our number system through various cultures and people over time.
The author starts by presenting the dramatic history of numbers, illustrating how they have evolved across different eras and civilizations. This storytelling method makes the history of math both engaging and relatable, transforming abstract concepts into an intriguing narrative. It enhances our appreciation for the historical development of mathematics. The book reveals the true beauty of math and its significant impact on human culture.
This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to enrich their understanding and passion for mathematics.
Zeynep K, Reviewer
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.
Reviewer 1334459
The Voice of Math is a fascinating exploration of mathematics through a uniquely human lens. Dave Kester takes readers on an insightful journey through the history and beauty of numbers, revealing their often hidden impact on our lives and thinking. This book makes math approachable and engaging for everyone, regardless of their mathematical background. It encourages curiosity and may just inspire you to see the world of numbers in a whole new light. A must-read for anyone interested in understanding the profound influence of mathematics on humanity.
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