Moths in the Machine : The Power and Perils of Programming

Rating:
Summary: Good history of programming
Review: A great explanation of how the current state of programming came to be. However, the depth of this book is very simplistic, and won't hold the interest of anyone whose done more than a level 100 programming course.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting on two levels
Review: As a programmer, I found this book's discussions on the aesthetics of programming to be unique and very helpful. The code samples given were not as interesting, but they were not aimed at experienced programmers. It is a perfect introduction for people who have experience in analyzing data (engineers, actuaries, etc.) but have never programmed. Don't read this book to learn new code tricks, or any specific language; but I've never read anything better about the art of programming, for either the professional or the beginner.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent essay
Review: Really interesting book, I had to read it from cover to cover, non-stop.
Before undertaking the task to became a programmer, read this.
Helps!