Why do you feel that way? What books would you recommend instead?

Kernighan & Pikes Unix Programming Environment.

It’s *nix specific but a great introduction to all kinds of programming concepts with great working examples in a variety of languages you’ll use every day

Eloquent Javascript is better suited for someone who already has some experience with basic programming and wants to learn javascript while also exploring more advanced concepts in programming in general.

Javascript was not my first language, but I have refered to javascript.info from time to time and it seems to have a gentle introduction.