I bought this book, after careful deliberation with myself(due to its price) last year, when I started my degree in Computer Science.
The book is easy to read, with lots of clarifying moments(when you exclaim 'Eureka') as something that was obscured before becomes cristal clear.
The structure, content, and pace are excellent. Though at first sight it may appear somewhat lengthy, by the time you finish it you will be left wanting more(so in effect it could be argued that it's short).
I learned LOTS by reading this book, and served very well as a refresher of things I already knew, and as a complement to the course materials I was studying at uni. It covers pretty much all the basic elements of computer science, with the exclusion of robotics, I think.
Most importantly, it doesn't assume much knowledge from part of the reader/student, and all information is presented in an approachable, entertaining, yet deep way.
There are many books on CS out there, and as an introductory text, this is one of the best. Highly recommended.