I picked this book up one day in the bookstore, started reading and left with it. I was a math major at one point in college, but I moved on for other reasons. These days most math programs offer courses such as "Introduction to Proofs." This book serves that purpose. Now that I am back in college taking math courses again, I feel well prepared in my proof-oriented classes after going through about half of this book. The author does an excellent job of stressing the importance of proofs through language that is easy to understand. There is also a lot to read in the sense that concepts are explained and discussed in English. The exercises are adequate, although it would be better if more solutions were offered in the book (only select ones are). I did most of the exercises and that is where the real learning took place.



This book would not be useful for someone who has any kind of a background in proofs/fundamentals. It's for those who have only taken computation-oriented classes who want to learn how to do basic proofs. I would recommend finding a copy and opening it up to see if it fits your style. Anyone could learn from the beginning of this text, but it takes some mathematical sophistication to get through more advanced parts. The text seems technically precise (clarity on the difference between range and codomain for instance) and remains reader-friendly throughout. The author also does not hesitate on giving his opinions on how math proofs should be written. I liked the way that he emphasized writing proofs in complete sentences, and in keeping the scratch work and attempts at a proof separate from the proof itself. Also, despite the language, rigor and mathematical symbolism are not sacrificed.



*In response to critical reviews about exercises: At first glance I did not always see how the exercises related to the examples. After rereading the chapter, or trying out some different strategies, I usually was able to make sense of them. The exercises can sometimes be challenging in this manner, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. They emphasize understanding rather than modeling. I found some satisfaction in struggling through some of the exercises upon figuring them out on my own.



**Also, I agree with the critical review that this book will not make you better at doing proofs. If you want to improve upon proof technique, I would look elsewhere. This book is definitely for those entering the world of mathematical proofs for the very first time. Unfortunately, there are not enough solutions of proofs in the back that you can compare to your own.

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