I would not call the requirement to be a popsci book, I just mean something that is not trying to beat equations in your head relentlessly.
Maybe to clarify, I am looking for something thats basically filled with actual examples and analysis of existing systems much like the AOE is. What I am not looking for is a Sedra Smith (you are getting sleepy... very sleepy), or some BS written by a professor that he can sell for his own class.
Like Introduction to Microwave Theory and Measurements, it has some math and stuff but you get cool things like cut-outs of magnetrons, waveguide diagrams, etc. In a class you do the analysis yourself but for branching out into another field, after you know how to setup a mathematical analysis already from another engineering discipline, you can get away with more analysis thats already done for you, especially if you just need to be able to overengineer things safely for a hobby.
I am not looking to be challenged, I just want to get rid of misconceptions that I have undoubtedly developed from winging it in these disciplines (i.e. putting theory together based on manufacturers notes). You can almost see the AOE as being a addendum to app notes from LT and stuff. And to better understand the weight of different measures that can be taken to solve a problem