General & Reference Books

Chemistry for Dummies

John T. Moore

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 25 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

We’re all natural born chemists. Every time we cook, clean, take a shower, drive a car, use a solvent, such as fingernail polish remover, or perform any of the countless everyday activities that involve complex chemical reactions we’re doing chemistry. You might even say that we’re all participating in a grand chemistry experiment that started with the first human who mixed pigments to do a cave painting. Why do so many of us desperately resist learning chemistry when we’re young? Maybe it has something to do with the way it’s taught in school.

Now there’s a fun, easy way to learn basic chemistry. Whether you’re studying chemistry in school and you’re looking for a little help making sense of what’s being taught in class, or you’re just into learning new things for their own sake, Chemistry For Dummies gets you rolling with all the basics of matter and energy, atoms and molecules, acids and bases, and much more. In no time you’ll:

• Understand atomic structure and function
• Use the Periodic Table of elements
• Know what happens when matter changes from one state to another
• Explore ionic and covalent bonding
• Get a handle on chemical reactions
• Perform simple chemistry calculations
• Understand acids, bases, pHs, antacids, and gases
• Make sense Boyle’s Law, Avrogadro’s Law and other key laws in chemistry

Packed with examples of chemistry in action in everyday life, Chemistry For Dummies is a fascinating exploration of broad range of topics in chemistry, including:

• States of matter, from the macroscopic to the microscopic
• Understanding how the elements are arranged in the Periodic Table
• Nuclear chemistry, radioactivity and radioactive decay
• Positive and negative ions and ionic compounds
• Covalent bonding in covalent compounds
• Chemical reactions, chemical equilibrium, and electrochemistry
• The mole and how it’s used to calculate chemical reactions
• Great serendipitous discoveries in chemistry
• Environmental chemistry

Written in plain English and requiring only basic math, Chemistry For Dummies puts you on the fast track to mastering the basics of chemistry.

Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry (Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews Series)

Pamela C Champe, Richard A Harvey, Denise R Ferrier

List Price: $52.95 By: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Amazon Marketplace: 121 new & used starting at $4.99

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 72 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

nice book 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

this book is good for fast review before USMLE. biochemistry should be learnd from Devlin.

Superb...In every Way 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Attributes:
1. Wonderfully written in a lucid and point-of-fact manner w/minimal fluff.
2. The correlations are clearly laid out and a must for sensing the overall picture.
3. Fantastic diagrams and there are plenty of them.
4. Entire text is also accessible online which is very important for me because I can cut and paste the stuff and further abridge the contents of the book.
5. Easily readable from cover to cover.....and doing so multiple times is a really good way to encompass the entire width of the subject.
6. Very succinct chapter reviews at the end of each chapter which would satisfy the USMLE Step 1 needs I would think.

I for one am using this for my med-school biochem class and it is a veritable feast of biochem knowledge w/o being mentally bludgeoned by our prescribed text at AUC which is Lehninger.

I only wish the authors were able to write an entire textbook. A bridge between Lehninger and this guide. I for one would buy it in a heart-beat.

Thank you Dr's. Harvey, Champe and Ferrier...a superb and well executed effort.

Editorial Review:

Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry has been the best-selling medical-level biochemistry review book on the market for the past ten years. The book is beautifully designed and executed, and renders the study of biochemistry enormously appealing to medical students and various allied health students. It has over 125 USMLE-style questions with answers and explanations, as well as over 500 carefully-crafted illustrations. The Third Edition includes end-of-chapter summaries, illustrated case studies, and summaries of key diseases.

Chemistry: Concepts and Problems: A Self-Teaching Guide (Wiley Self-Teaching Guides)

Clifford C. Houk, Richard Post

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Wiley Amazon Marketplace: 75 new & used starting at $7.98

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 30 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

CHEMISTRY SECOND EDITION

The fast, easy way to master the fundamentals of chemistry

Have you ever wondered about the differences between liquids, gases, and solids? Or what actually happens when something burns? What exactly is a solution? An acid? A base? This is chemistry--the composition and structure of substances composing all matter, and how they can be transformed. Whether you are studying chemistry for the first time on your own, want to refresh your memory for a test, or need a little help for a course, this concise, interactive guide gives you a fresh approach to this fascinating subject. This fully up-to-date edition of Chemistry: Concepts and Problems:
* Has been tested, rewritten, and retested to ensure that you can teach yourself all about chemistry
* Requires no prerequisites
* Lets you work at your own pace with a helpful question-and-answer format
* Lists objectives for each chapter--you can skip ahead or find extra help if you need it
* Reinforces what you learn with chapter self-tests

Cracking the AP Chemistry Exam, 2008 Edition (College Test Prep)

Princeton Review

Amazon Price: $12.24 List Price: $18.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Cracking the AP Chemistry Exam, 2008 Edition (College Test Prep) (Paperback) - Model: ISBN-13: 978-0375766428 Amazon Marketplace: 38 new & used starting at $8.99

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Features:

• 2008 Version
• Softcover
• Paperback: 464 pages
• Language: English
• Publisher: Princeton Review (December 26, 2007)

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

AP chem? Not so tough when you've got PR! 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I'm a junior in AP chemistry. I've slacked off all year, my grades on exams were generally Bs and Cs, but I wanted a chance for redemption: I intended to do well on the AP chemistry exam. Not just well -- I wanted a 5.

So, a few days before the exam, intimidated by the voluminous textbooks, filled with dry, academic pages, I decided to wander into my local book-store to purchase this little gem. It looked like it covered all the topics that I had no clue about on my class exams, so figured that I could learn from this book -- and I was right!

I spent a total of 10 consecutive hours reading the book, doing all the practice problems, and going over what I did wrong. I learned a lot -- I essentially doubled my knowledge of chemistry over the course of less than a day. When the exam came, I walked into the test center, a little nervous, but confident overall because I'd prepared. As I completed the exam, I was in shock as to how easy the questions were. That was for the multiple choice. I said to myself, "there's no way in heck that the free responses will be this easy!".

I was wrong. When I did the free-response, I found myself able to wield the tools of chemistry like a guy who'd actually paid attention all year. With confidence, I completed each question in full confidence: there was nothing that I didn't know how to do on the free responses (okay, there was one part of an essay, but meh).

I am confident that because of this book, I scored a five. Not just a "skin-of-my-teeth" five, but a true, solid A.

If you want to prepare for AP chemistry, read this book, do the exercises, and relax. You're on your way to a five.

Editorial Review:

Scoring high on the AP Chemistry Exam is very different from earning straight A’s in school. We don’t try to teach you everything there is to know about chemistry—only the strategies and information you’ll need to get your highest score. In Cracking the AP Chemistry Exam, we’ll teach you how to

·Use our preparation strategies and test-taking techniques to raise your score
·Focus on the topics most likely to appear on the test
·Test your knowledge with review questions for each chemistry topic covered

This book includes 2 full-length practice AP Chemistry tests. All of our practice questions are just like those you’ll see on the actual exam, and we explain how to answer every question.

Cracking the AP Chemistry Exam has been fully updated for the 2008 test.

Examkrackers 1001 Questions in MCAT Chemistry (Examkrackers)

Scott Calvin, Jonathan Orsay

Amazon Price: $19.77 List Price: $29.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Osote Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 55 new & used starting at $11.80

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Excellent. Do be fooled by other texts, this rocks!!! 5 out of 5 stars.
15 of 16 people found this review helpful.

First of all, if you consider yourself a 'pre-med' and serious about the MCAT, then as such you probably would've done some research about your products you are using... judging from the other reviews, they have not.

These texts are for reviewing the SUBJECTS specifically... NOT for the MCAT!!! There designed to fill in the gaps you may have missed that some teachers 'leave out' during your education.

If you want reviews specifically for the MCAT, and you are already a master of all the subjects covered, then get the Examkrackers Complete Study Package here on Amazon.

The 1001 and 101 question series by Examkrackers is a great SUBJECT review for any student, premed or not. They explain difficult concepts in simple terms. Thanks EK!

Editorial Review:

1001 Questions in MCAT Chemistry provides practice questions in all chemistry topics covered by the MCAT. The questions and explanations are designed to teach the student to think intuitively. Like the MCAT, conceptual thinking is encouraged while lengthy calculations are discouraged. Memorization of basic formulas is required, but usually will not, in itself, provide the fastest method to finding an answer. Questions are conveniently arranged by topic. Question difficulty ranges from easy to very difficult. Questions are formatted exactly like the MCAT. Answers and explanations are provided in the back of the book.

The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry (Cartoon Guide To...)

Larry Gonick, Craig Criddle

Amazon Price: $11.53 List Price: $16.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Collins Amazon Marketplace: 76 new & used starting at $7.22

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

A refreshingly humorous but thorough ancillary guide to general chemistry from the author of the bestselling The Cartoon Guide to Physics and The Cartoon Guide to Genetics.

The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry, a collaboration between pre–eminent scientist Professor Craig Criddle of Stanford University and cartoonist Larry Gonick, is a complete and up–to–date course in college level chemistry. In an engaging and humorous graphic style, the book covers both the history and the basics, including early ideas and techniques, electrochemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, physics as chemistry; and much more.

o Ideal for advanced high school students, university students and independent learners.

o o Larry Gonick's bestselling Cartoon Guide series, comprised of eleven books, have sold more than a half a million copies and been translated into more than a dozen languages.

o Teachers, researchers, and students around the world have embraced Larry Gonick's unique ability to make difficult subjects fun, interesting and easy–to–understand while still relaying the essential information in a clear, organized and accurate format. In 2003 Larry Gonick won the Harvey Award for the year's best graphic album of original material for The Cartoon History of the Universe III. The prestigious award, named for Mad pioneer Harvey Kurtzman is considered to be the Oscar of the comic–book world.

Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments: All Lab, No Lecture (DIY Science)

Robert Thompson

Amazon Price: $19.79 List Price: $29.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Make Books Amazon Marketplace: 47 new & used starting at $18.21

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

For students, DIY hobbyists, and science buffs, who can no longer get real chemistry sets, this one-of-a-kind guide explains how to set up and use a home chemistry lab, with step-by-step instructions for conducting experiments in basic chemistry -- not just to make pretty colors and stinky smells, but to learn how to do real lab work:

• Purify alcohol by distillation
• Produce hydrogen and oxygen gas by electrolysis
• Smelt metallic copper from copper ore you make yourself
• Analyze the makeup of seawater, bone, and other common substances
• Synthesize oil of wintergreen from aspirin and rayon fiber from paper
• Perform forensics tests for fingerprints, blood, drugs, and poisons
• and much more

From the 1930s through the 1970s, chemistry sets were among the most popular Christmas gifts, selling in the millions. But two decades ago, real chemistry sets began to disappear as manufacturers and retailers became concerned about liability. ,em>The Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments steps up to the plate with lessons on how to equip your home chemistry lab, master laboratory skills, and work safely in your lab. The bulk of this book consists of 17 hands-on chapters that include multiple laboratory sessions on the following topics:

• Separating Mixtures
• Solubility and Solutions
• Colligative Properties of Solutions
• Introduction to Chemical Reactions & Stoichiometry
• Reduction-Oxidation (Redox) Reactions
• Acid-Base Chemistry
• Chemical Kinetics
• Chemical Equilibrium and Le Chatelier's Principle
• Gas Chemistry
• Thermochemistry and Calorimetry
• Electrochemistry
• Photochemistry
• Colloids and Suspensions
• Qualitative Analysis
• Quantitative Analysis
• Synthesis of Useful Compounds
• Forensic Chemistry

With plenty of full-color illustrations and photos, Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments offers introductory level sessions suitable for a middle school or first-year high school chemistry laboratory course, and more advanced sessions suitable for students who intend to take the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry exam. A student who completes all of the laboratories in this book will have done the equivalent of two full years of high school chemistry lab work or a first-year college general chemistry laboratory course.

This hands-on introduction to real chemistry -- using real equipment, real chemicals, and real quantitative experiments -- is ideal for the many thousands of young people and adults who want to experience the magic of chemistry.

Cracking the SAT Chemistry Subject Test, 2007-2008 Edition (College Test Prep)

Princeton Review

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Thorough comprehensive preparation 5 out of 5 stars.
9 of 11 people found this review helpful.

Contrary to the other reviewers so far, I found this book to be quite helpful. The information was presented in a very straightforward fashion so as to make it easier to conceptualize. The book covers every type of question to the extent that come exam day, there are very few surprises.

That said, there are a few misprints, but they are so innocuous that they are hardly even worth noting. For example, the two mentioned in another review are there, but the correct answers are listed on the exact same page. Another (still minor) error is in one of the chapter summaries on pg 147, where the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation is written in place of the equation for the equilibrium constant (but, again, those who actually read the material will not be too confused by it).

Those aside, there are no factual errors in this book (that I noticed, anyhow). The drill questions and summaries at the end of each chapter serve as great ways to quickly brush up on some facts you may have forgotten as you get closer to the test day. The book doesn't throw excessive information at you like some others do. All around, it teaches what it needs to and does so well.

Last, I'd like to address the common criticism that this book's practice tests are "too easy." I had heard the same complaints before buying this book, but ended up being quite pleasantly surprised by the results. Let's let the numbers speak for themselves...

My scores on the practice tests: 710, 770, 670 (the 670 was on the day before the test)
My score on the actual test: 780

Editorial Review:

The Princeton Review realizes that acing the SAT Chemistry Subject Test is very different from earning straight A's in school. We don’t try to teach you everything there is to know about chemistry–only the techniques and information you’ll need to maximize your score. In Cracking the SAT Chemistry Subject Test, we’ll teach you how to think like the test writers and

·Master test taking strategies that will improve your score
·Review key concepts that will appear on the test
·Use proven techniques to solve complicated questions

The 2007-2008 edition of Cracking the SAT Chemistry Subject Test is revised and updated to include the most current information possible.

Marks' Basic Medical Biochemistry: A Clinical Approach

Colleen Smith, Allan Marks, Michael A Lieberman

Amazon Price: $68.95 List Price: $68.95 In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come, first served. By: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Amazon Marketplace: 98 new & used starting at $4.82

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Fantastic Book 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This book was a very good purchasing, because it gives me the main infomation about biomolecules, metabolism and biochemistry deseases. I don't want to be expert in biochemistry, I am studying medicine and I just want to be a doctor that has a good biochemistry knowledge with a clinical approach. This book gives me what I want...
Besides, the book makes be easier to learn biochemistry...

Editorial Review:

This best-selling resource utilizes a comprehensive yet practical approach that students understand. The authors present facts and pathways to emphasize how the underlying biochemistry is related to the body's overall physiological functions. Detailed case studies show students the relationship between biochemistry and clinical problems. The Second Edition has been heavily revised with completely updated illustrations while maintaining the unique, patient-oriented approach that made the original so popular. A new CD-ROM in the back of the book features chapter-by-chapter test questions, detailed 3-D representations of enzyme structure, PowerPoint slides, and real patient stories.

Homework Helpers: Chemistry

Greg Curran

Amazon Price: $10.19 List Price: $14.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Career Press Amazon Marketplace: 40 new & used starting at $7.29

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Not a bad book 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This is actually not a bad book, the only reason I give three stars is that its meant for students with little or no chemistry background. Its a good book for students of chemistry 101 or maybe even 111.

Its clear that the author wrote the book with the student in mind. The author explains the chemistry concepts very well so that even the least chemistry orientated can learn a thing or two.

Editorial Review:

Do you fear mole conversions and Avogadro's number? Are oxidation-reduction reactions just too much to handle? Are the Ideal Gas Laws getting you down? When your teacher tries to teach you how to name organic compounds, is he or she speaking a language you never learned? Homework Helpers: Chemistry is a user-friendly review book that will make every student-or parent trying to help their child-feel like he or she has a private Chemistry tutor. Concepts are explained in clear, easy-to-understand language, and problems are worked out with step-by-step methods that are easy to follow. Each lesson comes with numerous review questions and answer keynotes that explain each correct answer and why it's correct. The Homework Helpers Series is just what students need to boost their confidence and give them the help they need to ace even the most challenging classes.