That's the Way the Cookie Crumbles: 62 All-New Commentaries on the Fascinating Chemistry of Everyday Life

Juliet Nielsen is an academic librarian in the Science and Technology
Library, University of Alberta.

In this interesting and thought-provoking book, Joe Schwarcz helps to
shed light on the science that surrounds our everyday lives and manages
to dispel some household-related urban legends. Schwarcz, a professor of
chemistry, writes in an easy conversational manner and leads the
layreader skilfully through the potentially complicated and murky world
of chemistry in a knowledgeable and playful way. From microwaves to
nylons to oats to bagels, this book tells the story of science’s
legitimate and illegitimate precursors.

Indeed, Schwarcz eagerly tackles controversial topics, which are often
focal points for heated debate and have two opposing camps wielding the
“true scientific facts.” For example, he fearlessly dives into the
great evil known as “The Aspartame Debate” and manages to lead the
reader through the daunting medical literature and popular opinion to
the scientific truth. Is this artificial sweetener the root of human
suffering and a cause of cancer? The research and experts have shown
that it is probably not. This text seamlessly flows from one discussion
to the next, all the while holding the reader’s interest and
fascination, allowing us to look at our world in a whole new light. This
book is a valuable resource for anyone wanting a better understanding of
the science of everyday life. So yes, sit back with your diet cola and
enjoy discovering how the cookie crumbles.