Conceptual Physics: A High School Physics Program

Rating:
Summary: great book but not all purpose
Review: I'm a high school student in AP Physics, and since I haven't taken a beginning physics course before the AP one, I've been struggling a lot with concepts that I don't have foundation on which the other students do. This is not my assigned book. =P
My assigned book is the 5th edition of a physics book by Giancoli, which I would not recommend to anyone, but that's a different story.
I've been in with a whole bunch of study groups and asking everyone I know if they're any good with physics, and in my long search for salvation, I came across this book. It has helped me understand nearly all the concepts I managed to miss in skipping an entire prerequisite. It is easy to understand and provides wonderful examples to help readers follow what the author is trying to explain. There are also handy little cartoon diagrams, which I can assure you, any student loves to find in a book, especially one about physics.
My one complaint about this book is that it does not go in depth into formulas and the more mathematical aspects of physics. Yes, this makes sense, considering the title CONCEPTUAL Physics, but if you are looking for practice in calculation of physical problems or a formula resource, this is not the book for you. This has not caused problems for me because I have my AP book to reference for that, but you should know if you are interested in this book for self study or a class.
Overall very useful for beginning study of concepts and a nice resource as review while studying the harder stuff.

Rating:
Summary: Physics Can Be Fun
Review: This book along with its supplements is a great program for both honors level and lower level students. The readability level is perfect and the lab ideas has inspired me. Both my students and I love it.