Gen Chem/Orgo Chem Book.. Anyone know of a GOOD/HELPFUL one?

<p>I am trying to find a good General Chem and Orgo Chem book to be able to add to my bookshelf for future reference (Mcat etc). The books that I bought for my class honestly are horrid and would love to be able to pick up some textbooks that are quality and truly catered to a student.</p>

<p>I heard some parts in a small book “organic chemistry as a second language” are not bad. How useful this brief book is for you depends on the stage you are in though (beginning, intermediate, or advanced.) I think that book is most likely at the beginning level. I heard for the topics it covers, the topics are presented relatively well. But many important topics are not covered. So it may be good as the first book or as a supplement.</p>

<p>There is another small book, “general chemistry as a second language.” But I am not sure whether it is as good as the orgo one. (at least not as popular.) </p>

<p>I think DS rarely referred to any textbooks (or any other books including the above ones) when he studied for MCAT. When he did need to refer to one, I think he just referred to his textbook. I do not think he was particularly fond of his gen. chem. textbook though. (the author was a professor at U. of Chicago when he published that book, and he became the president of Pomona College in Southern California later.)</p>

<p>(cont. from the above post because of time-out)</p>

<p>I think this is the author of DS’s gen. chem. textbook: “Principles of Modern Chemistry.” This is the only gen. chem. book he had and referred to in college years:</p>

<p>[President</a> David W. Oxtoby - Pomona College](<a href=“http://www.pomona.edu/administration/president/president-bio/presidents-bio.aspx]President”>http://www.pomona.edu/administration/president/president-bio/presidents-bio.aspx)</p>

<p>He did have two orgo textbooks. The year before his year, they used the book by Wade. In his year, I only remember there is a picture of a giant tree on the front cover. Found this “tree” book: Its author is Vollhardt (from Cal, I think.)</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Chemistry-Fifth-Edition-byVollhardt/dp/B004TNR408[/url]”>http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Chemistry-Fifth-Edition-byVollhardt/dp/B004TNR408&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>He had both textbooks.</p>

<p>My son is in Orgo now and they use Organic Chemistry 5th Edition by Marc Loudon. I believe he used Chemistry 8th Edition by Zumdahl for Gen Chem.</p>

<p>2e of this book was my bible: [Organic</a> Chemistry By Janice Gorzynski Smith (3rd, Third Edition): Janice Gorzynski Smith: Amazon.com: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Chemistry-Janice-Gorzynski-Edition/dp/B003PZI5IG]Organic”>http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Chemistry-Janice-Gorzynski-Edition/dp/B003PZI5IG)</p>