Fear of Math: How to Get Over It and Get on with Your Life!

As I read this book, I noticed family members gathering around me to ask me what it was about - at every chapter! I believe that their interest in the book confirms the reason for which it was written: to address the negative attitudes associated with math in America and to determine the points of origin for them. Although I was an engineering major in college for two years before switching majors, I too could relate to the book. I became disenchanted with math during those courses but was extremely fond of it before college. This book motivated me to "revisit" the past and come to terms with it. More importantly, as a mother and a teacher-to-be, I learned NOT to pass on "myths of innate inferiority" to my child or to my future students. While Zaslavsky may not delve into ways to teach math in interesting, applicable, non-humiliating ways, she does address examples of how this may be accomplished. For the scope of the book, it's enough. I feel that her purpose was to enlighten readers while reigniting an interest in learning math - a tall order, and noble at that! After reading Fear of Math, readers may turn to other books for more ideas. A few choices to consider are Gary Tsuruda's Putting It Together and Marilyn Burns' Math for Smarty Pants. Thanks to Zaslavsky, Tsuruda, and Burns, my former love for math has been rejuvenated.Regardless of your math history, this book is well worth reading - either to understand why others believe they have difficulty with math or to discover for yourself why you've developed ill feelings and why it's critical not to pass these on to others. If you are a parent, an aspiring teacher, or a practicing teacher, this is a book that you must find time to read.