Chemistry for the Utterly Confused (Utterly Confused Series) [Paperback]

John Moore (Author), Richard H. Langley (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 007147529X | ISBN-13: 978-0071475297 | Publication Date: May 15, 2007 | Edition: 1

Banish bafflement in this tough subject!

From formulas and lab techniques to the periodic table, Chemistry for the Utterly Confused focuses on the areas of maximum confusion and breaks down the most difficult chemistry topics into easy-to-understand concepts. This invaluable guide also teaches problem-solving skills you need to master this imposing subject. Whether you're in high school, in college, or simply brushing up on chemistry knowledge, this fun, easily accessible book will make understanding chemistry a breeze.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John T. Moore holds a Doctorate in Education from Texas A&M University and has taught chemistry at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas since 1971.

Richard H. Langley holds a doctorate in Chemistry from the University of Nebraska and teaches chemistry at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (May 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 007147529X
• ISBN-13: 978-0071475297
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #438,324 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

John Moore grew up in the foothills of Western North Carolina. He attended the University of North Carolina -Asheville where he received his bachelor's degree in chemistry. He earned his Master's degree in chemistry from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. After a stint in the United States Army he decided to try his hand at teaching. In 1971, he joined the chemistry faculty of Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas where he still teaches chemistry. In 1985 he started back to school part time and in 1991 received his Doctorate in Education from Texas A&M University.
John's area of specialty is chemical education, especially at the pre-high school level. For the last several years he has been the co-editor (along with one of his former students) of the Chemistry for Kids feature of The Journal of Chemical Education. He has authored Chemistry for Dummies, Chemistry Made Simple and co-authored 5 Steps To A Five: AP Chemistry, Chemistry for the Utterly Confused and Biochemistry for Dummies. He is currently working on two additional Dummies books and a college textbook.
John lives in Nacogdoches, Texas with his wife Robin and their two dogs. He enjoys brewing his own beer and mead and creating custom knife handles. And he loves to cook. His two boys, Jason and Matt, remain in the mountains of North Carolina along with his twin grandbabies, Sadie and Zane.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helped me survive my chem class!, December 3, 2009

By 

Pre-vet - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chemistry for the Utterly Confused (Utterly Confused Series) (Paperback)

I found that this book was much easier to understand than my textbook. It clarified "the big picture" for me while laying out the details as well. There are sample questions for every chapter, and advice on what teachers might ask for quizzes or tests. I bought this halfway through the semester, and it saved my grade! I only wish I had found it sooner.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Review for Chem Finals!, June 7, 2009

By 

D. Mason (seattle, wa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chemistry for the Utterly Confused (Utterly Confused Series) (Paperback)

I just checked this book out from the library, along with two other chem review books, and this is my definite favorite. Even though I would still recommend looking through several study guides, in addition to lectures to study for exams, I just don't have time to read the textbook, it's been really helpful, and it is for REVIEW not to learn solely from this text.

It has great review, short and concise descriptions, important concepts/equations/terms and sample problems. I prefer this over cliff notes for chem because all they have are practice problems. And in contrast to what another reviewer says, this isn't just for chem 101, I am preparing for my final in the second quarter of inorganic chem, it's perfect, and its got basic organic chemistry too! I'm gonna buy it to review for my PCAT exam next year : )

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Decent Review -- But not for the UTTERLY confused..., January 31, 2009

By 

Lucy Cat "Mandy" (Charlottesville, VA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Chemistry for the Utterly Confused (Utterly Confused Series) (Paperback)

This little review text weighs in just over 350 pages (a little longer than the custom textbook my undergraduate university uses). It does include everything a first year / two-semester chemistry course would cover but it does so in a very superficial manner. It appears that the book is intended for students who are struggling with their lectures and/or reading the major textbook for their course. The problem is that the language in this book is really no different-- its just shorter. In fact, I found Silberberg's Chemistrytextbook to be a little more satisfactory in the explanation department.

If this book were really going to get the "utterly confused" on the right track, it would need to do away with some of the chemistry jargon in favor of everyday language and analogies. For students who are indeed on the right track and want a concise version of a 1000+ page text, this may be the book for you-- but you might find it lacking just a bit in depth. The cover is absolutely correct in asserting that this book should be used with CH101, it won't cut it for anything higher level. For that reason, I'd suggest you take a look at some of the alternatives. Overall: C+