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Summary: I love Cartoon Guides!
Review: Larry Gonick is amazing. I've read a number of his "cartoon guides" and this one didn't let me down. I happened to read it while taking a highschool physics class. It was great--I kept thinking "Oh! *Now* I get it!" I think that this is an excellent supplement to any "official" textbook or class: the textbook will give you the math problems, etc., and the Cartoon Guide to Physics will allow you to understand the concepts behind them.
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Summary: First Impression Matters
Review: So I was about to dive into this book based on top 5 star reviews and what not. Since I live in Asia, the shipping actually cost MORE than the book itself. Nevermind that, since the book IS interesting. The only thing that I didn't like about it is that the vocabulary isn't explained very well. Sure, there are examples and even 'cool' cartoons, but there needs to be more explanation behind things. Also, the formulas and equations for the necessary Physics content are explained as if EVERYONE knows about it beforehand already. So, all in all, I would say this book is for Intermediate people, those who already know what Physics is all about. Since I JUST touched on this topic and wanted to use this book as an Introductory guide, it didn't really help. I'm now 3/4s through the book and what can I say, it's boring to go on! The good thing is that the cartoon makes it LESS boring, but that doesn't mean that Physics is at all interesting, based upon the respective authors.
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Summary: Learning with a light touch
Review: The primary hurdle to overcome in learning the basics of physics is believing that it is indeed possible for you to learn them. Motion, electricity, magnetism, light and even relativity are all based on fundamental ideas that are well within the grasp of most people. Your reach and the strength of your grip will both be amplified by the contents of this book. Using simple diagrams and plain language, you are walked through a basic physics course, from the concept of linear motion to the most "bizarre" consequences of relativity.
Gonick it truly one of a kind when it comes to the explanation of complex phenomena using drawings and cartoon-like dialog. It is one of the rare literary creations, a book that educates in science that is also fun to read. There are no sharp edges of difficulty, it is much like one of those disciplinary paddles with a pillow on the end.
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Summary: simple theorys in cartoon form
Review: this book breaks down the basics of physics in easy illustrations. do not look for the humor of larrys other books, however who ever said physics would be fun.
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Summary: Where have you been all my life Gonick.
Review: This book far outreaches the realms of physics. It was more than just a book, but an awe-inspiring revelation which has irrevocably changed my life. Before I met Gonick, I was just an ignorant titmouse, but now I am a rat. Thank you Gonick
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Summary: I used it as a primary textbook to teach physics!
Review: This book is excellent! Not only are there no errors of fact, it explains difficult concepts simply.
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Summary: This book is perfect!
Review: This book is filled with outstanding point of view. The most satisfied thing is the emphasis on the role of Galileo. And the explanation of relativity is fantastic! I cannot remember better one. I strongly recommend this book to my clever students. Thanks to Larry Gonick!
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Summary: Gonick strikes again
Review: This is my third Cartoon Guide, and was purchased after CG to Stats and CG to Genetics. I'm convinced now that I'll just have to buy every single one of Gonicks's guides. Whenever possible, I have avoided physics classes--they scare me--which is difficult to do. But knowing this, I became obsessed with facing my fear and picked up this book (and a few others). I wasn't disappointed. Although it wasn't as easy to follow his other two books (perhaps because I'm more familiar with the subject of the other two books), it made physics more interesting, and less scary. I was able to reread sections and then cross reference them with a 'real' physics text until I got the point. I'm still no physicist, and I never will be. But I've got a basic grasp now that I didn't have before, and can understand the simple physics of the world around me. However, the biggest kudo I can give to this book is this: I've enrolled in a physics course at the local university--a course I don't *have* to take but want to take. It's something I never would have done without this book easing my fears and taking the mystery out of the subject. Bravo Gonick! Where's the Cartoon Guide to the Quantum Theory?! We're waiting....
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