[stonemetal]

You might find "The Elements of Computing Systems: Building a Modern Computer from First Principles" interesting. It is broad, it covers pretty much everything you mention wishing to know, but somewhat shallow (It is only 350 pages after all.) So far it has hit on the somewhat less rigorous side, so it would probably be a good fit for someone who thinks they lack mathematical maturity.

I just don't want to be a cargo cult programmer anymore Then don't be. The main thing to do is Practice (note: work isn't practice.) Basically build something, but at every step of the way try different approaches and measure the results of what happened. Every step of the way look for ways to improve what you do.

[jrookie]

Yes! thanks for mentioning that book I forgot about it but I plan on getting to it eventually, there's just so many things to learn, so many books...sometimes I feel overwhelmed.

Thanks.