I mean, it's a textbook, but on textbook standards, Petty does a fantastic job introducing various topics relevant to meteorology while making it understandable and easily digestible. By taking your time analyzing the included graphics and reviewing the foundational equations for atmospheric science, even a layman could understand the topics discussed in this book. Making this the first textbook for my meteorology studies in college was a fantastic idea, and reading it back after graduation only solidified the important basics in my brain. I highly recommend this textbook to anyone beginning their studies in atmospheric sciences.