Julia Burdge wanted to create a general chemistry text that grew out of her concern for the interest for both students and faculty. Using her many years of teaching general chemistry, she developed a distinct perspective and approach on addressing common problems and misunderstanding that student encounter while learning the fundamental concepts of chemistry, and that professors encounter while teaching them. She addresses many of these issues while conveying the wonder and possibilities that chemistry offers. Her text balances the necessary fundamental concepts with engaging real-life examples and applications and uses a consistent, step-by-step problem-solving approach.