latte_reads's review against another edition
challenging
informative
slow-paced
3.0
I am torn on this book because about half of the chapters were really interesting but the other half were so laborious and almost textbook-like I could hardly get through them. It is much less a book of stories and just a book of information about the periodic table.
haygurlhay's review against another edition
4.0
I GENUINELY loved how Sam Kean used humor and oddball details to cover the 200 year history of the periodic table.
I would definitely recommend listening to the audiobook version because you can hear his passion and plan joy in having put this work together.
This read felt like that high school teacher that was way cooler than you wanted to admit you liked and drummed up your curiosity about the chemical science.
BONUS: Kean was very aware of the gender and race bias of the chemicals evolution and makes A LOT of room to bring in folks of color and women denied their recognition cause of White Dominance in the fields of study.
I would definitely recommend listening to the audiobook version because you can hear his passion and plan joy in having put this work together.
This read felt like that high school teacher that was way cooler than you wanted to admit you liked and drummed up your curiosity about the chemical science.
BONUS: Kean was very aware of the gender and race bias of the chemicals evolution and makes A LOT of room to bring in folks of color and women denied their recognition cause of White Dominance in the fields of study.
david_brent's review against another edition
3.0
I probably would have enjoyed this book more if I actually liked and appreciated chemistry. Alas, my high school and college chemistry classes were traumatic for me. I think they would have been less so if this book had been part of the curriculum.
elianne2's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastisch boek. Aanrader voor iedereen die van theoretische scheikunde houdt of hield.
mlottermoser's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the short stories that gave a human connection to concepts I've struggled with in Chemistry. I think a HS chemistry teacher could use small snippets of this book to gather interest, make connections, and inspire students. I will probably read it again when my kids are taking chemistry. But I would only recommend reading it to people who were already interested and liked informational and at times dry text.
The organization of the book was strange. The author also jumped around a lot. Some sections were more interesting than others. I enjoyed the historical accounts more than the theories at the end.
The organization of the book was strange. The author also jumped around a lot. Some sections were more interesting than others. I enjoyed the historical accounts more than the theories at the end.
kelseymn18's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
3.0
Interesting and engaging way to tell the history of the periodic table and elements, but lacks consistency. Some chapters were amazing and kept my attention, while others were too drawn out. Overall, I'm happy I read it and I learned some cool science stories.
ekilburn529's review against another edition
3.0
interesting but a little too scientific for my taste. I was more interested in some of the stories but he didn't go in depth.