Big Disappointment

This book is a perfect reminder of the publishing truth that the people who write jacket copy have almost never read the book they are writing about. While this book is advertised as an "introductory book", it is nothing of the kind. A more revealing title would be "Assorted Thoughts on Data and Databases", and in fact the author admits as much in his preface: "This book is not a complete, formal text....I simply did not have the time or temperament to do a formal text." In each chapter the author dwells on some ideas and gives others a glancing mention, seemingly at random. There's nothing to tie the sections and chapters together other than their broad relation to the subject of databases.

There are some books that people find useful long after they have been acquainted with a subject--books that articulate ideas and principles that they have internalized from long experience and that elicit a "Yeah, that sure is true" response from the intermediate or advanced reader. This might be one of those books. But speaking as one programmer with some database experience, looking for books to supplement the knowledge I'm having to acquire on the job by necessity, this wasn't a helpful book for me. If you're looking for a true introductory text, spend your time and money elsewhere.

Other Reviews

• Well written, enjoyable introduction to database concepts
• A bit chaotic, but nice to read
• OK for DB professionals, NOT for beginners
• Big Disappointment
• This books stands out