I guess I should be mad at the institution, but that wouldn't be productive. Where do I start now to start learning what I actually need to know? It seems like there is so much I don't know.
I've slowly learned basic CS concepts since then on my own and working with others, and either some day I'll have time to fill in the gaps or I'll just continue to work in the "narrow area where [my] deficit doesn't matter."
I think the author has it backwards though, -he- is the one that works in a narrow area where the deficit does matter.
I will say though, it's really intense on theory, and it requires a good background in math. A lot of people will recommend this book though. Also, it's physically heavy :)