I find myself wishing I had had him as a teacher when I was a teenager. I found myself rooting for the teenage Bethany as we watch her grow from an insecure tween into a mature and balanced young mathematician (and woman).Īnd if some passages betray more of a preoccupation with ethereal (and spiritual) matters than one might expect from a book called 'The Math Olympian', they do so in a natural and honest manner: Hoshino simply wears his heart on his sleeve - his passion for mathematics, the pursuit of one's dreams, and the discovery of one's self are evident and quite infectious.

The novel is also peppered by a number of puzzles and brain-teasers which somehow always seem to fit just right. On the mathematical front, his explanations are clear and insightful: in particular, the first-person perspective he provides as Bethany solves the 5 CMO problems is fascinating. perhaps Hoshino has never heard that story, but I suspect that the truth is that he saw it as a challenge: can an author present a meaningful story while introducing mathematical reasoning and non-trivial problem-solving methods? I couldn't help being reminded of the (possibly apochryphal) anecdote relating the number of book sales to the number of equations in the book. I just finished 'The Math Olympian', by Richard Hoshino.

In training to become a world-champion 'mathlete', Bethany discovers the heart of mathematics – a subject that’s not about memorizing formulas, but rather about problem-solving and detecting patterns to uncover truth, as well as learning how to apply the deep and unexpected connections of mathematics to every aspect of her life, including athletics, spirituality, and environmental sustainability.Īs Bethany reflects on her long journey and envisions her exciting future, she realizes that she has shattered the misguided stereotype that only boys can excel in math, and discovers a sense of purpose that through mathematics, she can and she will make an extraordinary contribution to society. Through persistence, perseverance, and the support of innovative mentors who inspire her with a love of learning, Bethany confronts these challenges and develops the creativity and confidence to reach her potential. As a small-town girl in Nova Scotia bullied for liking numbers more than boys, and lacking the encouragement of her unsupportive single mother who frowns at her daughter’s unrealistic ambition, Bethany MacDonald's road to the International Math Olympiad has been marked by numerous challenges.

The Math Olympian by Richard Hoshino