Reddit mentions of Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed

This book got me into it, I read it more than 10 years ago, but it's still relevant (it's not like quantum physics has changed a lot). It explains everything very well and it has a lot of illustration. Super easy, fun, didactic read.

Unfortunately no analogies come to mind that would simultaneously let you understand the concept and be able to move on to more advanced stuff without getting hopelessly lost in the shortcomings.

Quantum mechanics is really only the tip of the iceberg, and much of the material you'll find is geared for people that want/need to be able to apply concepts like spin in a mathematically rigorous manner. I would sincerely recommend Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed if you're looking for a discussion of the basics without requiring the math.

I still don't believe I truly understand quantum mechanics (and really, who does?) but having a math-heavy background made it a lot easier. Being able to attack the equations myself made it a lot easier to grasp difficult concepts, I don't even really know where to start explaining it without mathematical terminology getting in the way.

http://www.amazon.com/Quantum-Perplexed-Dr-Jim-Al-Khalili/dp/1841882380

this book gives a great overview imo
if quantum stuff is what you are into

Not philosophy in any kind of traditional sense, but your description reminds me of this book on quantum physics .
Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1841882380/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_WyjrzbGTJCN7G

It has gorgeous pictures and pretty short sections that are decently easy to digest.

Noted.

Jim Al-Khalili is fair when it comes to modern physics stuff. This book is really really colorful and awesome. Glossy pages, cool illustrations.

http://www.amazon.com/Quantum-Perplexed-Dr-Jim-Al-Khalili/dp/1841882380/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419408332&sr=8-1&keywords=al+khalili

The issue with a lot of these pop-sci books is that many authors will stretch the truth in order to make their book more exciting. Basically they're sellouts... They aren't there to educate, but talk about how time travel is possible and one day you will upload your brain to the internet so they can make book sales. It's unfortunate because our universe is already extremely exciting and enigmatic as it is.

I don't have many more book recommendations. I'm a boring guy that likes to look at dry textbooks. I just want the pure info...

I dunno, the quantum world is extremely, extremely weird. Take a look into the classic double-slit experiment. If you are firing atoms through the slits and have a detector capable of sensing their passage over one of the slits, there will be no interference pattern. If you leave the detector there but turn it OFF, the interference pattern reemerges! The detector, by the way, is completely passive: it does not disturb the passing atom in any way save for being a large enough system for the atom's quantum state to "decohere" as soon as the detector's state is contingent on the atom's.

Try this book on for size. As an admitted layman myself, I found it a good overview of quantum mechanics and its implications, but I don't think anybody truly "understands" quantum mechanics.

I just read this and its absolutely amazing.

http://www.amazon.com/Quantum-Perplexed-Dr-Jim-Al-Khalili/dp/1841882380

I have a technical background, but I have no reason to work through the math as a casual reader. This is a great explanation of QM without delving into the mathematical aspect too far.

A few books to consider:

Backstage Handbook. ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL.

Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed. This one is... well... it helped me to understand some things about physics. Not all of it is relevant, and you'll have to draw some conclusions yourself as to how it all applies to audio engineering. At the very least, it's a great introduction to subatomic physics for people who aren't great with math. YMMV, but I found that a basic understanding of what sound waves actually do goes a LONG way. From there you can discern certain things like how ambient temperature and humidity will affect your mix.

The Business of Audio Engineering. Worth the price of admission, despite grammatical errors.

Mixing Engineer's Handbook. Might be worth it. Interviews with established recording engineers. Has some interesting info. Only the first half of the book is really worth reading, though.

Mixing Audio. Relevant information. Could almost act as a textbook.

That will at least get you started. I know that you're looking more for the mixing side of things, and that's great, but trust me on this. You will want to know as much as you can about all facets of theatrical/concert/special event work. THAT'S how you really get gigs.

The book Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed does an incredible job of explaining the strangeness that is Quantum Physics in mostly layman's terms. But due to the sheer and utter weirdness that is the subatomic world, there are some things that are just going to be hard to accept and/or even grasp.