That's the Way the Cookie Crumbles: 62 All-New Commentaries on the Fascinating Chemistry of Everyday Life

by Joe Schwarcz

Book Overview

The bestselling popular science author reveals "the connections between what we teach in chemistry courses and the world in which . . . we] live" (ChemEd X)

Interesting anecdotes and engaging tales make science fun, meaningful, and accessible. Separating sense from nonsense and fact from fiction, these essays cover everything from the ups of helium to the downs of drain cleaners, and provide answers to numerous mysteries, such as why...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1550225200
• ISBN13: 9781550225204
• Release Date: October 2002
• Publisher: ECW Press
• Length: 300 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.6" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

good bite-sized reading

Primarily, it's a collection of Schwarcz's rather entertaining columns on chemistry. Focusing mostly on food chemistry, Schwarcz presents bite-sized chapters of the perfect size for commuters. He's a master at breaking down complicated chemistry into understandable pieces for those without a degree in chemical engineering. (Those with such a degree will likely find the book to be child's play...) Plus, he has an eye for history and the most important element in any good writing, human interest.

Dr. Schwarcz's writing is pure gold.

This book is an outstanding addition to the Dr. Joe books. For scientists AND novices alike, this book will entertain you with well written and down to earth stories about one of the most mystifying and misunderstood fields of study in the world. Best of all, the information in this book is not unreachable...but it is based on items that we encounter in day to day life. An entertaining and stimulating read for the inner curiosity that we all have!

Another great book

Everything Dr Schwarz writes is a masterpiece. As a professional chemist and longtime host of various radio and television science programs, he is able to explain chemistry to the rest of us. And whats even more important is that the subject never feels dry or academic - he presents great stories first and adds the chemistry lessons once you are hooked.

Excellent Essays on Everyday Science

I picked up this book on whim, having never heard Dr. Schwarcz's radio program or seen him on television. I spent thenext few days completely engrossed in his lively tales on the chemistry involved in our daily lives. Discussed here is the science behind ice cream, aspartame, wheat, bagels, paprika, beer and yes, cookies. Schwarcz also chimes in on the controversies over dental fillings, botulin, lead paints, DNA manipulation and genetic engineering. He shares fascinating stories about some of history's greatest scientists (of particular interest is the inventor of Nylon, who ended up committing suicide, and the man behind chemical warfare, who also saved millions of lives with his fertilizer experiments). There is also a section devoted to debunking health scams and diffusing unnecessary paranoia. While I didn't agree with all of Schwarcz's opinions (I think he may be a little naive in regards to the dangers of genetic modification), the breadth of his scientific knowledge is impressive and his enthusiasm for science infectious. "The Way the Cookie Crumbles" is an entertaining and informative read for both the scientifically minded and those just interested in learning how to get ink stains out of their clothes (try using limonene or amyl acetate).GRADE: A-/B+