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5 comments about Bob Miller's Basic Math And Pre-algebra for the Clueless.

1. I bought this book to help me brush up on the algebra I had in college. The fact that it's for the clueless, I figured I had half a chance to recall what I already thought I knew but needed to brush up on. The writer reminded me of my college professor. The math was easy to him, but he explained it as if it were easy to the reader as well. He seemed to have forgotten I was clueless. The other problem was the writer explained procedures for figuring out a problem but omitt a step until you came across an example where that omitted information would have been helpful. After I got the problem wrong, then the omitted information would be revealed. The writer kept me a step or two behind and therefore confused as I spent most of my time trying to figure out how the correct answer was determined insted of being taught how to arrive at the correct answer. I gave it two stars because it did temporarily motivate me to get started, and I thought price was good compared to some of the other books, but I guess you get what you paid for.



2. Overall this book was helpful to me in reviewing for the GMAT exam. Unfortunately the author had a hideous writing habit that he used throughout the book. As he would explain various topics he would add additional letters to particular words. For example: "..." At first I thought this was a typo, but it occurs on page after page with different words and is terribly distracting. I can't believe an editor would let this get through. I don't know if this was meant to be cute or what, but it is just...annoying.

   Additionally, for a book that is obviously designed for those of us who are clueless about algebra, Mr Miller would often start off explaining new topics by stating something to the effect that he once thought this topic was hard, but now he doesn't nor do his students, so the reader should do super well. Excuse me, but if algebra came easily to me I wouldn't have bought this book!




3. I can't figure out who this book is for. The author states that it's "written for those who want to get a jump on algebra and for those returning to school, perhaps after a long time". I fall into the latter category, but the book isn't particularly helpful to me. The presentation seems silly (or annoying, as the reviewer below says) and lacking.

   The author states, "In order to get maximum benefit from this book, you must practice. Do many exercises until you are very good with each of the skills." There are no exercises in the book, however, for the student to do. Each concept is explained with several problems and solutions as examples, but there are no separate problems for students to solve on their own.

   The author states that his "practical dream is to have someone sponsor a math series from prealgebra through calculus so everyone in our country will be able to think well and keep our country number one forever." If this book is an example of thinking well, our country is in deep trouble. Fortunately, I'm not as xenophobic as the author, and would be happy to use a math book from another country if it's written better than this one.




4. Bob Miller takes very difficult concepts and makes them extremely easy to grasp. It is the one math book that will not make you tear your hair out of your head!
   The author uses a bit of humor and emotion to make math understandable to the average layman. The books are meant to be a supplement to whatever math text you are using. After Bob explains the concepts you will breeze through your textbook's examples. A great book at a great price!



5. Miller is very convinced that he is a great teacher. He spends a good deal of this book telling you that he is. I however have to disagree.
   
   Whenever I tried to learn a concept from this book, I always ended up more confused than when I started. When he derives equations he introduces unnecessary and complicated steps that ultimately contribute nothing to the solution. His descriptions of the functions are confusing and regularly use terms he has not introduced. The values chosen for the examples easily could have been ones that would clearly illustrate the principles being taught, but for some reason Miller usually chose the few values that didn't clearly illustrate anything.
   
   On the plus side he makes notes of which sections will be on the Math SAT. So, if you are practicing for the SATs, you may find that helpful.

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