in my quantum computing collaboration with literally hundreds of folks, the difficulty i most often see in getting started is that folks are overwhelmed by the math.  thank goodness Woody wrote this book!  the mysteries of Quantum Computing all come down to the math:  Superposition?  check out the first chapter.  Entanglement? take a gander at Chapter 5.  Interference? Phase Kickback? these two come in with the most beautiful equation in mathematics, covered primarily in Chapter 6.  The latter chapters in the book take us into the rules that govern quantum mechanics and quantum computing -- the rules of Hilbert Space.  Woody's reassuring Virginia drawl comes through on every page, reassuring you that you've got this.  and exercises at each step along the way to *make sure* you've got this.  (yes, sorry, you have to do the exercises to really get the math.  some things never change)  and finally, you've gotta love a book with a chapter entitled:  Eigenstuff.