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Comment by postfuturist | Hacker News Reader

OK, _why is amazing, but the Poignant Guide is really not the best place to learn Ruby. It may be for some, but I have to be honest, it diverges so much into madness and a pointless, meandering storyline for so long that I couldn't bring myself to finish it. I've spoken to others with the same experience. Maybe the first few chapters are worth reading, if only to get references like "chunky bacon". I suggest the pick-axe book for some good Ruby learning.

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I am picking up Ruby, and the Poignant Guide is... uh... lousy. It maunders and meanders and diverges into slightly drunk? stoned? btardy? certainly ridiculous areas.

Problem is, I'm trying to maintain a focus: learning Ruby. Humor is fine. But I want to focus and Get Stuff Done.

So the Poignant Guide is very frustrating.

Dive Into Python IMO is a very good text.

This is part of why I liked LYAH, it's silly but doesn't ever feel like the weird drags on for an eternity.

I've taught Ruby to six or seven people now. We're talking average joe people (well, for the most part. my girlfriend is a nerd). All of them told me point blank "The Pickaxe book made me fall asleep".

The storyline and madness keep the reader's attention in a sea of absolutely alien ideas. If you can't see the value in that...

You may be right to suggest another book as an eager student's introduction to Ruby, but the Poignant Guide is a really awesome book that absolutely deserves a mention. The meandering storyline and its quirky character are part of its charm.

_why's explanation of block syntax in the Poignant Guide sticks with me to this day! The imagery of a little waterslide that block arguments slide down into their block is both charming and memorable.

the Poignant Guide to Ruby is a good, gentle introduction for a true novice, which is why it is listed in the 'getting started' section.

The pick-axe book is listed in the next section.

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