Best introductory chemistry book?

[Gen1GT]

Hi everyone. I'm looking for a good book for beginners to help me get my head around chemistry. I've read "What is Chemistry," by Atkins, which I found too elementary (although I did learn about the different types of chemical reactions). I attempted to read "Organic Chemistry Demystified," but it was too advanced.

 

I need something that's going to cover electron shells, stoichiometry and all the basics in detail (perhaps with exercises) to I can eventually move on to learn organic chemistry.

 

Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks in advance,

[hypervalent_iodine]

I'd recommend, 'Chemistry,' by Blackman or the similarly named text by Zumdahl and Zumdahl, though I don't recall if it covers much in the way of stoichiometry or those sorts of basic calculations. They also don't include any solutions to the review questions, but there are worked examples throughout the chapters.

[studiot]

 

I need something that's going to cover electron shells, stoichiometry and all the basics in detail (perhaps with exercises) to I can eventually move on to learn organic chemistry.

 

That is an unusual goal and you have't said why particularly organic chemistry (you presumably know what that is), but I see you have an interest in nutrition so I am going to suggest a good all round chemistry book from an unusual angle that might suit you.

 

You can dip into this at very elementary level or take it up to quite detailed level in organic chemistry.

 

Chemistry for the Health Sciences

 

Sackheim and Lehman

 

Macmillan

 

Sackheim is also responsible for 'Chemistry for Biology Students'.

Edited August 11, 2014 by studiot

[Gen1GT]

Studiot, you're exactly correct; my interest in learning chemistry stems from my current interest in nutrition. I want to learn about biological chemistry, which is obviously mostly organic chemistry.

 

Unfortunately, none of the books mentioned by you or Empress are available at my local library, so I'm going to have to bite the bullet and purchase them. Thanks for the recommendation!

[DrP]

I know it sounds a bit rubbish, but, one of the most useful general books I've ever had is the Penguin Dictionary of Chemistry (they do a Physics, Biology and General Science one too I think). I know it sounds crap, but if there is something you need to know.... look it up in there - you'll be suprised at how informative it is.

 

Used it many times throughout my degree and Ph.D.

[Gen1GT]

I know it sounds a bit rubbish, but, one of the most useful general books I've ever had is the Penguin Dictionary of Chemistry (they do a Physics, Biology and General Science one too I think). I know it sounds crap, but if there is something you need to know.... look it up in there - you'll be suprised at how informative it is.

 

Used it many times throughout my degree and Ph.D.

 

Not rubbish at all. I'm reading the cartoon book of chemistry, and it's the best so far! LOL