[deangiberson]

They can't explain what they've learned, because SICP covers so much ground. The best way I can explain is by negative examples. SICP is not:

- A learn X in 7 days book

- A technique driven solution book (cookbook)

- A quick overview of the new hotness library/language/api/framework

- A list of all the functions that you should know

- A reprinting of the half complete wiki documentation of a weekend github toy

- A one off read that you dump in the recycle bin

SICP gives grounding to some of the core problems in computer science. I've returned to it several times, and I always learn something from what I've missed before. Understanding how functions/closures/namespaces/objects all interrelate, how to think in recursion, building higher order programs from pieces, it even covers simple examples of VMs. It's a very strong entry text that has stood the test of time, and is still providing value. Few texts in comp-sci can say the same. SICP does a good job of connecting the theory of comp-sci with a real language without overwhelming the student with absurd language syntax problems.

When any one asks me to recommend a computer book I recommend SICP. Best of all no one has to take my word for it, the book is free. https://mitpress.mit.edu/sicp/ go read it and form an opinion.

Who is SICP not for? If you are at a high level with programming with multiple languages under your belt, most of this would seem like a refresher. If you really "know" VMs then this is going to very low level stuff. If you want a quick read to learn the syntax for scheme this is not the book for you.