This book really is excellent. I hope this review reflects that:
Python Essentials You Always Wanted to Know by Shawn Peters provides a brilliant approach to learning Python. It not only moves you through all aspects of programming in Python, but with a focus on using the language to address and efficiently solve problems of many sorts.
Its approach is novel in that it encourages the reader to play a lead role in breaking down and thinking through problems and provides expert guidance on how to do this. It also includes quizzes and answers so that you can test yourself on what you’ve learned.
You can read the book from front to back or jump into whatever aspect of programming is challenging you at the moment. Whether you’re a beginning programmer or an experienced programmer looking to advance your coding skills or approach to problem-solving in Python, you’re going to appreciate this book.
-- Sandra Henry-Stocker, NetworkWorldThis book offers a beginner-friendly approach to learning Python, focusing not only on syntax but also on problem-solving, which is key for effective programming. The author’s clear intent is to make coding enjoyable and relevant, providing examples that are simple yet significant to help readers follow along. The emphasis is on applying coding skills practically, with quizzes and case studies included to solidify understanding. By the end, readers will grasp essential concepts such as Python syntax, data structures, error handling, and object-oriented programming, all while gaining the confidence to solve real-world problems. Having an understanding of these concepts, you will be well-prepared to tackle more advanced Python topics and apply your skills to real-life coding challenges.
-- LooYee NG, Solutions Architect at CTMGWhat a great introduction to this topic, especially for a non-programmer like myself! The examples provided are easy to understand and apply, allowing me to try it out for myself to further cement my understanding of the steps involved. Read, See, Do. A great way to learn. I really enjoyed the quizzes at the end of each chapter, as they emphasized what the important takeaways were and reinforced what I did know - and what I didn’t. I’ll probably never become a programmer, but understanding how programming works is an asset to any user.
-- Sharon Peach B.Sc, B.Ed, M.Ed
This book provides a well-structured and concise introduction to cybersecurity, allowing both beginners and professionals to build or reinforce their understanding. The layout is clean and easy to follow, with well-formatted tables, images, lists, case studies, and practice questions that enhance learning. It effectively covers a wide range of topics, from core concepts to cloud security and GRC, with strong coverage of database security, which is often underrepresented. Ideal for students, professionals, and certification candidates, this book can also support courses in IT fundamentals, security awareness, or introductory cybersecurity.
-- Jonathan Isley
Author, CompTIA CySA+ Certification Guide
Cybersecurity Essentials simplifies a complex field with clarity and purpose. Elastos Chimwanda has crafted a much-needed bridge between foundational cybersecurity knowledge and real-world application. An ideal starting point for students, business leaders, and professionals looking to break into the field.
-- Julio Bandeira de Melo
Cybersecurity Leader
All good scholars always begin with the basics. In Cybersecurity Essentials, Elastos Chimwanda uses his long experience to build an introduction to cybersecurity. The book introduces and defines core terminology and explains where different terms might be encountered. The book covers terms from basic compliance and network security, through cryptography, testing, and incident management. If you are just starting your cybersecurity journey, this can point you in the right direction.
Each chapter has a great deal of definitional explanation, beginning with basic terms, discussing challenges, and then best practices. The book’s latter half dives a little deeper into concepts such as cryptography, Identity and Access Management, and security testing. The author also dives into cloud security and the importance of sharing responsibility with a provider. One of the standout chapters was the Incident Response.
Overall, this book is a great start for anyone beginning their journey into cybersecurity. It introduces the right terms, the right thought patterns, and the correct questions to ask. Every term is carefully explained, and the chapters include follow-up questions to ensure the right message appears. If you are just starting your cybersecurity journey, this book can help ease your journey.
-- Dr. Mark Peters,
Retired USAF and Cybersecurity Author
The author breaks down complex architectures into actionable insights, making it the perfect guide for both beginners and experts. A must-read for any professional working in the AI space looking to stay at the forefront of language model innovation.
-- Mani Garlapati, Sr. Technical Program Manager, Google
This works as an excellent textbook, moving up the ladder of complexity of concepts necessary for anybody wanting to be an AI Engineer. The real-life examples at the end of each section are a must read.
-- Kalpit Bhawalkar, Head of AI, Konverge AI
This book offers a systematic, instructor-ready framework that prepares students for meaningful AI use in professional settings. By grounding instruction in concrete examples, relevant conceptual distinctions, and applied decision-making frameworks, it avoids surface-level tool training and instead cultivates disciplined and principled thinking. The result is a learning experience that enables instructors to teach with intention and students to develop the practical, ethical competence required to embed AI responsibly into real business workflows.
-- Karl R. LaPan
Director, UF Innovate | Accelerate
The University of Florida
Some technology books feel like they are sprinting ahead, scattering jargon and assume you will keep up. This book doesn’t. It slows down. It feels like it was written by someone who remembers what it is like to be curious before being confident.There is no pressure to already understand AI. The author begins with the questions people usually ask–What is AI actually doing? Why does it matter? Where does human thinking end and machine learning begin? As a book lover, I appreciated that. I don’t want to be impressed by complexity; I want to be invited to understand it. The explanations are calm and clear. Concepts like machine learning and neural networks don’t feel like paths you are guided along. You are never made to feel behind for not knowing something already. Instead, understanding builds quietly, until words that once felt intimidating start to feel familiar.What stayed with me most is how human the book feels. AI isn’t treated as a cold, distant force but as something shaped by human choices, data and values. The reminder running through the book is simple and lasting; AI reflects us. This isn’t a book you rush through. I paused often, not from confusion, but from thought, noticing how deeply AI has already woven itself into daily life. That is what good books do, they follow you beyond the pages.It is not a technical manual, and it won’t turn you into an engineer or an expert. But if you want to understand before specializing, this book offers a steady, welcome foundation.By the end, I didn’t feel overwhelmed. I felt clearer, calmer and more curious. For a subject as vast and fast-moving as artificial intelligence, that is a quiet achievement.
-- Himsekha Rai, NetGalley Reviewer
This book is good for those interested in AI regardless of their level of understanding.
I learned the history, how the concept was developed. I learned about the vast amounts of data required and about the various ways of organizing and interpreting data for productive use. I appreciate the practical examples, such as how email programs identify spam and how visual recognition programs work. As the programs advanced, examples of how programs recognize and interpret human speech are given and how generative programs can create text and images.
I also learned that the programs can make mistakes with a few examples given. The latest programs available are listed with suggestions for use depending on what an individual wants to do with it. The ethical issues are also covered, giving examples of how the programs can be used to deceive people.
This is a very interesting book, much of it understandable by people not involved in programming.
-- Joan Nienhuis, Reviewer, Book Reviews from an Avid Reader
I really enjoyed Artificial Intelligence Essentials You Always Wanted to Know because it finally made AI feel understandable instead of overwhelming. The explanations of machine learning, deep learning, NLP, and generative AI are clear, well structured, and written for people who are curious rather than those already having technical expertise, which I appreciated so much. I loved the way the book balances theory with real-world applications and practical examples, plus the summaries and quizzes actually helped reinforce what I was learning instead of feeling like a filler. It’s the kind of guide that builds confidence as you read, and I finished it feeling informed, less intimidated, and genuinely excited about how AI fits into everyday life.
-- Marta Petticoat, NetGalley Reviewer
A concise yet comprehensive guide covering the full spectrum of modern AI, from core ML/DL to the latest in GenAI and ethics. Highly recommended for building foundational literacy.
-- Vinodh Balaraman, Co-founder & CEO, KolateAI Inc
