NodeJS in 20 Minutes (Coffee Series)

A worthwhile addition to my shelf, with realistic expectations.

There is a particular kind of technical book that is dense without being difficult, and this is one of them. The book rewards careful reading. Skimming it would be a mistake. The examples are small enough to type out and experiment with, which is exactly what I want from a book like this. The progression from chapter to chapter is well thought out; nothing feels out of order. Recommended, with the caveat that it is not a gentle introduction.

Useful in parts. Fine as a reference, less so as a cover-to-cover read.

There is a particular kind of technical book that is dense without being difficult, and this is one of them. I found myself making notes in the margins, which is always a good sign. The code samples assume a particular environment, which took a bit of fiddling to get running properly. The author is unusually honest about where the simplifications break down, which I appreciated. Three stars feels about right. It will stay on my shelf, but it will not be the first one I reach for.

An enjoyable and informative read, though it could have been shorter.

This is the third book I have read on graphics this year, and it is comfortably the best of them. A few of the examples could be more realistic, but the underlying points come across clearly. Some terminology is introduced without much ceremony; I had to look a few things up along the way. A good addition to a technical library, as long as you know what you are buying.