5 comments about Mechanics of Materials.

1. This book was required for my Mechanics of Materials course in my major of Mechanical Engineering. The readings and examples are pretty straight forward and easy to understand. SuperSaving shipping rocks!



2. The last new substantial advance in basic mechanics of materials (the concept of shear center) was 80 or so years ago. Buy this new overpriced edition of the textbook only if required to for school. Den Hartog's "Strength of Materials" or an earlier version of Beer & Johnson or Popov will save you money without sacrificing any content.



3. This is a good engineering textbook, but this particular edition uses only SI(Metric) Units. The hardcover edition uses both English and Metric units. It was a little bit of a surprise to find out this difference. I actually prefer the SI Units, but if you are taking this course in the United States, you will notice the difference.



4. I use this book as a class textbook for a Strength of Materials course I teach. It is a good book, although I would like more in-depth examples worked for students to use.



5. Don't waste your money purchasing the PDF files here, as they are likely from someone who downloaded them for free as a torrent.

5 comments about Roark's Formulas for Stress and Strain.

1. Very helpful book in engineering job, but unfortunately I've found some mistake (the reason for 4 stars).
   
   In general you can find lot of formulas in this book. This book is also very well known and that's the reason for recommending it. You can just refer to Roark's formulas and everybody knows what's that.



2. During my years as Structural Calculyst this book was always on my right side on my desk, and when I needed it, it was ready to help me find my way. One really very good Engineer has never found all formulas in his head, instead he should be able of finding them out on good references and really know how to use
   them all. This is the best reference book you are going to find when formulas is your subject, just buy it!
   The only book I know better than this one is written in German and few people are able to read in German, so!



3. While this volume is about 30% larger than my 5th edition, it has some glaring errors. When you get pointed to a table, you will not find tables with that number. The tables are titled but not numbered according to the referring item. Major PITB trying to figure out if the table that I found was the correct one.



4. I like having a Roark's around. It is handy for stress and strain problems.



5. This is one of the best book "sui generis": it's only (but not only...) a complete review of formulas for stress and strain. You don't need this book if you are looking for a book about stress and strain... you will find here only formulas with some brief explanation but anything more... Someone then may ask: why I should buy this book? It's useful to get an idea of what you are doing when you are using more sophisticate tools. I use this book for the following purposes: (1) to model component behaving in computer aided simulations and (2) to check and review FEM analysis results.
   Very good book, but maybe you don't need it on you desk.

5 comments about Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction.

1. Great introductory book. It built upon many of the concepts I had learned in my General Chemistry couses. Having previously worked in metal fabrication, I now learned what the metal specification numbers meant and why some types of metals are harder or softer than others.



2. The quality of Callister's educational approach on basic Materials Science is out of question. His long time experience in the area is reflected by the success of the prior editions of this book. As Materials Science evolves quite fast -almost day by day- textbooks need to adapt. In this respect, Callister has demonstrated to be on top of the wake always.
   
   My concerns arise when I compare this edition with the prior one and find very few enhancements in terms of the text itself. The only noticeable aspect in the printed edition is the use of more colors in the graphs. The publisher (Wiley) tries to justify the steep price of this book by placing online additional perks for educators and students. Honestly, although I may sound "old-schoolish," I believe that all that is unnecessary and cannot justify overpricing this resource.
   
   As a college professor of a minority school, I do not feel fine by requiring this expensive book to my students. Yes, it can -in time- become a reference for the students; but then, as a reference, the web perks will become unusable since Wiley will keep changing them with newer editions. Most likely, due to its price, most of the students will try to sell their copies. Indeed, they will realize that there are better "reference" texts than this one.



3. Great book...does a good job of deriving things from first principles. Excellent reference, everything is well-organized. One minor complaint: I wish that the section on analyzing phase diagrams with the lever rule came with a few more examples and better explanations. For that, if I could, I would dock a quarter of a star.



4. I'm a professor, and I use this book for both: graduate and ungraduate courses, unfortunatelly I have problems for submit as a teacher in the book page, also in students page, aparently this last was designed just for the us students. Is a pity.



5. Great book! For material science and engineering fits very well and for beginners, most part of it, it's good too.

5 comments about On Solid Ground : Strategies for Teaching Reading K-3.

1. I am an elementary school teacher who has been out of the field for 12 years. I found this book invaluable in updating my knowlege and skills in the teaching of reading. Her approach makes so much sense and her techniques and ideas are appropriate and easy to use.



2. After teaching for 22 years as a special ed. teacher, I read Sharon's book. It changed how I teach forever. Using Sharon's ideas, I decreased the amount of talking I do, increased the amount of reading my students do and saw tremendous change in even my most disabled students. One 4th grade student made 4 years growth in the first six months after I began to use Sharon's strategies and returned to her regular class. All students made significant improvements. I highly recommend her book and her ideas to every teacher of young children. You won't be sorry.



3. I am a first year teacher working in an elementary urban education classroom. I found this book to be a happy marriage between theory and practice. It is clear you are reading a book by a veteran teacher, not simply someone who theorizes about education. There are so many aspects to this book that I found useful. Taberski's chapter on assessing student needs and organization of classroom space were most helpful. Read this book and if you have a chance check out Sharon taberski at one of her workshops - she is an inspiration to us all. Be sure to check out the appendices at the end of the book - great reproducibles there!



4. I just "happened" upon this book a few years ago, and since I first opened the cover, I have been amazed at how it "talks" to the reader. I was drowning in the beginning of my Reading Recovery year, and this book helped me to put teaching reading into not only a global perspectative but into plain language. Since that time, I have re-read this book every summer before I head back into the "regular classroom" in hopes that I will be renewed and refreshed when beginning with my new students. I have referred many teachers to this book and would recommend it as a MUST have in the Professional library of every teacher. NO you dont need to borrow a copy from someone. You need to buy one(and I didnt get paid to say that!) LOL You need to be able to mark it up and refer back to it all year long. My copy is now tattered and torn but what a wealth of information Ms Taberski has given me.



5. On Solid Ground is a comprehensive guide for teachers who would like to implement a reading workshop in their classrooms. I found this book to be a very valuable resource. The book also includes an appendix full of reproducible sheets that support instruction and organization.

5 comments about Transmaterial: A Catalog of Materials That Redefine our Physical Environment.

1. I have already used this book as a reference in a few of my studio projects for school....I am a junior architecture student at Woodbury University. I look forward to buying other Transmaterial books in the series.



2. Great Book, I love it, has contact info for all the products, great photos, gave me a lot of new ideas as well.



3. The subtitle of this book is "A Catalog of Materials That Redefine Our Physical Environment" and a catalog it is, albeit a very interesting one. The book is divided into 10 sections: Concrete, Mineral, Metal, Wood, Plastic-Rubber, Glass, Paint/Paper, Fabric, Light, and Digital, and each product's entry contains a brief description that reads like a press release. There is some basic information such as applications, sizes, etc., and contact information which includes websites.
   
   The introduction describes seven "trends" which may apply to a given product. Some of the trends are self-explanatory (i.e. "ultraperforming" and "repurposed"), while others are less familiar (i.e. "transformational", and "interfacial").
   
   I enjoyed the photos and the fact that every time I pick up the book, I learn something new. I do wish, though, that the photos were much bigger; there is but a single band, approximately 2" x 6" , reserved for the products' photos. A few manufacturers split the space in two; most squeeze in 3 or even 4 pictures, which is impossibly small and left me yearing for a larger format for the pix.
   
   Overall, I found this to be a worthy reference, providing a terrific review of up-to-the-minute materials and technology.



4. Wish that there was more information on some of these pages. You see an interesting material and you get an address. And little else. Perhaps some inkling of the cost would be useful. Or add another little picture? Not sure what the best use of the space is, but blank areas are probably not it.
   
   Still, the materials in here are a revelation. Perfect for any architect and for many artists.



5. I bought this book long time ago and it proved to be a great choice. Whenever I need an unusual and/or sustainable material I go back to this book!

5 comments about Alternative Kilns & Firing Techniques: Raku * Saggar * Pit * Barrel (A Lark Ceramics Book).

1. This is a great book on raku. it gives different views from different artists. The photography is good and shows many alternative ways to finish one's pottery other then the traditional glazing and firing. This book is a must for a potters reference bookcase.



2. As I perused this book, I got excited to build my own kiln, to use unique kinds of firing techniques and experiment. It will be like Christmas with each try. I love the ideas and encouragement.



3. I really like this book. The directions are clear and easy to understand. The pictures are great! I borrowed this book from a friend and immediately ordered it for myself.



4. I was very glad to get this book for several reasons. Jan Lee had some illustrations, and directions included and I am a big fan of her work. Also, I plan to do some of the Pit firing this summer in the mountains and the directions were clear and exciting.



5. I am so glad I bought this book! It has so many illustrations and gives clear and easy to understand directions on how to build different types of kilns. I hope we will build our own raku kiln! The other techniques in the book were so interesting, I can't wait to try them!

5 comments about Four Laws That Drive the Universe.

1. This book is clearly written, presenting the zeroth law, first law, second law and third law of thermodynamics taking the mystery out of the usual presentations of this subject.
   Professor Atkins presents the thermodynamic laws starting with comparisons with mechanical systems that most people would understand and builds upon that for an easily understood treatise on the subject matter.



2. This book is unevenly written. Much of it would be of value to the college-educated reader, much of it would not.
   
   I have a doctorate in physical chemistry (Atkins' field) and could work through it fairly easily. I would not recommend it to my daughter (doctorate in biochemistry) and I am not sure about recommending it to my son (doctorate in solid state physics).
   
   The discussion of temperatures below the absolute zero appears to have been put in just to be cute.



3. This presentation of an intrinsically interesting topic is a logically correct derivation - which seems very important to the author - but to what purpose? To understand it the reader has to be comfortable with subtle concepts of physics, and to enjoy it the reader has to appreciate a development presented as if for a mathematical proof, with apologies if any items are mentioned out of order. But for someone with that level of scientific interest and background, it doesn't offer any insights or new ways of looking at the topics. For instance, the author distinguishes between energy and enthalpy at an early stage, and requires the reader to know or very quickly learn the concept of work as force times distance. But then there's no reward for mastering the distinction and the reader is left to wonder why it's important. I'm a physicist and I greatly enjoy well written popular or semi-popular science books. This wasn't one of them.



4. To be fair, Atkins sets himself a difficult task: make thermodynamics palatable, and even tasty, to a general audience. I probably represent his target audience: I am college educated, and I worked for a couple of years as a biochemistry technician. I keep up with science topics through Scientific American and several web sites. And I enjoy the Science Channel whenever the cosmology shows are on. But I don't possess deep physics knowledge, save for dimly remembered college physics and chemistry courses.
   
   Does Atkins succeed? Mostly yes, but I must offer some caveats. This text does presume some relevant background at the college level. And, although Atkins' prose is readable, he occasionally misses a tone and examples that might better hold the reader's interest. Still, on balance, the presentation works, and at least stays focused on preparing the main ingredients.
   
   Where does Atkins get soggy? He only rarely capitalizes on the wow factor. He says that thermodynamics is relevant to each and every one of us in our lives. He's right. But his examples are a bit lifeless and the allusions to "regular life" are few. When he does bring levity and relevance, it resonates rather well. But the reader is left to bring his or her own imagination to the text and create most such insights for oneself. As I am also an artist, technical writer, and recently a business analyst, I found many "ah ha!" moments to ponder. But these were mostly of my own making, with only the barest guidance from the author.
   
   Finally, what's missing? Atkins might have alluded more thoroughly to the world of information theory. He only hints about this fascinating subject. Atkins might have explored the micro-states of matter with more gusto. Also barely mentioned was the notion of efficiency, although at a micro level this has great meaning for those working in nanotechnology. And there was no indication of how such principles must also apply to the living world, the systems we call organisms. For my money, some appetizers and desserts would have engendered more enthusiasm from this reader.
   
   Nevertheless, I found the book helpful, readable, and generally enjoyable. And that is no small thing for such a subject. If I don't grant it five stars, it's not because of what is there, but rather what is not.



5. Compact and concise review of 4 laws of thermodynamics. Book explains the laws easily, using insightful examples, so almost anyone could read it.

5 comments about Official (ISC)2 Guide to the CISSP CBK ((Isc)2 Press Series).

1. If you are thinking about taking the CISSP exam, I would highly recomend this book (and others as well). Think about it, why not read the book that is published by the ones who created & manage the test itself ? No brainer right ? This book is roughly 715 pages of reading and it is well put together. However, I stongly recomend that you also read the All-In-One CISSP by Shon Harris. You must keep in mind that the ISC CBK is written by multiple authors (each chapter is a different auther), so the melody of the book changes throughout. However, it is a great reference and should be included as your CISSP study guide.
   
   Highly recomended !!
   
   Also Read:
   
   All-In-One CISSP
   CISSP Passport
   CISSP for Dummies
   Take PLENTY of practice tests !!!!!!



2. I found the Shon Harris book easier to read, but I used this extensively as a reference when trying to strengthen my weaker areas.



3. I attended a 6 day boot camp that provided this book as pre-study prep tool. NO ONE in the class even cracked it open, and all (including the instructor) far preferred the Shon Harris book(s).
   The material doesn't have to be this dry. But boot camps feel obliged to provide this one because its by ISC2, and perceived as 'more official'.
   BTW, always keep in mind... the purpose of the books and classes you may take is to get you through the exam. You HAVE to squash the frequent "but that's not the way it is in real life" thoughts.
   When in doubt, put on your 'management' cap and answer from that POV, not as a techie.
   One last thing... stay away from on-line test quizes... they'll destroy your self-confidence, which you can't afford. They're more often than not exercise in "hey, dig how smart I am and how obscure a question I can write." Stick to questions in this or Harris' books.
   BTW, I passed. :)



4. Update: I just passed the CISSP exam in June 2008 and I think that my review is pretty accurate but I wanted to add one more thing of value. The questions from the CD included with the book are spot on in the style and difficulty of the questions in the real exam.
   
   Review: If you want to get book to prepare your for the CISSP, this is a good one. Since it is from ISC2, you know it will give you everything you need and it maps to the new sections of the test (Tip: Be careful when looking at other study guides out there. The exam changed in 2007 and there aren't too many guides on the market based on the new test! If you buy something written before 2007, it is mapping to the old exam and you won't get the latest info on some of the technologies that you are expected to know for the exam). On the bad side it is not as easy to read as some of the other study guides. Since there is a seperate author for each chapter, the writing styles vary a bit. I also didn't like the questions at the end of the chapter, though the CD questions are better. On the good side, the actual reading material is straight to the point and only about 700 pages. The remaining pages of the book (approx 300) is a comprehensive glossary of terms (very useful).
   
   If you like something that is easier to read, the Shon Harris All-in-One Study Guide puts things in a simpler fashion but it is over 1000 pages (a lot more reading). (4th edition maps to the new sections CISSP Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, 4th Ed. (All-in-One))
   
   It boils down to what is your reading style. If you don't mind reading something that reads like a college text book, this is the book for you. If you think that reading a text book is a cure for your insomnia or you want to have someone explain certain concepts in a simpler fashion then try Shon Harris. Just be ready to dedicate some more time to her book. It is much longer and she can get repetative.



5. Nutshell review - A hard book to read but very extensive and covers all the official (ISC)2 CISSP exam material. If you are serious about the CISSP exam you should read this book.

5 comments about Boston's Gun Bible.

1. Superb resource book with an unbelievable amount of information. I would have gladly given it 5 stars except there are a few typos here and there. I will strongly recommend this work to even those who are not firearm enthusiast. You might just become one and will certainly learn a great deal. An expert will discover within this book that there is a lot left to learn.



2. Boston's Gun Bible is a very informative reference for almost everything relating to firearms. Boston offers advice and reviews for a wide range of topics, including (but not limited to): handguns, semi-automatic rifles, bolt-action rifles, shotguns, sights, optics, scopes, rangefinders, night vision, ammunition, knives, self-defense tactics, laws, regulations, and rights. Not afraid to state his opinion and back it up with facts and figures, he does a good job of separating fact from philosophy, and extensively covers both. Boston's style of writing puts an unwritten "and I mean it" after every sentence.
   
   Boston's Gun Bible is partitioned into five parts. Part I begins the book from the ground-up by first defining a number of terms. Next comes a review of basic firearm safety, followed by a review of self-defense scenarios, defensive tactics for a number of situations, and a chapter dealing with guns and tactics specifically for women.
   
   Part II exhaustively (and I mean exhaustively!) covers many semi-auto 'battle rifles', like the M14/M1A, FAL, and AR10, and battle carbines, like the AK74 and AR15. Boston not only numerically rates each rifle against tens of individual criteria, but elaborates (sometimes extensively) on each. Part III covers all other types of rifles, handguns, and shotguns with the same detail.
   
   Part IV covers the acquisition of firearms, whether through private sales, gun stores, or gun shows. Boston hits many of the caveats associated with firearms ownership, as well as recommends a number of items for immediate purchase. A chapter is devoted to the practices, operation, and jurisdiction of the BATF. Boston also covers how to inspect firearms prior to purchase, and how to haggle a fair price. Reloading, cleaning, sighting, and shooting are all covered in the last chapter.
   
   Part V and VI mainly cover topics like firearms rights (and rights in general), regulations, and disarmament. This is done as concretely as possible through commentary, recommendations, research, essays, news clippings, etc.
   
   When it comes to firearms and self-defense, Boston certainly knows what he is doing. Boston's Gun Bible provides valuable information, confident recommendations, and an uplifting philosophy. This book is definitely worth its cover price. I highly recommend it.



3. I'm not sure if I can say anything more descriptive or relevant than the previous reviews, but I will say that this is an EXCELLENT book. If you are a gun owner or have ever considered owning a gun, this is the definitive resource for you. Before you buy, sell, or have any further dealings with firearms, you owe it to yourself to read this book!
   
   I've read several of the other pro-gun and Second Amendment books offered by such noted authors as Bracken, Ross, and Rawles. They are all excellent works in their own right. However, Boston's Gun Bible (BGB) differs from all of the others in that, it is a purely non-fiction and factual book, based on detailed research. No gun-owner's library should be without it.
   
   Buy this book and read it. You will not regret it.



4. Boston's Gun Bible is probably THE book every gun owner and freedom loving American should own. Few Americans truly understand the Bill of Rights and the 2nd Amendment. It's not about hunting, nor is about personal protection. First and foremost, it is to protect Americans from an overbearing government! Boston's Bible gives you the information you need to make intelligent choices in every phase of selection and use of firearms.
   
   That said, the original edition was released in 1998. We were in the depths of the Clinton efforts to disarm Americans. He revised it in 2000 with many important updates, and revised it again in 2002, which this version happens to be. That was the last revision. A newly revised edition is sorely needed.
   
   It's been six long years, and many important events directly bearing on firearms, their ownership and use have transpired. The gun ban expired, which opened millions to ownership of guns more evenly matched with government forces. The development of the 6.8 SPC round for combat use in Afghanistan and Iraq. Laser optics. Wartime R&D have put many new features and materials in play. New manufacturers have come; others have gone. The Supreme Court has revised laws on gun ownership. All of this needs to be accounted for in any book purporting to be a Bible. And that means timely revisions.
   
   The other reviews here accurately reflect strengths and shortcomings of the Bible. Even as it ages, however, it is aging gracefully, and you should surely own and study religiously the most recent edition.
   
   EDIT - ADDED COMMENT (6/30/08) - I discovered this weekend that the book has been revised and updated since it's 2002 copy right date, but because the updates are not annotated, you have no way of knowing which edition you are reading. The copy I found this weekend says, "New text for 2006" on the page facing the table of contents. In reading through sections of the book, I find comments which indicated new material. It would be most helpful if the publisher, Javelin Press, would use standard bibliographic formatting and conventions so a reader would know which date he has.



5. This book is a "must have" for any freedom loving individual with an interest in firearms. It is primary a rifleman's book, because the rifle is what will keep our freedom, not a handgun.
   
   Complete technical information on all models along with a complete buyers guide on rifles with all the pros and cons. Legal advice and constitutional interpretations as well.
   
   Excellent book!

5 comments about Biodiesel Basics and Beyond: A Comprehensive Guide to Production and Use for the Home and Farm.

1. WOW!!!
   
   I've been looking on the web at making fuel for some time and never felt I was getting the whole picture. This is ALL the info you will ever need on the subject. From system setup throught dealing with waste, this book explains it all in laymens terms. It shows that making fuel is not going to be the easyest thing you ever do. In the same breath, it shows that its within reach of us "normal" people.
   
   It really a very informative but light read. Not only the process is reviewed, but also the economics and history. Definitly worth the read weither you want to make fuel, or just learn more about the subject.



2. This book was purchased to get a better understanding of the biodiesel production process and industry. It also goes into great detail in how to build your own quality biodiesel plant. The author also dispells the fact from fiction involving quality biodiesel production. It is a good book for the person very interested in building a plant and is wanting to make an educated decision before he builds the plant. Overall, Great Book!



3. This book is great and details exactly how to make and use your own biodisel. It also covers saftey and logistical aspects of creating it which I thought was quite nice. The only reason though that i gave it 4 stars was becuase it is a bit wordy. There is a lot of information in this book and it can be overwhelming but overall it is very good and useful.



4. After researching most of the books available on the market on the subject of BIO-DIESEL I eventually settled for this book.
   It is well-written and covers every aspect of the manufacture of bio-diesel that the smaller-scale individual would look for in a book. The author is well-versed in his subject and is a definate must-have book if you are looking to get into this field.
   Definately worth 5/5 stars from me.



5. This book was very well written and researched. The book is detailed but still very interesting. I felt lead by some suspense. I was thinking, "Given all the hard truths, Can he really make it work for the home scale producer?!?" - and in the end, he does.
   I wish he'd said a little more about using SVO but that's not what this is about.