Unicorns Among Us

Understanding the High Priests of Data Science

By: Lars Nielsen

Narrated by: Dave Wright

Data scientists - the so-called "high-priests" of big data - combine unique and esoteric skills. Part intuitive artist, part statistical modeler and part programmer, the practitioner of this new art of research must be able to detect and make sense out of patterns hidden within millions upon millions of pieces of constantly streaming, completely unstructured data.

He or she must also must be able to smooth and clean the data, ask the right questions about that data, make valid inferences from the data as to how consumers and markets behave, and create statistical models with which to pinpoint behavioral triggers which prove or disprove their theories.

Jonathan Goldman, who administered the data science team behind LinkedIn's highly successful "People You May Know" button, notes that data scientists are sometimes referred to as "unicorns" simply because the combination of skills and talents required to do their job is so rare and hard to find.

In Unicorns Among Us, Lars Nielsen lays out the brief history of data science since its beginnings not long ago in this century. He as well explores the evolution of the role of the data scientist through this same period, and explores the best qualifications, the tools, the techniques, and the training involved in the practice of this arcane discipline.

Nielsen's audiobook will prove indispensable for anyone contemplating a career in this lucrative area, as well as any novice tasked to work with a data science team.

©2014 New Street Communications, LLC (P)2014 New Street Communications, LLC

Perfect for laymen & would-be data scientists

Where does Unicorns Among Us rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 10%.

What did you like best about this story?

Excellent information cogently presented.

What about Dave Wright’s performance did you like?

Good delivery, enjoyable.

Any additional comments?

This was an hour or so of well-spent listening. Learned much. Very useful.

Outstanding Intro

Excellent, easy and enjoyable tutorial on the Zen of data science and the professionals who practice that Zen - what they do, and how and why they do it. Data Science is a nuanced craft, and this nuanced exposition delivers a firm understanding such as will prove of special value to non-techies (and, for that matter, would-be data scientists). Highly recommended.

Data Scientist role overview

Some sparks of insight probably worth the price of admission. Some parts that sound like an excel spreadsheet being read with feeling. I had hoped for something more substantial.

First Few Chapters Are the Best

Would you try another book from Lars Nielsen and/or Dave Wright?

Maybe

Any additional comments?

Too much of the book focused on a specific software that for a while I forgot I was listening to a book about data scientists, as the title suggested.

Excellent overview!

What made the experience of listening to Unicorns Among Us the most enjoyable?

So many funny quotes.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Unicorns Among Us?

A very good high level description of Hadoop.

Have you listened to any of Dave Wright’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't listened to any of the other books by this author.

Last chapter is the best chapter

The last chapter discussed what isn't captured by the "unicorn's way of thinking. I found that to the most interesting aspect of the book.

pretty boring missed its opportunity in actual insights and value by example

talks mostly about the tools and history without actually describing real world examples and real insights