Books About Chemistry to Quench Your Curiosity

It goes without saying that some students who are about to take O Level Chemistry tuition in Singapore exams are not going to be taking up chemistry as their major. For them, chemistry is just another subject that they need to take to go on with their studies and, eventually, careers.

While some are genuinely passionate about chemistry like our chemistry tutor, others are unable to see it as more than just another subject. The reason for this is because they can’t see it outside the context of the classroom. Chemistry, in fact, has a very significant role in our day to day lives. It’s also one of the aspects of life that make a living all the more beautiful.

Don’t believe us? Here are some informative and exciting books that you can read (and no, they’re not textbooks) that can persuade you into falling in love with chemistry:

The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry By Larry Gornick and Craig Criddle

This book offers simple explanations behind chemistry’s complex ideas, and also brings it to life with some wonderful illustrations. While you must be thinking that this is a book for children and not for your typical O-level student, it’s still worth reading solely for its entertainment value.

Stuff Matters: Exploring the marvellous Materials That Shape Our Man-Made World By Mark Miodownik

Exploring just how much chemistry is embedded within our daily lives, renowned materials scientist Mark Miodownik puts almost every ordinary thing you can imagine under the microscope. With infectious enthusiasm, he studies the properties of chocolate, his shaving razor, glass, and much more.

 

Periodic Tales: A Cultural History of the Elements, from Arsenic to Zinc by Hugh Aldersey-Williams

If you ever had a hard time memorising the Table of Elements and began to hate it afterwards, read this to rejuvenate your interest. Written by famous science writer Hugh Aldersey-Williams, this book puts the spotlight on all 115 elements. The book tells the story of the elements in a way that it is as exciting as a novel, forcing you to see them as more than just something you have to memorise. It also tells how they have become an integral part of our lives.

The Elements of Murder: A History of Poison By John Emsley

If you are a fan of crime fiction, this book would certainly spark your interest. Author John Emsley gives a detailed history of arsenic, antimony, lead, mercury, and thallium – the most toxic elements in the world – including the most famous murder cases involving these elements and how they were used.

Chemistry: A Novel by Weike Wang

The newest book in this list, Chemistry: A Novel is a coming-of-age story about a young Chinese woman studying in a Boston university where she must come to terms with pressure and failure while taking her graduate studies. Although you’re still far away from pursuing a master’s degree, the novel will no doubt relate to you on a personal level as we’ve all had to deal with failure, pressure, and the pursuit of success.