Rating: 
Summary: interesting book, but lacking focus
Review: The problem that resulted in this book is far-reaching: the public simply doesn't understand mathematics. Statistics, ranging from a 10%-off sale to the sort found in opinion polls, are unfathomable to the general populace. Probability, especially in the context of gambling, is understood by only a scant handful of people. The list of misunderstood mathematics is nearly endless. In the first few chapters of the book, Paulos describes various issues that the innumerate (that is, those who don't understand numbers and math) often have issues understanding. He describes the issue to a reasonable level of detail, then derives answers for them. Don't let the use of the word 'derive' scare you off: the answers are readable and readily understandable to a general audience. In some cases, if you're really rusty, you might need to read them a second time to grasp the solution. Later chapters, however, are not written for the innumerate. They are attempts to convince the reader that mathematical education needs to be improved. I think that everyone agrees that education should be improved, but he offers suggestions that are impractical or nonsensical. Ultimately, the problem of this book is a lack of focus. Paulos could have written either a book that tackles basic mathematical issues that the general public doesn't understand, or he could have written a book that describes the consequences of innumeracy. He tried to do both, and stuffed both topics into a single slim volume. In doing so, he shortchanges both audiences. The result is a book that is good, but does not fully address the needs of anyone. If you find yourself uncomfortable with mathematics, pick up a copy of this book and read up to chapter five. If you are comfortable with mathematics and are looking for fodder to prove the point that improving mathematical knowledge at any level is productive, this book will not serve your purpose.
Rating: 
Summary: A must read for the numerate and innumerate alike
Review: This book offers valuable common sense advice that can be used in a broad array of every day situations. The narrative is very readable and easily accessible to all, only requiring an occasional minimum of mathematical reasoning.
For those who are already familiar with the concepts, it is a refreshing summary of the pitfalls of the innumerate. And for those of you who have always considered mathematics to be 'one of your worst subjects', then this book may very well give you a new perpective and teach you something to boot.
I found it to be refreshing and entertaining read and recommend it to all.
Rating:
Summary: Are you innumerate?
Review: This book was a pretty quick read, and while it covered a lot of ground, the book generally dealt with the issues on a pretty basic level that should be easy for almost everyone to follow. There are important issues in here, dealing with people's inability to properly comprehend probabilities and statistics, as well as the common problems associated with comparing relative magnitudes. The inability of people to grasp some of these concepts has an impact on their ability to make good decisions, and leads them to develop beliefs that aren't strongly based in reality. A worthwhile read, if only to emphasize the importance of these concepts.
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