X and Y are the anonymous authors of Congruent Triangles (Amazon UK), a book that tells the story of the daughter of a mathematician and a group of mathematicians/spies that come to stay at her ancestral home.
Style
If you’re looking for a book that’s half Mills and Boon, a third spy novel, and a sixth maths textbook, then Congruent Triangles is exactly what you want. The book doesn’t take itself too seriously: in the authors’ own words, this book is “pure trash”. Despite its knowing trashiness, this book is well-written and entertaining.
Control
There are some really nice bits of maths in this book, that are seamlessly intertwined with the story.
Damage
There aren’t very many mathematical fiction books, and there are even fewer of these that are aimed at adults with a reasonably high level of mathematical knowledge. This book is almost unique in filling this niche.
Aggression
If you’re looking for a mathematical spy-romance novel, then this is the perfect book for you. If this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, I recommend trying it anyway: you might be surprised how much you enjoy it.
You can vote for your favourite book on the Book of the Year shortlist below. The winning book will be crowned the Chalkdust Readers’ Choice. Voting closes at 1pm (BST) on Saturday 31 March.
What is your favourite book on the 2022 Book of the Year shortlist?
- An Introduction to the Math of Voting Methods by Brendan W Sullivan (44%, 101 Votes)
- Peculiar Deaths of Famous Mathematicians by Ionna Georgiou and Asuka Young (19%, 44 Votes)
- Congruent Triangles by X and Y (15%, 35 Votes)
- Escape from Model Land by Erica Thompson (8%, 18 Votes)
- Math Games with Bad Drawings by Ben Orlin (7%, 16 Votes)
- A Ring of Cats and Dogs (and Other Curious Puzzles) by Daniel Griller (7%, 15 Votes)
- The Irrational Diary of Clara Valentine by Coralie Colmez (0%, 1 Votes)
- Beyond Measure by James Vincent (0%, 0 Votes)
Total Voters: 230
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