Wednesday, September 15, 2010

The Calculus Diaries

THURSDAY October 14TH - 7:00 P.M. Math lovers and math detesters alike are sure to enjoy writer JENNIFER OUELLETTE when she brings her unique perspective to Crowell Library October 14th. The Calculus Diaries, How Math Can Help You Lose Weight, Win in Vegas and Survive a Zombie Apocalypse is Jennifer’s latest book which describes her adventures learning calculus by seeking it out in the real world, rather than in the traditional classroom. If you were ever traumatized by high school math, this is the time to let it go and see the upside. Jennifer Ouellette is a former English major who became a science writer purely by serendipitous accident. Her target is non-specialists who appreciate stories with their science. Since 2008, she has also been director of the National Academy of Sciences’ program, The Science & Entertainment Exchange founded to foster creative collaborations between scientists and the entertainment industry. She lives in Los Angeles with her physicist husband, Sean Carroll. "The Calculus Diaries is a great primer for anyone who needs to get over their heebie-jeebies about an upcoming calculus class, or for anyone who's ever wondered how calculus fits into everyday life and wants to be entertained, too!" -- Danica McKellar, New York Times bestselling author of Math Doesn't Suck "I haven't had this much fun learning math since I watched The Count on 'Sesame Street' when I was three. And the Count never talked about log flumes or zombies. So The Calculus Diaries wins the day." -- AJ Jacobs, author of The Know-it-All: One Man's Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World This program is free and will take place in the Barth Community Room at Crowell Library.