k=R(2ed) 1-9 took me liek 4 hours!!!

is it normal for someone learning programming to have moment liek WTTF!!! where you stare at the screen? I just did not get this exercise......and felt the buildup to it was weak as far as rpeparing em for it....and this is suppsoed to be the greatest programming book ever written!!!  maybe Im a tard?  did you all just bang get this exercise and move on?