Fix table alignment and consolidate callout boxes

- Fix 75 grid tables: ensure first column is always left-aligned
- Update format_tables.py to enforce left-aligned first column rule
- Update convert_pipe_to_grid_tables.py to enforce same rule
- Consolidate redundant callout boxes in ops, model_compression, serving, dl_primer
- Streamline napkin math sections for better flow

book/tools/scripts/content/convert_pipe_to_grid_tables.py

@@ -123,6 +123,8 @@ def convert_to_grid_table(headers: List[str], alignments: List[str], data_rows:
 
     This creates the basic grid structure. The format_tables.py script will
     handle proper formatting, bolding, and alignment.
+
+    IMPORTANT: First column is ALWAYS left-aligned per book style guide.
     """
     # Calculate column widths (basic - formatter will refine)
     num_cols = len(headers)
@@ -133,6 +135,10 @@ def convert_to_grid_table(headers: List[str], alignments: List[str], data_rows:
             if i < len(col_widths):
                 col_widths[i] = max(col_widths[i], len(cell))
 
+    # RULE: First column must ALWAYS be left-aligned (book style guide)
+    if alignments and alignments[0] != 'left':
+        alignments[0] = 'left'
+
     # Build border line
     def build_border():
         parts = ['-' * (w + 2) for w in col_widths]
@@ -141,7 +147,10 @@ def convert_to_grid_table(headers: List[str], alignments: List[str], data_rows:
     # Build separator line (with alignment markers)
     def build_separator():
         parts = []
-        for width, align in zip(col_widths, alignments):
+        for idx, (width, align) in enumerate(zip(col_widths, alignments)):
+            # Enforce first column left-alignment
+            if idx == 0:
+                align = 'left'
             if align == 'center':
                 parts.append(':' + '=' * width + ':')
             elif align == 'left':

book/tools/scripts/content/format_tables.py

@@ -264,6 +264,7 @@ def detect_column_alignments(header_rows: List[List[str]], data_rows: List[List[
     Detect optimal alignment for each column based on content.
 
     Rules:
+    - FIRST COLUMN: Always left-aligned (book style guide requirement)
     - Numeric columns (>70% numbers): right-aligned
     - Text columns: left-aligned
     - Mixed: left-aligned (default)
@@ -275,6 +276,11 @@ def detect_column_alignments(header_rows: List[List[str]], data_rows: List[List[
     alignments = []
 
     for col_idx in range(num_columns):
+        # RULE: First column is ALWAYS left-aligned (book style guide)
+        if col_idx == 0:
+            alignments.append('left')
+            continue
+
         # Collect all values in this column (skip empty cells)
         column_values = []
         for row in data_rows:
@@ -689,6 +695,10 @@ def validate_table(parser: GridTableParser, max_width: Optional[int] = None) ->
     """
     warnings = []
 
+    # Check first column alignment (must ALWAYS be left-aligned per style guide)
+    if parser.alignments and parser.alignments[0] != 'left':
+        warnings.append(f"First column must be left-aligned (found: {parser.alignments[0]})")
+
     # Check header bolding (check ALL header rows for multiline headers)
     unbolded_headers = []
     for row_idx, header_row in enumerate(parser.header_rows):