Suggestions for Summer Physics Reading

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SUMMARY

This forum discussion focuses on recommended summer reading for undergraduate physics students. Key suggestions include "How to Think Like a Mathematician" by Houston, "Warped Passages" by Lisa Randall, and "The Black Hole War" by Leonard Susskind. Additional recommendations feature "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan, "Men of Mathematics" by E.T. Bell, and Richard Feynman's "Six Easy Pieces" and "Six Not So Easy Pieces." These books aim to enhance understanding of mathematical physics and modern physics concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of undergraduate physics concepts
  • Familiarity with mathematical physics
  • Interest in modern physics topics
  • Ability to engage with popular science literature
NEXT STEPS
  • Read "How to Think Like a Mathematician" by Houston
  • Explore "Warped Passages" by Lisa Randall for insights on hidden dimensions
  • Study "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan for a broader perspective on the universe
  • Investigate Richard Feynman's works, particularly "Six Easy Pieces" and "Six Not So Easy Pieces" for foundational physics concepts
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for undergraduate physics students, educators in the field, and anyone interested in enhancing their understanding of mathematical and modern physics through engaging literature.

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Hello. I've just gotten through my first year of undergraduate physics (not much physics really) and won't have the time to take any courses over the summer. I think it'd be in my best interest to keep my mind on my studies so I figure I will pick up a few books to go through over the summer. I'm wondering whether any of you can recommend others to me. I will be taking mathematical physics and modern physics next semester.

Books so far:
How to think like a Mathematician by Houston
Warped Passages: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Universe's Hidden Dimensions by Lisa Randall

Other than theses, I'll be browsing through the textbooks for next semester and reading some discworld.
 
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I always recommend "The Black Hole War" by Leonard Susskind. Its not a technical book, but a very great read.
 
I got a few from this thread : https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=603598

Others I'd suggest:
Cosmos - Carl Sagan
Men of Mathematics - E.T Bell
6 easy pieces - Feynman
6 not so easy pieces - Feynman
One, two, three...infinity - George Gamow. (I really liked this one)
 

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