The Joy of Chemistry: The Amazing Science of Familiar Things

Can't say enough about this book. Projects were great fun and very instructive. Learned so much about chemistry. A must read for anyone interested in the subject.

While laced with humor, this is a very serious book, and truly a joy. What most surprised me is its willingness to tackle in some fashion all the deepest theoretical findings and issues. They may simplify, but are careful never to misstate. In comparing the dual nature of light, wave and particle, to a pet cat, both wild (when stalking birds) and domestic, the authors are less scientific than usual, but even this analogy contributes to understanding. Given my own confusion, I was glad to learn that "no one has completely explained" why a moving current causes magnetism. The authors do a really good job with chemical attraction, and explain that "all bonds have a bit of each quality - covalent, ionic and metallic - to a greater or lesser degree". I did find some of the references to entropy in explanations a bit unsatisfying, and I think it is because the authors were trying to avoid any discussion of probability. There is a wealth of information. Despite having taken chemistry, years ago, I learned for the first time such things as what distinguishes a diesel engine, and how cheese is made. I did not actually do any of the many experiments described, but got a lot out of just reading about them. "The Joy of Chemistry" is a great book for anyone interested in science, whether or not you have ever taken a chemistry course.

I've been teaching hearing students at a local community college chemistry for the last two years, and enjoying it immensely. What I have not enjoyed was trying to find a decent textbook to use. The one we are currently using by Karen Timberlake is pretty good, especially given the horrendous book I started out with. However, I've been looking for some more chem books that can bring chemistry not down to the level of the students, but rather illustrate how chemistry is involved in our daily world. The first book I got was a great book on the individual elements. that still wasn't what I was looking for. This book by Cobb and Fetterolf was exactly what I was looking for. Not only did it have experiments that I can use as demonstrations prior to my student's own labs, but it also provides significant background and understanding into all the important chemistry concepts. Loads of black and white illustrations, and just a good book overall. I noticed the first review on the back of the book was by the author of our current chemistry textbook, Timberlake...thought that was funny though not necessarily a selling point originally for me. I didn't get the title "The Joy of Chemistry" until they mentioned the other two famous books with titles beginning with "The Joy of ...." Cute trick. Won't be selling this book off any time in the near future, as I am just now finishing reading it the first time and now I am going back with a 'fine-tooth' comb over the entire book and take out what I can use for different chemistry labs and classrooms. Karen sAdler Science Education

Many titles assume chemistry facts should best be left to the weighty college-level text: not so Cathy Cobb and Monty Fetterolf's Joy Of Chemistry: The Amazing Science Fo Familiar Things, which relates basic chemistry concepts to everyday life instead of complex math formulas alone. Chapters blend science, invention history, and a lively survey which translates chemistry concepts to real-life examples. Yes, there are formulas and scientific notes - but also a wonderful layman's language which makes Joy Of Chemistry accessible to a wider audience than most.

I picked up this book (though skeptical of the title)because my son is getting interested in chemistry. I found it to be very instructive and the demonstrations to be clear and fun too! I would recomend this book to anyone with a budding interest in chemistry - it is layed out very well and easy to follow - and most of all it doesn't read like a text book. My son and I had a good time going through it - though I think I had more to learn than he did. I enjoyed it so much that I picked up another of Cobb's books, Creations of Fire and found it equally compelling.