Rating: 
Summary: Best book for beginners
Review: I've read lots of introduction to Java books but this is the best I've read. As other reviewers noted, he explains Java using a classroom environment. You'll feel like you are in one of his classroom learning Java with other students. Some reviewers were bothered by this style. I think this is a matter of preferrence because this style actually helps me to learn Java without being intimidated by big words that other authors like to use. Also, I'm one of those people who might ask "stupid questions". Some people might get bothered by stupid people like me but not Smiley. He was very patient answering those questions that the students in his books asked. In fact, he uses this technique to review/reinforce the concept he just explained earlier. I still can remember the feeling when I was reading this book and suddenly I "GET" Java. After this book, reading other more advanced Java books became easier for me.So, if you're a novice programmer trying to learn Java, I recommend this book very much. Especially if you're considering one of those for dummies books. I have nothing against for dummies books. But, MY experience tells me that this books is in the same category with those for dummies books in terms of target reader expertise level and this book HELPS ME. btw, from my personal experience, the author is diligent in answering his email when I ask him questions about his book. That tells you something about his dedication to his book doesn't it? :) I wish he would also write a more advanced topic book of programming so I can go and buy it :)
Rating:
Summary: Best book for beginners
Review: I've read lots of introduction to Java books but this is the best I've read. As other reviewers noted, he explains Java using a classroom environment. You'll feel like you are in one of his classroom learning Java with other students. Some reviewers were bothered by this style. I think this is a matter of preferrence because this style actually helps me to learn Java without being intimidated by big words that other authors like to use. Also, I'm one of those people who might ask "stupid questions". Some people might get bothered by stupid people like me but not Smiley. He was very patient answering those questions that the students in his books asked. In fact, he uses this technique to review/reinforce the concept he just explained earlier. I still can remember the feeling when I was reading this book and suddenly I "GET" Java. After this book, reading other more advanced Java books became easier for me. So, if you're a novice programmer trying to learn Java, I recommend this book very much. Especially if you're considering one of those for dummies books. I have nothing against for dummies books. But, MY experience tells me that this books is in the same category with those for dummies books in terms of target reader expertise level and this book HELPS ME. btw, from my personal experience, the author is diligent in answering his email when I ask him questions about his book. That tells you something about his dedication to his book doesn't it? :) I wish he would also write a more advanced topic book of programming so I can go and buy it :)
Rating:
Summary: New to Programming? Want to Learn Java? Get This Book!
Review: If you are new to programming and want to learn Java, buy this book! The author doesn't throw programming jargon at you and expect you to know what they mean like so many other books do! WHAT is up with that!? This book explains things clearly, it's a very easy read too. I can't say enough about this author's approach to teaching. By the way, if you want to learn Visual Basic, try John Smiley's Learn to Program Visual Basic book. Anyway, do yourself a favor and get this book. You will learn Java!
Rating: 
Summary: For someone with no programming experience
Review: If you have no programming experience and want to learn the mindset of writing computer programs using java, then buy this book. Otherwise, pass this by for another Java intro.
Rating:
Summary: Truly a book for beginners
Review: If you're new to programming then this book is probably for you. It takes you from the ground up in the world of Java programming. Java is difficult, but Smiley does a nice job breaking things down. His class room style writing technique is entertaining and raises a lot of good questions. He has some excellent analogies and uses some good examples with illustrations. I use this book in conjunction with Intro to Java by Liang (which is used in my Java class at school), and find that when I'm confused with Java it's Smiley's book that helps me wade through it. Highly recommended for new programmers as well as those crossing over from other languages.
Rating:
Summary: Best introductory technical book I've read
Review: In short, if you really want to get the basics of Java, buy this book.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: It is just great to see that there are books out there like this one. It makes learning java as easy as it could ever be. It makes you feel like you are tutor led. The content is good and this book is a good starting point if you want to learn Java.
I have found it very easy, Everytime I read the book, I feel like I am in a lecture room, with the Author standing in front of the class. It is has been a very good foundation layer for my learning Java. A very good book if you want to learn Java one step at a time. Keep up the good work John
Rating:
Summary: Truly Learn to Program with this book
Review: It took me a week to read this book. Granted I am an experienced programmer. Regardless, Prof Smiley truly knows how to teach programming. This book is really geared towards beginning programmers and I don't think there is a better book out there. If you want to learn how to program using Java as the language then I recommend you start with the book. There are plenty of authors that claim to have a beginning text--Prof Smiley actually delivers. Yes you will hear the complaints about typos and the like. John Smiley has a website with the ERRATA for this book. Remember its a first edition. And the book provides you with his email address. He actually got back to me on the same day.
Rating:
Summary: Finally, a java book that makes sense
Review: John Smiley's book is number seven that I have purchased to learn Java but the first one that is useful. By basing himself on a case study and dramatizing interaction between himself and his students, he makes everything much more concrete. Other Java books get bogged down in arcane examples about how a circle can be derived from a shape, or exercises that require you to determine how many times the letter "e" occurs in a paragraph, etc. John Smiley's book roots you in the real world and explains how Object Orientation addresses real world problems. An indispensable book for anybody new to programming or somebody like myself who has been trained in and experienced with procedural languages.
Rating:
Summary: Basic Learning
Review: John Smiley's latest book on Learning to Program with Java is an easy to read and sound teaching device for those of us who need the fundamentals of Java. The classroom style of learning is incorporated into the text and asks the stupid and elegant questions most of us would ask in an actual classroom environment. Subjects are covered in enough detail with good examples that cement the concepts. I would buy it again.
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