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.
