10 Best Chemistry Books

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By Nicolás Longo
(As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases)


Why Chemistry Books Are Essential for Understanding the World

Chemistry is often seen as a daunting subject, reserved for scientists and academics. However, the truth is that chemistry is everywhere—from the food we eat to the air we breathe. It’s the science behind the colors of a sunset, the fermentation of bread, and even the way our bodies process medicine. Despite its ubiquity, many people shy away from chemistry due to its perceived complexity or bad experiences in school.

This is where chemistry books come in. A well-written chemistry book can demystify the subject, making it accessible and even enjoyable. Whether you’re a student struggling to grasp the basics, a professional looking to deepen your knowledge, or simply a curious mind eager to understand the world, the right chemistry book can be a game-changer.

Did you know that the global market for chemistry textbooks is projected to grow significantly, driven by increasing interest in STEM education? This surge reflects a growing recognition of chemistry’s importance in solving real-world problems, from climate change to healthcare.


Top 10 Best Chemistry Books

SaleBestseller No. 1
Workman Publishing Company – To Ace Chemistry in One Big Fat Notebook
  • Workman Publishing (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 528 Pages – 09/01/2020 (Publication Date) – Workman Kids (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 2
Chemistry: Concepts and Problems, A Self-Teaching Guide, 3rd Edition (Wiley Self-Teaching Guides)
  • Post, Richard (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 432 Pages – 09/16/2020 (Publication Date) – Jossey-Bass (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 3
Chemistry For Dummies (For Dummies (Math & Science))
  • Moore, John T. (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 384 Pages – 05/31/2016 (Publication Date) – For Dummies (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 4
Chemistry for Breakfast: The Amazing Science of Everyday Life
  • Nguyen-Kim, Mai Thi (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 240 Pages – 08/30/2022 (Publication Date) – Greystone Books (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 5
Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe
  • Used Book in Good Condition
  • Gray, Theodore (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 240 Pages – 04/03/2012 (Publication Date) – Black Dog & Leventhal (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 6
The Elements Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of the Periodic Table (DK Our World in Pictures)
  • Hardcover Book
  • DK (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 208 Pages – 04/04/2017 (Publication Date) – DK Children (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 7
Super Simple Chemistry: The Ultimate Bitesize Study Guide (DK Super Simple)
  • DK (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 288 Pages – 06/23/2020 (Publication Date) – DK Children (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 8
The Chemistry Book (DK Big Ideas)
  • Hardcover Book
  • DK (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 336 Pages – 08/09/2022 (Publication Date) – DK (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 9
Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel
  • #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER GMA BOOK CLUB PICK Meet Elizabeth Zott: “a gifted research chemist, absurdly self-assured and immune to social convention” (The Washington Post) in 1960s California whose career takes a detour when she becomes the unlikely star of a beloved TV cooking show. APPLE TV+ SERIES COMING LATER THIS YEAR
  • Hardcover Book
  • Garmus, Bonnie (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 400 Pages – 04/05/2022 (Publication Date) – Doubleday (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 10
General Chemistry (Dover Books on Chemistry)
  • Linus Pauling (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 992 Pages – 04/01/1988 (Publication Date) – Dover Publications (Publisher)

How Chemistry Books Can Transform Your Perspective

Chemistry books aren’t just about memorizing formulas or understanding reactions. They’re about seeing the world through a new lens. For instance, have you ever wondered why onions make you cry or how soap cleans dirt? These everyday phenomena are rooted in chemistry, and a good book can help you uncover the science behind them.

Take Jordin Metz’s TEDx talk, “Chemistry is Fun. No, Seriously!” as an example. Metz, a chemistry major, emphasizes how chemistry is often misunderstood and underappreciated. He argues that the subject becomes fascinating when we connect it to our daily lives. This sentiment is echoed in many chemistry books, which use relatable examples to make complex concepts digestible.

Moreover, chemistry books can inspire curiosity and creativity. They encourage readers to ask questions like, “Why does baking soda make cakes rise?” or “How do painkillers work in our bodies?” By answering these questions, chemistry books empower readers to make informed decisions, whether in the kitchen, the gym, or the pharmacy.

In a world increasingly driven by science and technology, understanding chemistry is no longer optional—it’s essential. The right chemistry book can be your guide, helping you navigate this fascinating field with confidence and curiosity.


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