[jamestimmins]

What kind of experience do you need for this book? For most ML you need linear algebra and whatnot, but this doesn't appear necessary here. If you've worked through something like SICP, do you think that would be sufficient?

[Jtsummers]

This is more classical AI, if you have a foundation in algorithms and data structures you can follow along. More experience, it'll be easier. If you've worked through SICP and that's your primary study of programming, then you can approach PAIP, but may need to take your time and look up related material to help you out.