
As someone who always thought coding Alexa skills would require a computer science degree, this book by Sammy Zimmermanns was a revelation! The way it breaks down complex concepts into bite-sized steps makes you feel like a programmer within hours.
The real magic happens when you actually follow along with your Echo device. I'll never forget the childish glee I felt when my first custom "weather cat facts" skill actually worked (yes, it meows before telling the forecast). The book somehow makes JSON and AWS Lambda feel approachable.
What surprised me most was discovering how many everyday problems can be solved with simple skills. I created a custom morning routine that not only reads my schedule but also reminds me to water specific plants on specific days - something no pre-made skill could do.
The only drawback? You might become that annoying friend who keeps saying "I could automate that for you" at every opportunity. And fair warning - while the German is clear, some coding terms might still feel foreign if you're completely new to programming.
For anyone who's ever looked at their Echo and thought "I wish it could..." - this book is your golden ticket. Just be prepared to lose track of time as you fall down the rabbit hole of creating increasingly quirky skills!
