Simply Quantum Physics by DK

Simply Quantum Physics
by DK

ISBN-13: 9780744028485
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: DK Publishing
Released: February 23rd, 2021


Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Discovering quantum physics has never been easier. Combining bold graphics with easy-to-understand text, Simply Quantum Physics is an essential introduction to the subject for those who are short on time but hungry for knowledge. It's a perfect beginner's guide to a strange and fascinating world that at times seems to conflict with common sense. Covering more than 80 key ideas from the uncertainty principle to quantum tunneling, it is divided into pared-back, single- or double-page entries that explain concepts simply and visually. Assuming no previous knowledge of physics, it demystifies some of the most groundbreaking ideas in modern science and introduces the work of some of the most famous physicists of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Albert Einstein, Neils Bohr, Erwin Schrdinger, and Richard Feynman. Whether you are studying physics at school or college, or simply want a jargon-free overview of the subject, this essential guide is packed with everything you need to understand the basics quickly and easily.


My Review:
Simply Quantum Physics provides an overview of various quantum physics ideas using graphics and a brief text aimed at beginners. The book started out by describing the makeup of an atom and described some of the various particles that make up everything else. This was similar to the material I'd studied in college, so I was able to follow it. However, while they did a good job of trying to describe the ideas of quantum physics, it seemed like the further I read into the book, the less the people studying the phenomenon even understood what they were trying to describe. The book was a quick read and informative, but it's really only a basic overview. I would have enjoyed a little more detail about how quantum physics is used in current devices. Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a basic understanding of quantum physics.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

A Visitor's Guide to Jane Austen's England by Sue Wilkes

A Visitor's Guide to Jane Austen's England
by Sue Wilkes

ISBN-13: 9781781592649
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Pen and Sword Books
Released: October 30th 2014


Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Immerse yourself in the vanished world inhabited by Austen’s contemporaries. Packed with detail, and anecdotes, this is an intimate exploration of how the middle and upper classes lived from 1775, the year of Austen’s birth, to the coronation of George IV in 1820. Sue Wilkes skilfully conjures up all aspects of daily life within the period, drawing on contemporary diaries, illustrations, letters, novels, travel literature and archives.

Were all unmarried affluent men really 'in want of a wife'? Where would a young lady seek adventures? Would ‘taking the waters’ at Bath and other spas kill or cure you? Was Lizzy Bennet bitten by bed-bugs while travelling? What would you wear to a country ball, or a dance at Almack’s? Would Mr Darcy have worn a corset? What hidden horrors lurked in elegant Regency houses?

My Review:
A Visitor's Guide to Jane Austen's England talked about what daily life was like in England for the middle and upper classes during 1775-1820. The author included quotes from diaries, letters, and such from the time period, including quotes from Jane Austen's letters. She also looked at quotes from Jane Austen's books to help the reader better understand the nuances of what was going on. The information was interesting and provided insights into books written in the Regency period. Overall, I'd recommend this book to fans of Jane Austen's books and those interested in daily life during this time.

The author used a conversational tone, advising a visitor to England about what life will be like or what your options will be. She started by talking about travel, from the different ways to travel to what to expect at lodgings as well as hazards to watch out for, the costs, etc. She then talked about housing (including bathing, using the bathroom, the lighting and heating), what activities you might do (including shopping, gambling, letter writing, sports), what the meals will be like, details about the current fashions for both men and women, and what the different parts of clothing were like. She talked about how young men and women found their marriage partners and the advantages and disadvantages of a long engagement. She finished by talking about options in healthcare, childbirth, death and mourning, and things like quack cures and the sea cure.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Grow Your Own Spices by Tasha Greer

Grow Your Own Spices
by Tasha Greer

ISBN-13: 9780760368022
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Cool Springs Press
Released: January 5th 2021

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
In Grow Your Own Spices, author and spice-growing gardener Tasha Greer hands you everything you need to know to grow a thriving spice garden, with practical tips and in-depth advice on cultivating over 30 different spices.

Unlike herbs, which consist of the green leaves of certain plants, spices come from the seeds, roots, bark, or berries of plants, which means growing, harvesting, and preparing spices is a lot more nuanced than growing leafy herbs. Start with easy-to-grow seed spices first, such as sesame seeds, fennel, and cumin, then graduate to more challenging spice varieties, such as star anise, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Spices not only offer culinary flare, there’s also increasing evidence of their ability to fight inflammation and reduce various health risks. Medical usage tips from expert herbalist Lindsey Feldpausch are found throughout the book and offer well-researched advice on how to use homegrown spices to improve your well-being.

In Grow Your Own Spices, you’ll learn how to cultivate your own saffron, the world’s most expensive spice; the best way to tend tropical spices, like ginger, turmeric, and cardamom, even if you live in a cold climate; easy-to-grow spices that are perfect for beginners; the unique way certain spices, such as wasabi, cloves, and cinnamon, are grown and harvested; how to cultivate root spices, including horseradish and chicory; and tips for harvesting your own capers, mustard, sesame seeds, and even paprika.


My Review:
Grow Your Own Spices provides basic planting, care, and harvesting instructions for growing your own spices. The author started with general care information, but then she gave specific advice along with plant profiles. She started with spices that are easier to grow but also included more difficult ones that need more controlled climates and a long period of time before producing. She included spices grown from seed, from roots, and more. Each plant profile included information about that spice, information about growing it and harvesting it, and some information about how to use it or prepare it for storage. While she included some very good information, I think that a beginner gardener would have trouble with the trickier spices without having more experience or advice provided. I've already grown some of the spices from seed, and they're reasonably easy even for a beginner. Overall, I'd recommend this book to any gardener interested in trying to grow their own spices.

She included information on growing allspice, annatto, bay laurel, caper, cardamom, cinnamon, celery, caraway, chicory, cloves, nutmeg, anise, horseradish, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, galangal, fenugreek, dill, fennel, cumin, coriander, juniper berry, lavender, licorice, mustard, nigella, paprika, peppercorns, poppy, wasabi, vanilla, tamarind, turmeric, sumac, sesame seed, saffron.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.