How to effectively read "Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++" by Bjarne Stroustrup?

Hey everyone,

I recently got a copy of "Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++" by Bjarne Stroustrup (the creator of C++ himself), and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. The book is over 1,200 pages long and seems quite academic in its approach.
I'm planning to use it for self-study, but I have a few questions:

1. Is this book suitable for self-study?
Given that it's an academic textbook, I'm wondering if it's practical to work through it on my own without a structured course or instructor guidance.

2. How should I approach reading it effectively?
Should I:

•Read it cover to cover?
•Skip certain chapters initially?
•Focus more on the exercises than the theory?
•Supplement it with other resources?

3. How long did it take you to complete it?
For those who've finished it, what was your study schedule like?

4. Any tips for staying motivated through 1,200+ pages?

I have some basic programming knowledge but I'm relatively new to C++. Any advice from those who've tackled this book would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

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