[AlchemistCamp]

I read all of those and would like to add two more:

1) Learn to Program, by Chris Pine. It's the best book I've read on learning to program in any language.

2) Practical Ruby Projects: Ideas for the Eclectic Programmer, by Topher Cyll. In a sense it wasn't "practical" at all. But it was a joyous eye-opener to all kinds of applications that turned me into a whirlwind of enthusiasm for months!

[chrispine]

Aw, thanks! (3rd edition is in the works)

[aplummer]

> Learn to Program, by Chris Pine

My first programming book, 10 years ago in a few months I think. Great read.

[AlchemistCamp]

My favorite thing about it was how it made even trivially simple exercises fun by making the content humorous. At the beginning you really need that extra reward!

[littleweep]

7 years for me next month