java

Java How to Program, 7th Edition
$127.00
The book isn't the easiest to understand for a beginner and the index is useless unless you have the time and energy to weed through the useless information and sometimes confusing organization of it. Sometimes the source code examples are not helpful and sometimes non-existent. With that said the book is very heavy, although I think it has to be in order to do what it is trying (and in some places outright failing) to do. It is in color which helps, but I think there are better books for beginners. If you know java and need a reference on hand, this might not be too bad. For beginners, look elsewhere.

SCJP Sun Certified Programmer for Java 6 Exam 310-065
$49.99
Everything was just ok!!! Pitty that the item went to local Customs clearance, but well... not the seller's fault!
Thx!!!

Beginning Programming with Java For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))
$24.99
I got this book because of the good reviews, but I promptly returned it and got Head First Java, which is much more comprehensive. I got over the usual "for dummies" annoyances like the constant joking and the constant referrals to other chapters. What I couldn't get over was that this book did not go far enough. I know that it is for beginners, but this book really doesn't teach you very much at all. If it was to be a real beginner's book, maybe the author should have spent more time discussing HOW the code works and much less on the actual Java language. There also should be exercises to do on your own, and there aren't any at all. That would have offered the most value for beginner programmers.

In short, if you just want to read about programming, get this book. If you actually want to do some of it, this book isn't for you.

Effective Java (2nd Edition)
$54.99
This book is loaded with best practices for the seasoned Java programmer. Every Java developer should keep this book in their book bag. This book provides advice on many Java pitfalls that are often overlooked. The book has been updated with recommendations on many of the new features included in Java 5 & 6 that are particularly useful.