From its humble origins in 1990 at City Hall with just 149 exhibitors and 200,000 visitors, the HONG KONG BOOK FAIR has grown into one of Asia’s most anticipated cultural events. Now held annually at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the fair has become a dynamic convergence of literature, technology, and global storytelling—drawing over a million visitors at its peak and expanding to include thematic zones, art installations, and offsite cultural programs. Its growth mirrors Hong Kong’s rising stature as a hub for cross-border creativity and publishing.
This year, the 35th HONG KONG BOOK FAIR 2025, held from July 16 to 22, welcomed over 770 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions. With the theme:
“Reading the World – Food Culture • Future Living”
The fair explored how food, memory, and cultural identity shape the stories we tell and the lives we live. Among the 620+ events held throughout the week, the exhibition “Book a Table: Food for Thought” captured global attention through its interactive installations and consular collaborations.
Kravitz & Sons participated not only to display titles but to engage in this vibrant conversation. One of the standout contributions was The Layman’s Guide to Understanding Statistics by John L. Campbell—a refreshing invitation to decode the numbers that shape modern life.
The author, John L. Campbell, holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northeastern University in Boston. With over 30 years of experience in psychological research, he has taught experimental psychology and statistics and directed senior service programs. His background blends deep academic insight with real-world application, making his books accessible and pragmatic. Now retired in Oregon, Campbell continues to advocate for scientific and statistical literacy through writing and volunteer work, alongside his wife, Monica. His previous work, Introduction to Science and the Scientific Method, is widely praised for helping general readers make sense of scientific thinking.
The Layman’s Guide to Understanding Statistics strips away the math and intimidation usually tied to the subject. It’s possibly the only book on statistics that contains no equations, graphs, or data tables—and that’s exactly the point. John L. Campbell didn’t write this for statisticians or number crunchers. He wrote it for professionals, thinkers, and everyday people who regularly encounter statistics but don’t always feel equipped to understand them.
This book explores how statistical claims influence our decisions, shape our values, and manipulate our choices. From marketing campaigns to media headlines, Campbell urges readers to be skeptics—to challenge vague numbers and question overly precise ones. Without getting lost in technical jargon, he demystifies key concepts and teaches readers how to spot misleading claims hiding behind the illusion of scientific credibility.
At the HONG KONG BOOK FAIR 2025, where themes of “Future Living” and literacy converge, The Layman’s Guide to Understanding Statistics fits perfectly. In an age where data is everywhere but understanding is rare, this book gives power back to the reader. It doesn’t just teach statistics—it teaches critical thinking. And that’s something the future desperately needs.
Get your copy of The Layman’s Guide to Understanding Statistics now at Kravitz & Sons—because learning to question the numbers is the first step to understanding the world.
The Layman’s Guide to Understanding Statistics
John L. Campbell