The first time I took Modern Physics I failed horribly, however, it should be noted that I didn't even try to read this book as I never seen a small book with so many weird symbols in it. I thought I was way in over my head.  The second time I forced myself to read this book...I felt like an idiot not reading it sooner. Although I ran away from being a physics major I still read it from time to time. It is very informative and actually is useful.  If only I wasn't so lazy at that moment in time maybe things would have turned out different. Some love to blame books for their short comings but this book I like it.