Reviews (57)

Eye-opening and thought-provoking, well written:a must read for anyone interested in the field!
In this well-written, very accessible book, Martin Seligman points out that traditional psychology has always focused on the pathology of the human condition:illness and trauma.By understanding more about what makes people exceptionally well - happy, positive, optimistic - and recognizing that those who have these characteristics are more likely not only to have rewarding lives, but also to be successful in the world, Seligman believes that those who are naturally pessimistic or focused on the down-side can shift their perspective and become happier people.
Positively Disturbing
This is the first time I have written a review.In this particular case, I felt it was my responsibility to forewarn potential readers of the disturbing contents of this book.I've read several "self help" books on subjects ranging from introversion to optimistic thinking.I found this book to be of little help and quite disturbing.The book is filled with tests and self evaluations.I do not believe it is necessary to know where one falls on the optimist/pessimist scale.Often, such tests can only further depress or make anxious an already vulnerable reader.In Chapter 5, the author uses an extremely horrific and disturbing story to illustrate a five step process to forgiveness.I was further sickened by the author's list of "bodily pleasures" in Chapter 7.Rather than feeling uplifted by this book, I found myself feeling upset and outraged by the author's egotism, ignorance, perversion and insensitivity.I caution anyone seeking advice on optimism

From a person who was once very unhappy...
I believe this book goes a long way toward directing those who are still seeking happiness at a feeling level. But, in order to be totally fulfilled we have to get over our (narcissistic) need to always look at our transient feelings as any indications of how we are doing. I completely disagree with Dr. Seligman's statements on our 'set points.' I used to be chronically unhappy. I moved so far beyond that 'set point' that I do not even remember who I used to be. I think that 'set points' are an unecessary perspective in such a happy book. I asked a teacher who has helped me greatly in shifting my perspective. Here is part of his response:
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Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Cognitive Psychology    3. Conduct of life    4. Emotions    5. Happiness    6. Optimism    7. Personal Growth - Happiness    8. Psychology    9. Self-Help    10. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Reviews (19)

Read before you take chemistry 101.
I bought this book as a supplement to my Chemistry 101 textbook.I was really looking for a more complete explanation of electron configuration, which I didn't find this book to be that helpful with.Overall, I thought this book helped to reinforce some of the basic concepts, but didn't really have much of an impact on my grade.I would recommend this book to someone who wants an overview of chemistry before taking the course or to someone who needs to brush up on basic chemistry before taking a more advanced course.It can also be helpful if you're having trouble with a particular topic.I did enjoy the supplemental information in the book having to do with chemistry of everyday life.

No Dummy would ever take Chemistry
One thing I always enjoyed about the "for Dummies" series is the sense of humor and real realism in them. This book does an OK job, and is written by a Professor who understands what students struggle with and tries to make it as simple as possible. But Chemistry is a very complex and vast subject, no one book could contain every aspect of it. This book should be seen as a review or a brush up on chemistry, it by no means covers all the topics you will take in a Inorganic Chemistry class, especially the farther you go into the semester. The fact is most people who will be using this book are those students entering into Inorganic Chemistry, or General Chemistry. I do feel he could devote a few of the chapters to topics that will discussed in most Inorganic chemistry textbooks instead of such things as Organic Chemistry, which is a subject unto itself, air pollution, water pollution, and chemistry in the home for example. All relevant topics, but not really going to help you get a passing grade on a test. This is a supplement to your textbook that I feel is well worth spending a few bucks on and using it to your advantage.

Excellent introduction to chemistry!
This book is an excellent introduction to chemistry. If all 'for dummies' books are as good as this one, I will certainly buy more of them. I have a background in natural sciences myself (master's degree in mathematics), but I never studied chemistry at the university (or in high school for that matter). Given this background, I was afraid that a 'for dummies' book would be too dumbed down. I was happy to learn that this is not the case. I was surprised at the degree of understanding I got from this book. You actually learn how electrons take part in reactions (valence numbers and all that), and how to do simple calculations. This means that you learn enough theory to predict to a certain extent what will happen in a reaction. In addition there are lots of real life examples, with chapters on organic chemistry, pollution, chemistry in the home, and so on. This book is not meant to replace a university text book of course, but I doubt if you learn more theory than this in a high school course in chemistry. Actually I would think you learn less in a high school course, since I think some of the topics would be difficult for high school students. But of course you learn to do a few experiments in high school, which this book could never teach you (it would probably be irresponsible to try this in self-study book). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chemistry    2. Chemistry (General)    3. Chemistry - General    4. Science    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Science / Chemistry / General   

Reviews (5)

excellet aid
My AP Biology class used the Campbell textbook, and I purchased this study guide to read along with it. It's perfect for summarizing the text and it goes into detail which is probably needed for the class tests. I wouldnt advise that you rely on the study guide, however, it is an excellent review with some practice questions and charts in each section that match the textbook. It goes into great depth for it to be a good AP test prep book. If you are looking for a AP Bio prep book for the AP test, I recommend Cliffnotes. If your class is using the respective Campbell textbook, it's a great idea to have this as well.

this study guide helped me
This study guide helped to clarify information in my text that was unclear.By using this study guide it helped me to raise my grades in both of my college biology classes.Subjects liked ecology, the five kingdoms and energy pathways were explained with the reader in mind.I also found the following awesome for test preparation:
Excellent for test review, etc
My AP Biology course uses Campbell's Biology as its main text. I ordered the study guide to help me study for tests. When I do the reading, I use this study guide to read the short summary, then read the section in the book. So far, this strategy has been very effective. In addition, the multiple choice study questions at the end of each chapter is very helpful. This book presents the information in a very organized, logical, and concise way. I would recommend it to anyone. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Life Sciences - Biology - General    2. Science    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Biology, Life Sciences   

Reviews (1)

Outstanding contribution; must for Wechsler users
This is a terrific book -- it provides a lot of information on how to administer and score the WISC-IV.It has the same innovative approaches Kaufman has used in previous books on earlier Wechsler tests -- new ideas on interpretation and scoring that make sense. With the added viewpoint provided by Flanagan, a specialist in the cross-battery assessment, this book is a merging of two interesting approaches; unique project by two top psychologists in their prime. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Assessment, Testing & Measurement    2. Cognitive Psychology    3. Developmental - Child    4. Psychology    5. Wechsler Intelligence Scale fo    6. Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / Testing & Measurement   

Reviews (9)

miss
This book offers a nice historical look at biology, but very little (if anything) about embryology is covered.The same can be said for the important development of anatomy.Sometimes it's best to read other reviews to find out if purchasing a book is the right decision or not.In this case, listen to the negative reviews.They're correct.

Poor coverage of titled subject
This book covers very little of the subject for which it is titled. If one were looking for a pure molecular biology textbook with some developmental correlations, then this is the text for you. It covers none of classical embryology and development. It is geared more towards laboratory technical work than to understanding fundamental principles. I had to give it only one star because of the misleading title. In reading this book, you will not learn the steps and stages of embryology and development. This text expects you to already know them like the back of your hand. You will not learn any developmental anatomy. You will learn a lot of seemingly arbitrary chemical signaling. Also, this text contains no glossary. I don't know what the author was thinking with that.

Outstanding in-depth intro to developmental biology
I think Scott Gilbert has done an absolutely stupendous job in writing this clearly written, beautifully illustrated and up-to-date exposition of developmental biology.The concluding chapter on evolutionary developmental biology is brief but very well done.The websites associated with the book and the CD provide much additional information.Definitely the premier textbook in this area.Don't tackle it without having taken at least a course in cell biology, and some exposure to biochemistry and genetics would be helpful as well.The last time I read a dev bio textbook was when I was in college 30 years ago; how things have changed! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Developmental biology    2. Embryology    3. Life Sciences - Biology - Developmental Biology    4. Life Sciences - Biology - General    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics   

Editorial Review

Stephen Hawking, one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists in history, wrote the modern classic Read more

Reviews (310)

A Masterpiece for the Patient
Stephen Hawking has crafted a masterpiece that requires only two qualities of the reader: patience and an open mind.For those willing to take the (often substantial) time required to digest the material and accept (or even challenge) it, a awe inspiring world awaits.This book is rightfully one of the best selling books of all time, and a must read for anyone who has any interest in the world around them.

I'm impressed
I must say my first reaction was to be surprised at how much better Hawking is at explaining modern physics than my college instructors were.Heisenberg's uncertainty principle was just an equation I learned.Hawking made it seem like common sense.
History of time
This book is a good history of time. My first real book on cosmology. Since then, there have many other discoveries in the field that make our understanding of things slightly difference. Still this is a really good first book at understanding cosmology. They're just a little too worried that readers won't understand it if they add something a little technical. It becomes a book good only for those who will never grasp anything more, or a first book for those who will graduate to more descriptive, technical books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Astronomy - Universe    2. Cosmology    3. History    4. Science    5. Science/Mathematics    6. PHYSICS    7. Science / General    8. Science: General Issues   

Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. Algebra - General    3. Geometry, Analytic    4. Mathematics    5. Pre-Calculus    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Textbooks    8. Trigonometry    9. Elementary geometry & trigonometry    10. Mathematics / General   

Subjects:  1. Mathematics    2. Probability & Statistics - General    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Statistics    5. Textbooks    6. Mathematics / Statistics    7. Probability & statistics   

Reviews (6)

A useful and inspiring resource
This book, intended for therapists, is a comprehensive, compassionate, and accessible guide to what Najavits establishes is the first crucial step for someone struggling with PTSD and substance abuse: learning to feel safe. It is also an excellent resource for patients who want to help themselves. What I like best is that the book is filled with checklists, stories, exercises, and quotations such that I can open to nearly any page and find ideas that are both practical and inspirational. In short, this is a great book.

A Very Powerful Book
Thank you for writing such a great book.I have suffered from addictions for years, tried many books and many methods.Working with a group or individual is one thing, but for me, nothing helps more than a book.It's on call twenty four hours a day and I can easily reference it.As far as books go...this one is by far the best.The most comprehensive and in-depth book I've read so far.It provided tremendous support and guidance on issues that often result in isolation. Most of all, it didn't talk down to me as a reader.That's something I don't need!Thank you for making this book available and writing it in such a helpful way.

Extremely useful volume for professionals
I can see why this book got such rave reviews and is such a best-seller.It's a superb book, offering both real insight into trauma and addiction, as well as hands-on clinical tools. As someone in the field, I have found both the philosophical and practical aspects of Najavits' work incomparable. On top of the impeccable professionalism, is her impressive writing. This is a must buy for anyone interested in this area. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Behavior Therapy    2. Cognitive Psychology    3. Cognitive therapy    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Patients    6. Post-traumatic stress disorder    7. Psychology    8. Psychopathology - Addiction    9. Rehabilitation    10. Substance abuse    11. Drug addiction & substance abuse    12. Psychology & Psychiatry / Addictions   

Subjects:  1. Astronomy - General    2. Audio-visual aids    3. Heat    4. Mechanics    5. Physics    6. Science    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Study and teaching (Higher)    9. United States    10. Astronomy, Space & Time    11. Science / Astronomy   

Reviews (20)

The worst math stats book ever seen
Almost every page of the book contains references to other different chapters, examples, exercises, theorems. It's a pain to read this book, as you feel that you are reading several chapters at the same time. In addition, it is full of concept errors, oversights. I would NOT recommend this book to anyone.

How many editions are needed?
I am a senior in mathematics, and rarely have I had a book so poor as this.
Check if you can get an alternative
There muliple starting points that could generate your interest and need for this book. If you are a math undergrad major, and this is your required reading, stop here, go get it, use it and probably sell second hand -- you won't be doing that much statistics anyway. If you are a grad student with a major other than statistics, and this is a required reading for a class in statisitical inference you are taking at a local Stat department, stop here and go get it anyway; it won't hurt to have it. Everybody else, welcome to continue... Read more

Subjects:  1. Mathematical Statistics    2. Mathematics    3. Probability & Statistics - General    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Mathematics / Statistics    6. Probability & statistics   

Reviews (1)

Simply Amazing
Perhaps I am not the best person to review the quality and accuracy of the songs in this book/audio player (I would leave that to Rick Johnson of Osprey Ridge Studios who created the Hearbirds Course on CD available at [..] but as the former publisher of Waite Group Press [..] I must say that this is one of the most innovative and fun to use products to appear in book publishing in a long time.
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Subjects:  1. Birds & Birdwatching - General    2. Children's Books/All Ages    3. General    4. Nature    5. Nature/Ecology    6. Birds (ornithology)    7. Nature / Birds & Birdwatching    8. North America   

Reviews (3)

THIS BOOK IS AN INVESTMENT
i do not usually go crazy for the cracking the AP series but this one is by far the gold standard. Covers all the material concisely, relevant problems, very user friendly. If you are committed enough to take the AP Chem give yourself the best possible advantage and get this book. I did not find one error which is incredibly rare.

Best AP Chem review book available!
I owned or perused several different review books for the AP Chemistry Exam, but this was certainly the best. I've never seen an AP book as perfectly on-target as this one. Certain books (like Barron's AP Chem) contain too much information where it actually impedes your preparation, whereas others contain too little (which Princeton Review sometimes tends to do). But this book gets the combination just right. It reviews ALL of the necessary facts and concepts you need to know, and excludes everything you don't need to know. Trust me when I say that this book is on the money. And oh, I got a 5.

This book = key to getting a 5 on the AP test
I am very pleased with this book. Although there are a few typos, it gets the point out very effectively. I used it to do ALL of my studying for the AP test (along with actual AP practice tests) and got a 5!!!Just make sure you go through the free response questionsin each section, even if u dont do the multiple choice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Advanced Placement    2. Advanced placement programs (Education)    3. Chemistry    4. Chemistry - General    5. Examinations    6. Examinations, questions, etc    7. Study Aids    8. Study Guides    9. Test Prep    10. Study Aids / Advanced Placement   

Reviews (12)

Excellent Book
I think Geometry for Enjoyment and challenge is an excellent book. Be warned this book is not for everybody because it is challenging, and only a truly motivated student will excel using this book. What I like about this book is that it is not watered down like a lot of Geometry books. The problem with Americas schools are that Geometry Teachers dont teach the subject the right way either by not teaching the material or they teach the students to maximize their test score by regurgitating concepts. This book contradicts several books. This book forces you to think critically like a Mathematician. The best and strongest part of the book are the teaching of proofs (flow chart, Paragraph, and Two-column). Some proofs take 15 to 16 steps.
Do not buy any thing from this web site
When I purchased this used book, I knew it would be an old not
a teacher's perspective
I have taught an honors high school geometry class for almost 11 years using this book.It has its strengths and weaknesses, but I've been quite happy with it.
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Subjects:  1. Geometry - General    2. Mathematics    3. Science/Mathematics   

Reviews (1)

Very useful
Each section of the mouse brain is shown in color stained for acetylcholinesterase, tyrosine hydroxylase, calretinin, calbindin, and 5-hydroxytryptamine. The Nissl stain, thionin, was also used. Thestructures in each brain sectionare labelled on each page.Brainsections from gestational ages E11/E12, E13/14, E15/16, E17/18 and thenewborn are shown. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anatomy    2. Atlases    3. Brain    4. Developmental Neurobiology    5. Embryology    6. Growth    7. Laboratory Animals    8. Life Sciences - Anatomy & Physiology    9. Medical / Nursing    10. Mice    11. Neuroanatomy    12. Neuroscience    13. Science    14. Science/Mathematics    15. Veterinary Medicine - Small Animal    16. Animal physiology    17. Developmental biology    18. Medical / Research    19. Neurosciences   

Reviews (13)

THANK YOU SCHAUM"S!
This book is a GOD SEND. I have been utterly confused in my upper division probability course, but this book has so many great worked out problems that it worked out all my problems understanding the subject material. I thought I would fail the class, but I will probably get a B!

Essential supplement for any course in random processes
I used this book in conjunction with "Probability and Random Processes with Applications to Signal Processing" by Stark & Woods, and I would have to say that this Schaum's outline filled in the gaps nicely. Stark & Woods has a nice selection of exercises, but unfortunately there are no solutions to any of the problems in the book, so you have no way of knowing whether or not you have grasped the material. That is where this outline came in handy. It manages to cover all of the issues in random processes, including basic probability, random variables and multiple random variables, functions of random variables, convolution, estimation and decision theory, and queueing theory.Chapters five and six on the processing and analysis of random processes are particularly useful to those readers who are interested in applications to signal processing and communications theory. Each chapter has an excellent selection of exercises with solutions to test your knowledge. The only possible drawback of this text is that it often approaches the material from a mathematician's viewpoint more than that of an engineer. Therefore, there are quite a few proofs included as exercises that probably won't be that helpful for students of the applied sciences. The reader should already be comfortable with multivariable calculus as well as linear algebra to get the most from this book. Also, though chapter one reviews probability quite well, this should probably not be your first excursion into the subject. The only difficult part of random processes that I found this book a bit weak on was on the subject of functions of random variables. Again, this is probably because this text takes more of a mathematician's point of view and functions of random variables is more of an engineering subject.

A great exercise book
This book has many exercises with answers/solutions to each and every exercise covering a wide range of topics from probability. The book, however, should be used along with an appropriate probability textbook. An excellent companion to Hsu's book is the introductory text by Henk Tijms. This book contains many worked-out examples and exercises as well, but also explains why probability works and how it can be applied in practice. As engineering student, I learned a lot by using both books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Engineering - General    2. Mathematics    3. Outlines, syllabi, etc    4. Probabilities    5. Probability & Statistics - General    6. Problems, exercises, etc    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Stochastic processes    9. Study Guides    10. Mathematics / Statistics    11. Probability & statistics    12. Technology: General Issues   

Reviews (12)

A significant rallying cry for Geographers, who appear academically lost in 'space'
Those earth systems scientists involved in global change modelling, andgeographers willing to dab at policy, would benefit from examining Lovelock's pedictions for thefuture state of our planet as we fail to stop carbon emissions.The most significant part of the book (for a geographer): Lovelock predicts climate change will force mass migrations as portions of continents rapidly become inhospitable to our species.
Seperating Scientist from Environmentalist
Excellent book which really pushes the urgency of global warming based on science. It's too late for sustained development. The case is made for nuclear power and how that might be the only technology that can save the planet. A must read for a scientific view of man's damage to the planet -- not an environmentalist view.

winter
There are many wise people sounding warnings but no one of great consequence making an urgent stand and bravely attempting to lead the essential battle. Terrorism is the thorn of a rose compared to environmental catastrophe. We should fight to save the world with a religious zeal. But where is the call to arms? Al Gore needs to run for president because the prophet of doom role, really, doesn't do anyone any good. Knowledge doesn't keep you alive. I rather see humanity make a mistake trying to rescue the planet than take no action at all. Why is everyone asleep? What then shall we do? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Climate Changes    2. Climatic changes    3. Earth Sciences - Meteorology & Climatology    4. Environmental Science    5. Environmental Studies    6. Gaia hypothesis    7. Global warming    8. Science    9. Science/Mathematics    10. Chemical pollution   

Reviews (55)

My Life as a Quant: Reflections on Physics and Finance
One needs to consider what they want out the book before buying it.If your looking for a book with market trading tactics and think this book will provide that, then my score would be a "1"Its not about how to make YOU money and its title implies that.In fact, its title is a quite honest answer to what is inside, the reflections of this Quant on his life in physics and finance.While he does not give the reader any CLEAR suggestions on how to make money in the market, he does give a good view of life as a professional in the hard sciences most of them would find it boring, the book would be a goodfor some super high school achiever that is contemplatingor announced committment to a life as a PHd in hard science.He does do a good job of relating all the "posturing", the "idea stealing", and general BS that is the real world of both science and commerce.His descriptions of his finance modeling efforts and the difficulties does show why many big firms can go bust.But other than messing up your own trading, you have to know when a big firm had bad Quant.So, unless you can think beyond what your reading as to making money in the market and learning to make money is your goal, then pass on this book.I gave it a "3" as it is good at exposing BS. More BS exposure type books may some day help us all.But you won't find specific maket making money ideas in this book, thus no "5"
An interesting world line
It is very uncommon for scientists to be revealing of their personal lives, and even more rare for them to make written commentary on the people they have interacted with over the span of their careers or even a portion thereof. The author of this book, who began his career as a physicist and then chose to be a financial engineer, is thus a statistical outlier in this regard. His transparency has allowed the reader to gain insight not only into how it is to live, study, and work in academia, but also in the financial world. All personal life histories are subjected to random perturbations, to events and people that are unplanned and unexpected, but as this book clearly shows, with pertinacity, with determination, one can smooth out even the strongest of these perturbations, and trace out a world line that is personally satisfying and dignified.
intense modelling in finance
As a Physics PhD who left physics, I read Derman's book with especial interest. He too faced this career choice after getting his doctorate and doing a stint in academia. The book shows the sometimes [often?] intense nature of academia, with emphasis on getting a tenured position. Whereas some industries can offer much higher salaries.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Business    4. Business & Economics    5. Business/Economics    6. Derman, Emanuel    7. Futures And Options Trading    8. Investment advisors    9. Investments & Securities - General    10. Mathematical Physics    11. Options (Finance)    12. Personal Memoirs    13. Physicists    14. Scientists - General    15. Business & Economics / Finance    16. Finance & Accounting   

Reviews (7)

Used to be a good book...
I used the 6th edition for a lot of the begining studying on many calculus subjects. While this book is easy, it still teaches you the stuff. You understand the material, not just get these mechanical processes to apply to the freakishly hard problems that you get. I would suggest looking for the 6th edition though...
superb
This is big, heavy, hardbound freshman text that will take you very slowly but completely into single-variable calculus.It also contains an exhaustive section on analytic geometry.
Not Happy with 7th.
I loved 6th. ed.But I'm not happy with the 7th.Bivens and Davis have clearly taken over and ruined a great textbook.I'm looking for another textbook the next time around.The other teachers at my college seem to agree.Read more

Subjects:  1. Calculus    2. Mathematics    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Calculus & mathematical analysis    5. Mathematics / Calculus   

Reviews (83)

Not worth your money
A mediocre intro into such a fascinating subject. Instead of explaining concepts and helping develop abilities to solve problems, Griffiths plays silly algebra games throughout this text. Some truly elementary material he made rather complicated, explaining the obvious but omitting points crucial for understanding. With this book, forget about any intuitive knowledge of QM. If you like the monkey business of endless calculations, this one will not get you bored. But if you simply want to learn this fabulous branch of modern physics, consider Shankar, "Principles of QM", much more self-contained and well written. A little note for students to whom this reading is mandatory: Save your own nerves, and get the Solution Manual - will help you a lot on the exams.

solid undergraduate text book
it doesn't teach you much about concepts, but it is a great book for introduction of calculation.

A Difficult Introduction
The material Griffiths presents in this text is often as simply stated as I believe to be possible. That being said, the material Griffiths doesn't present (that is, that material which he leaves to the reader to figure out) is often both fundamental and very difficult. The subject is innately difficult all by itself - I feel that leaving so much of QM to the reader is unnecessary, if not cruel.
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Subjects:  1. Physics    2. Quantum Mechanics    3. Quantum Theory    4. Science    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Quantum physics (quantum mechanics)    7. Science / Physics