Lauren Ipsum [Paperback]

Carlos Bueno (Author), Ytaelena López (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 20, 2011

A story about computer science and other improbable things. Laurie is lost in Userland. She knows where she is, or where she's going, but maybe not at the same time. The only way out is through Jargon-infested swamps, gates guarded by perfect logic, and the perils of breakfast time at the Philosopher's Diner. With just her wits and the help of a lizard who thinks he's a dinosaur, Laurie has to find her own way home.

Lauren Ipsum is a children's story about computer science. In 20 chapters she encounters dozens of ideas from timing attacks to algorithm design, the subtle power of names, and how to get a fair flip out of even the most unfair coin.

Get one, Give one: For every copy of Lauren Ipsum sold, another copy will be donated to schools, libraries, and educational programs. See www.laurenipsum.org for more details.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A Looking Glass tale for the computer age." -School Library Journal 

"Lauren Ipsum is part of a much larger movement that seeks to bring programming skills to, well, everyone." -Wired

Product Details

• Paperback: 156 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (November 20, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1461178185
• ISBN-13: 978-1461178187
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #64,384 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Carlos Bueno is an engineer at Facebook, where he makes things go faster. He is the author of many articles about computer science and the structure of the internet.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought-provoking, entertaining read. November 21, 2011

By Ben Z

Format:Kindle Edition

Lauren Ipsum is a remarkable book, the latest in the exalted but rarefied tradition that runs from Lewis Carroll through The Phantom Tollbooth, making stops at Godel Escher Bach and others along the way. It covers a whimsical journey with fun characters across unknown cognitive lands, bringing to life logic and computer science puzzlers and thought experiments. Recommended for advanced youngsters and adults who are young at heart and like thinking about what they read. It's gentle and unintimidating if you're just curious, but I'm a professional technologist and still learned and solidified some great concepts while reading this book.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible! Finally an accessible intro to comp sci for kids! November 30, 2011

By Holy_Handgrenade

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was excited when I first learned about this project almost a month ago. Carlos decided to post the first chapter up on the projects main website which hooked me instantly. As soon as it was available I got it for the kindle and took the time to read it fully.

The exceptional part of this work is that it is an accessible introduction to computer science and how the various systems work. While this is not the first attempt I've seen at directing kids into the fascinating world of computer science, this is the first one that doesn't stumble on presenting complex topics such as math as a workbook or otherwise try to explain binary in a "textbook" sort of way.

Everything is presented in a very Alice in Wonderland style of story where every concept is explained from a character's point of view and uses characterizations to convey or represent specific concepts. In the case of binary, Carlos presents the ways that it is used first showing it in action, with our heroine, Laurie, asking the "how does it do that?" question which gets explained clearly by another character. Covering things like algorithms, encryption, security concepts, precision and heuristics, even presenting how to work on a timing attack. Userland is also described beautifully and makes some, not as obvious as other, attempts at explaining how computer systems are organized.

As an adult, I enjoyed the read. It was fun to go through and constantly going back through the chapters going "Ahh, I see what you did there!" All in all I highly recommend this book for anyone, not just kids.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought altering November 23, 2011

By Bill Sempf

Format:Kindle Edition

I have read then and I have written them, but few books have changed the way I think about software development like Lauren Ipsum. Never have I read a clearer, more descriptive rendition of what computer science is REALLY about. So glad I sponsored the Kickstarter. After reading it myself and having my wife read it (She now knows I am a Composer!) I have been reading it to my son, a little at a time.

If you are even slightly interested in engineering, computer science or maths, you should give this book a try. I don't love many books, but when I do they have Turtles!