MATHEMATICAL FICTION:

a list compiled by Alex Kasman (College of Charleston)

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A Deprogrammer's Tale (2000)
Colin Adams
(click on names to see more mathematical fiction by the same author)
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Note: This work of mathematical fiction is recommended by Alex for math majors, math grad students (and maybe even math professors).

This spoof presents the attempts of math professors to convince students to become math majors and the subsequent interest of those students in math as if it were a religious cult. Told from the point of view of a ``deprogrammer'' hired by families to save their children from the horrible fate of getting a degree in math. Of course, since the author is himself a math professor, he does not really mean this as it sounds, and any math department insiders will see this story as being positive (and funny). In fact, I've distributed copies to some of the math majors in our own department.

Originally published as Mathematical Intelligencer ,Vol. 23, No. 4, 2001, 13-14 and then also printed in the 2009 collection Riot at the Calc Exam....

More information about this work can be found at another page on this Website.
(Note: This is just one work of mathematical fiction from the list. To see the entire list or to see more works of mathematical fiction, return to the Homepage.)

Works Similar to A Deprogrammer's Tale
According to my `secret formula', the following works of mathematical fiction are similar to this one:
  1. Rithmatic by B.J. Novak
  2. I Had to Call In a Mathematician by Erik Talvila
  3. Integration Bar by Erik Talvila
  4. Mathematically Bent by Colin Adams
  5. Rumpled Stiltskin by Colin Adams
  6. Into Thin Air by Colin Adams
  7. A Proof of God by Colin Adams
  8. Mangum, P.I. by Colin Adams
  9. A Killer Theorem by Colin Adams
  10. The Integral: A Horror Story by Colin Adams
Ratings for A Deprogrammer's Tale:
RatingsHave you seen/read this work of mathematical fiction? Then click here to enter your own votes on its mathematical content and literary quality or send me comments to post on this Webpage.
Mathematical Content:
5/5 (2 votes)
.
Literary Quality:
3/5 (2 votes)
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Categories:
GenreHumorous,
MotifAcademia, Math Education,
Topic
MediumShort Stories,

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Where are the new works of mathematical fiction?: As you can see from this chronological listing, this database includes many works of mathematical fiction for each year from 1990 to 2025. Strangely, only two are listed for 2026, so far. Either less mathematical fiction is being published than in previous years or I'm just having more trouble finding it. If you know of any works of fiction that should be added to this list, especially recently published ones, please let me know. (Keep in mind that I do not include self-published works or children's fiction that just covers elementary mathematical concepts.) Thanks!

(Maintained by Alex Kasman, College of Charleston)