The Pattern on the Stone: The Simple Ideas That Make Computers Work

The Pattern on the Stone by W. Daniel Hillis [1] This book shocked me with the idea of a universal computer:-) "..there is really only one kind of computer .. all kinds of computers are alike in what they can and cannot do" ".. any computing device, whether it’s built of transistors, sticks and strings, or neurons, can be simulated by a universal computer." ".. making a computer think like a brain is just a matter of programming it correctly." [1] https://www.amazon.com/Pattern-Stone-Computers-Science-Maste... (https://www.amazon.com/Pattern-Stone-Computers-Science-Masters/dp/0465066933)

If they might enjoy something on computing, I'd recommend "The Pattern On The Stone: The Simple Ideas That Make Computers Work" by W.Daniel Hillis. It's very clear and well written, is quite short but covers a lot and can be enjoyed cover to cover more like a novel than a textbook.