Fascinating new book, and format

I learned of this book through Erich Gamma's mention in an interview. I figured if Erich (father of design patterns) liked it, it was worth looking at. What I found was at a totally new approach to not only design patterns, but technical writing. Gone are page after page of straight text and dry diagrams. In their place are useful and fun diagrams, storylines, interesting examples and even some dry humor (which I rather enjoyed).

I'm not a stranger to design patterns, but reading this book was both entertaining and informative (I learned a thing or two). It would make a wonderful introductory text on design patterns, or even for seasoned professionals it is a fun way to spend a couple evenings.

complicates simple subjects and gave reader illusions

I skimmed through a few pages of the book in B&N and thought it was a great book. Then I decided to buy it after reading all those great reviews on Amazon.com. After I had a chance to sit down and read through the first chapter, I find the book difficult to follow. It's too wordy and too many funny (but distracting) graphics. It explains everything step by step like a presentation with embedded cartoon icons and comments on each page. Even for a simple idea that can be explained in a single sentence, the book drags it to 5 pages but you will not get the point until you read all those pages. So often I have to say, "Stupid Author! It's so simple. Why don't you just say it in a single sentence or two." Everything is overly stretched. Because it's overly stretched, plus those wacky cartoons, by the time you reach the conclusion, you forget the 1st half of it. Then you have to go back and link all the ideas together. Look! I don't know why everyone gave high rating on this book. Perhaps they didn't read enough prior to their reviews.

In summary, the book complicates simple subjects which gave the reader an illusion that complicated subjects were well taught.

Now I know why there is a 34% discount on this book. Do yourself a favor before buying this book, spend some time in B&N to read the first 3 chapters (not including the introdution). I really don't suggest this book if you are looking for a good design patterns book. But if you are just bored on a long commute to work and want something to read instead of filling in the newspaper puzzles, then go for it.

Awsome!!!

The best book of all time, I wish lectures and training courses used the techniques that this book uses.

One thing that would make it better is color pages, but you cant have everything.

you dont have to poke yourself in the eye while reading this book!