The discussion revolves around the challenges of finding an advanced calculus book that balances rigor with geometric intuition, particularly one that incorporates physics. A participant mentions trying Sternberg's book but finds it abstract and difficult, leading to questions about the value of another book co-authored with Bamberg, which was negatively reviewed on Amazon. Recommendations include a book noted for its extensive exercises that promote intuition, although it lacks physics content and is described as unfriendly due to its demanding problem sets. A contrasting review highlights that despite initial struggles, the book ultimately helped the reviewer excel in real analysis, suggesting that the exercises can build a strong mathematical foundation. Additional suggestions include Courant's calculus volume 2 and Apostol's second volume, with a note that a version of Courant rewritten by Fritz John may offer a more accessible style. The conversation emphasizes the difficulty in finding a calculus text that meets specific preferences for both rigor and intuitive understanding.
