If your algebra or basic chemistry is shaky, the middle chapters can feel overwhelming.

It is the essential "rite of passage" book for any ChemE student. If you master this, the rest of your degree becomes significantly easier.

"Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes" by Felder, Rousseau, and Bullard is widely considered the for introductory chemical engineering. The Good:

It’s a dense technical manual, so don't expect a light read.