If you do not wish to build your own Linux system from scratch, then you probably don't want to read this book. Our goal is to build a complete and usable foundation system. If you only want to know what happens while your computer boots, then we recommend the "From Power Up To Bash Prompt" HOWTO. The HOWTO builds a bare system which is similar to that of this book, but it focuses strictly on creating a system capable of booting to a BASH prompt.
While you decide which to read, consider your objective. If you wish to build a Linux system while learning a bit along the way, then this book is probably your best choice. If your objective is strictly educational and you do not have any plans for your finished system, then the "From Power Up To Bash Prompt" HOWTO is probably a better choice.
The "From Power Up To Bash Prompt" HOWTO is located at http://axiom.anu.edu.au/~okeefe/p2b/.