FINALIST for the Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books “This book shows that
chemistry is not just relevant to life it’s really really interesting.”—Foreword Reviews
STARRED review A perfect book for readers of The Physics of Everyday Things and Storm in a
Teacup Have you ever wondered why your alarm clock sends you spiraling? Or how toothpaste
works on your teeth? Why do cakes and cookies sometimes turn out dry? (Hint: you may not be
adding enough sugar.) In Chemistry for Breakfast award-winning chemist and science
communicator Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim reveals the amazing chemistry behind everyday things (like
baking and toothpaste) and not-so-everyday things (like space travel). With a relatable funny
and conversational style she explains essential chemical processes everyone should know—and
turns the ordinary into extraordinary. Over the course of a single day Mai shows us that
chemistry is everywhere: we just have to look for it. In the morning her partner’s
much-too-loud alarm prompts a deep dive into biological clocks fight-or-flight responses and
melatonin’s role in making us sleepy. Before heading to the lab she explains how the stress
hormone cortisol helps wake us up and brews her morning coffee with a side of heat conduction
and states of matter. Mai continues her day with explainers of cell phone technology food
preservation body odor baking the effects of alcohol and the chemistry behind the
expression “love drunk.” All the while she shows us what it’s really like to be a working
chemist and fights against the stereotype of a nerd playing with test tubes in a lab coat.
Filled with charming illustrations laughter and plenty of surprises Chemistry for Breakfast
is a perfect book for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of chemistry without
having prior knowledge of the science. With Mai as your guide you’ll find something
fascinating everywhere around you.
