I read the original version of this book and have to say I LOVED it!!
I’ll copy what I said in my ‘Best Way To Learn Ruby and Rails’ blog post:
If you are new to programming, or OOP (object orientated programming) then we’re going to start with the wonderful Learn To Program by Chris Pine.
Learn To Program is a lovely introduction to programming (and OOP) and luckily for us, just so happens to be in Ruby! It also makes you realise you don’t have to be Einstein to be a programmer – I really like how Chris makes the reader feel like anyone can learn, not just the super smart or the super geeky.
This book is essential if you’re new to either programming or OOP, but highly recommended for any relative newcomer – read it just as a motivator if nothing else. It’s short and sweet, and helps you lose the “I don’t think I’ve got a programmer’s brain” mindset as well.
Out of all the books I read, it’s the one that made me feel that I could be a programmer most. Whenever anyone is in any doubt about that, they should read this book - and whenever anybody asks me where to get started in programming, I direct them to this book.
Thank you Chris! 