Uncle Tungsten : Memories of a Chemical Boyhood

Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: We get to relive a boy's discovery of chemistry. This is a must read for anyone who ever had a fascination for chemistry or any field of science. The fact that this boy grew up during the second world war in England and eventually became the well known Neurologist and excellent author Oliver Sacks, makes this book even more interesting. A fascinating book, from a fascinating man.

Rating:
Summary: Marvelous read.
Review: What a gem this little book is! Just the right mix of anecdote with science, the former steeped in nostalgic wonder and the latter brimming with passionate curiousity. Sacks' is always a true pleasure to read. I cannot recommend this book enough, even to those who normally steer away from autobiographies. Any reader will be pleasantly surprised.

Rating:
Summary: Chemistry for Everyone
Review: While attending a community educaton forum a professor recommended reading Uncle Tungsten: Memories of a Chemical Boyhood. His discussion focused on the importance of education being relevant to learning. It has made the rounds of our family -- dad who leans toward philosophy or history, mom who hasn't looked at a chemistry book in 25 years, our 10th grade chemistry honors student, and our 6th grader who happens to be very interested in science. This engaging memoir of a Jewish boy during World War II shares wonderful anecdotes, a solid historical background in chemistry and conveys how a complex discipline becomes a passion for the curious mind. For those who don't remember their periodic table, Tungsten is element number 74. You'll have to read to discover the connection!