It has been a studious and reflective week, with readers tackling serious non-fiction exploring the breadths and depths of philosophy, religion, maths and science.
Alexbe tackled the philosopher James Ladyman's Understanding the Philosophy of Science in which he discusses "whether fundamental philosophical questions about knowledge and reality might be answered by science".
Alexbe praised Ladyman's ability to translate this mystifying subject into an "incredibly clear, non-technical and thorough introduction", which could also serve as a fantastic resource for "all those currently engaged in Philosophy of Science" or those "with just a general interest in the subject matter".
Mathematical master Daniel Tammet got AggieH thinking in numbers with his book which explores "the way numbers, fractions and equations underpin all our lives".
AggieH points out that "Maths + literature is a sum that doesn't add up." Yet despite referring to Tammet's writing style as "easy and plain" she is conclusively convinced by this book's intelligence and accessibility.
It makes unimaginable numbers imaginable & provokes improbable thoughts. Especially about the previously unimaginable (to me) relationship between maths and literature.
Alain de Botton got two mentions this week from Perieradasilva, firstly with his "guide to life", The Consolations of Philosophy, which according to Perieradasilva "presents a witty and insightful analysis of how philosophy can be a comfort, inspiring us and providing motivation".
Botton aims to bring philosophy back to life by resurrecting the "finest minds in the history of philosophy" and examining how we can apply their logic so that we can improve ours.
This book is a relaxed and fun essay on the wisdom of life, in practical terms, based on personal experience of six great thinkers of all time, each in a distinct strand: Socrates on unpopularity, Epicurus, about the lack of money and the path to happiness, Seneca, about frustration, Montaigne, on the unsuitability, Schopenhauer, about love, and Nietzsche on the difficulties.
Pereiradasilva then moved onto theology with Botton's Religion for Atheists.
Alain de Botton, who says he has no sensitivity to faith in God, thinks that atheists have much to learn from the religions in fundamental problems. In this book, the essence of the argument presented here is that many of the problems of the modern soul can be solved thanks to solutions proposed by religions.
Whether you have "sensitivity" to faith or no, that's it for this week's reviews. As ever, if we've mentioned your review in this article, please get in touch with richard.lea@theguardian.com and we'll send you a treat from the cupboards. Thanks for all your reviews.
