Customer Reviews

Radar, Hula Hoops and Playful Pigs: 67 Digestible Commentaries on the Fascinating Chemistry of Everyday Life

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Dr. Schwarcz is well-known throughout Canada (and especially, the University of McGill in Montreal) as being the consummate chemistry lecturer. His courses are filled with anecdotes, demonstrations, and humour. He has translated his infectious interest in chemistry to the written word, and the result is a fascinating book that you will enjoy reading, and likely refer to again and again when someone asks, "I wonder why....?" As the title promises, the book is a series of short anecdotes about a variety of chemical subjects. For example, the titular "radar, hula hoops, and playful pigs" gives the connection between these three items (airborne radar, hula hoops, and pig playtoys are all made from the same polymer). The majority of the essays revolve around health, probably reflecting both the author's training (as a carbohydrate chemist) and society's bias.

Schwarcz has two underlying, scientific themes. Science in general, and chemistry in particular, is neither good nor evil - it's the context/use of chemistry that gives a moral distinction. Likewise, chemical effects are generally driven by amount - arsenic is not poisonous in low enough concentrations, while water is deadly under certain conditions (if inhaled, for example). The second point is to make the reader a skeptical consumer. He gives numerous examples of good science vs. bad science - a product trotting out "testimonials" is not evidence that it will work in all cases (or even in the majority of cases!). That's not to say the book gets bogged down in details. His writing style is sharp, witty, and concise. The book can be picked up and read from any point, and you'll still learn something interesting.

I am a chemist, and can assure the chemists considering this book that the science is accurate. It's not the standard sugar-coated fare that appears on television. Likewise, a non-scientist will be able to easily understand the material because Schwarcz never resorts to lingo without first explaining it (for "proof" I point to my mother, who was an English major in university and who enjoyed the parts of the book she's read). Therefore, this book can be recommended to the widest audience, and all will find it informative and enjoyable.

The sub-title says it right: "Digestible Commentaries." The writing style is informative, entertaining and always illuminating. The narratives on diet, in particular, are very applicable to daily life. He does an excellent job of debunking the myths of "chemical content" in our lives and consistently makes the point that "chemical" is not a dirty word! A great and easy read.

Surprisingly, a book about science that is unbiased, very informative and an easy and enjoyable read! I would most definitely recommend this book to anybody with an interest in not just science and chemistry but also to those who wonder how modern society got to where it is. You'll find information about everyday items found around the house and in the workplace that is insightful, interesting and applicable to everybody. Not to mention the added bonus of being able to surprise your acquaintances with fascinating small talk! A surefire pleasing read for anyone.

This is perfect for anyone interested in how various products were developed, health aspects of chemistry, or the history of various chemical discoveries. As a high school science teacher I am always looking for anecdotes regarding various science topics. This is perfect!! Lots of fun!
Thanks Joe.

I've read several books by this author, and I'm always impressed by his way of making chemistry (a subject I never understood in school) interesting and fun. This book did not disappoint--it was as good as his other books. You don't have to read this book in one sitting, either. I tend to read a chapter a night, and since each section is on a different topic, I don't feel like I've lost my place.

Dr. Schwarcz presents "67 digestible commentaries on the fascinating chemistry of everyday life".

This is a great collection of true stories and anecdotes about science throughout history. From the invention of gunpowder to the investigation of medical frauds, Dr. Schwarcz describes the science and the personalities involved in a variety of odd, unusual, historic, and sometimes just-plain-gross circumstances.

Dr. Schwarcz's primary area of interest is in biochemistry and nutrition, and he talks quite a bit about dietary nutrients and supplements. It's certainly not a comprehensive guide to this topic, but it does provide some very important bits of wisdom that may help readers separate legitimate benefits from bunk.

There is also some practical household advice here, including discussions of the chemistry of shampoo and laundry detergent (you're probably using a lot more of both of these than you need!) and Dr. Schwarcz's recipe to remove skunk-spray odor.

And while we're on the subject of smelly substances, you'll learn more than you probably ever wanted to know about the chemical composition human intestinal gas.

This is a fun book that also takes care to emphasize good experimental science, and makes an effort to clear away some of the more ridiculous ideas about chemistry and about science in general, all while telling sometimes-ridiculous and always-entertaining stories to make the point.

If you enjoyed James Burke's Connections series on PBS, you will enjoy this entertaining and informative look at how the products of chemistry contributes to our daily comforts.

This author presents everyday chemistry in a way that is easy to understand and also impactful for those people who may have an interest in the subject. Kids would find the books interesting too, and perhaps might influence them to persue a science career. Enjoy your purchase, we did.

I love this book! I can't wait to read the sequel! Dr. Schwarcz has a way of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary, and making you actually care about chemistry. His secret is that instead of lecturing about chemistry for chemistry's sake, he uses chemistry to make sense of the nagging little questions of everyday life (Why is shampoo so foamy? Why does skunk smell come back the day after you wash it off your dog?). He also brings to light the people behind chemical discoveries, and has a knack for showing how their personal quirks led them to discoveries that changed the world. If you like chemistry, you will like this book. If you HATE chemistry (like I do) you will love this book!

The item ordered was a mandatory read for my children, I thank you for getting this out to me quickly, giving my children plenty of time to enjoy the read.