Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow versus The Hundred-Page Machine Learning Book.
Both show up on every "best" list. They're not competitors. They're a sequence. Here's which one to read first, and when.
Reviewed by Ashish Sheth · Updated April 2026
Option A
Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow
Aurélien Géron · 2022
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Author
Aurélien Géron
Andriy Burkov
Pages
861
160
Published
2022
2019
Publisher
O'Reilly Media
Andriy Burkov (self-published)
Level
beginner to intermediate
beginner to intermediate
Amazon Rating
4.7/5 (372)
4.6/5 (1,400)
Goodreads Rating
4.55/5 (600)
4.25/5 (1,466)
Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow
Strengths
+ Most practical, code-first ML book on the market
+ Updated 3rd edition covers transformers and modern deep learning
+ Real datasets and exercises that build genuine intuition
+ Bridges classical ML and deep learning in one volume
Caveats
− 861 pages can feel intimidating for casual readers
− Heavy on TensorFlow when industry has shifted toward PyTorch
− Some chapters move fast for true beginners with no Python background
The Hundred-Page Machine Learning Book
Strengths
+ Distills a massive field into ~150 readable pages
+ Endorsed by Peter Norvig and other ML luminaries
+ Author follows up with companion books for deeper dives
+ Costs less than a textbook chapter and is more useful
Caveats
− Genuinely a survey, not a tutorial — you cannot build models from this alone
− Some math notation moves fast for absolute beginners
− Not enough depth to prepare for ML engineer interviews at top companies
The verdict
Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow is the stronger pick overall, but The Hundred-Page Machine Learning Book may suit you better if you're a busy professionals who want a fast ML overview.
Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow
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The Hundred-Page Machine Learning Book
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Frequently asked
Which is better, Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow or The Hundred-Page Machine Learning Book?
Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow is the stronger pick overall, but The Hundred-Page Machine Learning Book may suit you better if you're a busy professionals who want a fast ML overview.
Is Hands-On Machine Learning good for complete beginners?
If you can write Python and remember high-school math, yes. The book teaches ML concepts as you build them. You don't need calculus or linear algebra fluency to start.
Can I really learn machine learning in 100 pages?
You can learn the vocabulary, the major algorithms, and how to think about ML problems. You cannot learn to build production models. Treat this as a map, not a tutorial.