Lying with Visualizations: Seeing Isn't Believing

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

I came to this book already familiar with the basics, and it still had plenty to offer. The author clearly knows the subject deeply and has thought hard about how to teach it. The code samples assume a particular environment, which took a bit of fiddling to get running properly. Some terminology is introduced without much ceremony; I had to look a few things up along the way. 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.

A colleague recommended this and I can see why. It does something that few technical books manage: it respects the reader's time. The progression from chapter to chapter is well thought out; nothing feels out of order. The code samples assume a particular environment, which took a bit of fiddling to get running properly. The explanations are careful without being condescending, which is a difficult balance to strike. Borrow it first if you can, or at least check the table of contents carefully before buying.

Good book. The writing is direct and the author is honest about limits.

A colleague recommended this and I can see why. It does something that few technical books manage: it respects the reader's time. The examples are small enough to type out and experiment with, which is exactly what I want from a book like this. The book rewards careful reading. Skimming it would be a mistake. Recommended, with the caveat that it is not a gentle introduction.