[dilap]

the approach i took was to read it for understanding, and then go back and see if i could implement what i had just learned, in a different language, without reference to book. (so implementation would use same strategy, but not be exactly the same.)

it worked well for me.

i think this book along w/ spivak's calculus is probably tied for position #1 in technical book that i found most enjoyable and had the biggest influence on me. cannot recommend it enough.

edit: i should mention if i got stuck i went back to reading the book! the point was, "read to understand, try to implement, if understanding not there, repeat". rather than just typing directly out.