Most Helpful Customer Reviews
41 of 43 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Read this book!, 22 Sep 2007
This review is from: The Tiger That Isn't: Seeing Through a World of Numbers (Paperback)
If you think you are average, read this book! If you've ever worried about a 20% increase in the risk of getting cancer if you drink one unit of alcohol a day, read this book!
I am the least numerate person imaginable, but I couldn't put it down. Fascinating, informative, and, yes, funny in places, shocking in others, never dull, a real page-turner. I have gained a more balanced view of the numbers thrown at me day after day, and have learnt to say "What does this mean for me? what is the human scale of this?"
It is said there's no gain without pain, but that certainly doesn't apply to this book.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Is it a lie? or a damned statistic? or simply a misinterpretation?, 30 Nov 2007
This review is from: The Tiger That Isn't: Seeing Through a World of Numbers (Paperback)
Stimulating reading for the generally curious. Drawing on loads of interesting real-life examples, this book gives you a simple set of questions that allow you to get behind the headlines and understand the significance of the numbers in the news. It's easy to read, well-informed and should be a Christmas bestseller.
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32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Making numbers interesting, 1 Oct 2007
This review is from: The Tiger That Isn't: Seeing Through a World of Numbers (Paperback)
I used to have nightmares about maths exams. But this book illuminates how important numbers are in news and public policy, and how not to be caught out by them.
From reports about risks from mobile phone masts to child growth charts, Dilnot and Blastland use engaging examples to probe some of the common mistakes people often make with numbers.
Journalists frequently get stories wrong by failing to examine what a number on a press release really means. After reading this book you'll start to see the holes in many headlines. And you'll understand much more about the world.
I just recommended it to a friend who teaches A level maths for her students. It will help instil an understanding of the importance of numbers which I never had at school.
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