Homework Helpers: Chemistry by
Greg Curran
Superb Book For Self-Study
Do you fear mole conversions and Avogadros 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
its 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.
Personal Review: Homework Helpers: Chemistry by Greg
Curran

I had a chemistry course back in college (some 28 years ago) and have
long since forgotten most of what I learned. None of that applies to what I
do today, but as a fancier of fine wines and cheeses, I recently took
interest in a book on the chemistry of cheese-making. I expected to do
nothing more than browse it a bit, at first, but the more I got into it, the
more fascinated I became. The book, however, is not intended for the
casual reader as myself. In fact, it even lists as prerequisites: "Knowledge
of chemistry, physics, and microbiology."
Undaunted, I've decided to "self-learn" some of the basics, starting with
chemistry.
And "Homework Helpers: Chemistry" is a great book for my purpose.
Material is thorough, but to the point. The author wastes neither my time or
space in the book with sidebars and other forms of digression, as found in
almost any college textbook. Instead, he sticks to the main topic and
moves forward, which, if you're eager to learn, is the best way to go. He
provides a great tool for learning, assuming the reader is not a "Dummy" or
an "Idiot" (knowing some basic math and general science would be helpful,
though not necessary).
I really enjoy his style of teaching. He gives you enough basic information
before moving on to the more complex. Many authors just throw the more
complicated stuff right in your face up front, promising to cover it in detail in
later chapters. Granted, the "unknowns" do eventually get filled in, but
during that state-of-confusion phase, you're not learning as much as you
would if everything were laid out clear in the first place. One example from
the past is the Periodic Table, which I recall is usually tossed into the
confusion early on. Mr. Curran (though he makes mention of it early) does
not bother you with it until AFTER he teaches you about quantum numbers
and electron configuration (and by that time, you can REALLY appreciate it
for what it's worth).
Another thing I enjoy is, as I'm learning new things, I find myself asking
"But what if..." and it's usually covered in the very next section (as if he
could read my mind). There is a lot more to chemistry than any author can
cover in one book, but when he introduces these other areas (or when the
exceptions to the things he does cover get too complex), he points that out
to you so as to not leave you lost (or anticipating that it will be covered in
the next section). I've Googled a few of the more complex aspects that
were of interest to me afterwords, and was amazed how much I can now
understand the material (thanks to Mr. Curran's excellent foundation).
The only thing more I would have liked to see added to this book was a
"Recommended Reading" section.
Overall, however, I am very pleased. Amazon screwed up my shipping
(ordered Thursday, paid for next day delivery, did not get until Monday).
For some reason they did not use UPS (went with a carrier called A1, who

used Chicago Messenger). Their "computers were down" that entire
weekend and even a promise to deliver it on Saturday "for sure" was
broken. On Monday, the inept Chicago Messenger driver even called me
for directions (I never received such a call from UPS). Amazon took care of
everything quickly and professionally, and promised not to send me
anything via A1 ever again.
If I were to deduct for bad delivery service (as some people erroneously
do, and I was angry enough to consider it at the time), this book would still
deserve 5 stars. I recommend it highly to anyone wanting to get started in
understanding basic chemistry.
For More 5 Star Customer Reviews and Lowest Price:
Homework Helpers: Chemistry by Greg Curran 5 Star Customer Reviews and Lowest
Price!