The text uses a tutorial style that focuses on learning by interaction and experimentation. The text also thoroughly covers programming in Pure LISP before programming in Imperative LISP so that students get used to recursive programming. It gives an ordered presentation of Commom LISP - for example, it introduces packages simultaneously with symbols for easier assimilation and provides extensive example interactions with LISP to illustrate material being taught. The book devotes attention to style and debugging to familiarize students with realistic situations and helps novices recognize error messages and what they mean through intentional keyboard errors.