Book Review: Of Course: The Greatest Collection of Riddles and Brainteasers For Expanding Your Mind by Zack Guido

Part of: Reviews in Brief

Of Course: The Greatest Collection of Riddles and Brainteasers For Expanding Your Mind by Zack Guido is a challenging collection of classic riddles and brainteasers that will cause you to think carefully about fundamental questions of common sense, design and functionality. The questions involve looking at problems logically while "thinking outside the box" at times.

One of the author's best brainteasers is the Redmond Question. The question asks why manhole covers are round.

All sorts of solutions can be presented to resolve this question. Here are a few examples which demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics of the question posed. For instance, a manhole cover is round because it covers the hole without having to position the cover in any particular way.

A physical scientist might say that the manhole cover is round because that shape tolerates random stresses from the earth. Also, metal expands in summer so that the expansion is more uniform and less exaggerated.

An engineering designer would indicate that it's easier to pour hot metal into a circular shape than a round one. In addition, the load is equally distributed so that individual stress points are handled easily.

Another common sense answer is that a round manhole cover can be rolled instead of physically lifted.

Of Course: The Greatest Collection of Riddles and Brainteasers For Expanding Your Mind by Zack Guido is the perfect conversation piece at a party or gathering of friends. The questions elicit logical and even some illogical arguments in favor of one point of view or another.

This book could cause hours of endless debate while sharpening skills to view things spatially instead of just linearly.

The presentation is easy to understand and participants will go away with an entertaining and rewarding experience.

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Article Author: Dr Joseph S Maresca

I've taught approx. 34 sections of collegiate courses, including computer applications, college algebra, collegiate statistics, law, accounting, finance and economics. The experience includes service as a Board Director on the CPA Journal and editor of the

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