Rating: 
Summary: A comedy of ERRORS
Review: Multiple authors with differing styles is OK. The information is mostly well presented and targeted for the exam. But the sample test questions are a disaster. They are awful. About 10% of the questions in the book and on the practice CD are woefully wrong. Examples abound and range from questions that don't list any correct answer as an option, due to a type-o (p. 211 #2), to questions on the software exam that say "select two" and then give radio buttons, thus making multiple selections impossible. If you are looking for a second or a third book to read to prepare for the exam, you'll be able to extract enough good from this to merit the purchase. Plus, debugging the [messed] up questions is good practice! But if you are looking for one book with which you hope to prepare, avoid this one. Much better is that from Roberts, Heller and Ernest (Also has some errors, but there is an errata list on the website). The folks at Osborne also have an errata page, which doesn't mention this book...
As series editor, blame must fall squarely on Mike Meyers, who says "I love every aspect of this book you hold in your hands". Next time, better look at all the aspects of a book before sending it to press.
Rating: 
Summary: Poor quality control
Review: The contents of the book are OK if you already know Java and want to quickly brush up. There is too much assumed to just pick this book up as your first Java certification book. My major complaint is that there are numerous errors in the question and answers and on the CD's practice exam which is the main reason for buying. It is very frustrating to look at a list of answers and feel that none of them are correct or to look for a third when only two are - you find yourself doubting your knowledge and then, doubting the rest of the book's contents.
Rating: 
Summary: What you need to know to be certified
Review: The subject says it all. This book isn't designed to teach a newbie to code Java, but for those that have Java experience and want to know what subjects are needed to pass the certification. There are other books that go into greater detail, but you will pay 2x more. If you have the $, go for the others, but for the cost, this is a great buy!!
Rating:
Summary: What you need to know to be certified
Review: The subject says it all. This book isn't designed to teach a newbie to code Java, but for those that have Java experience and want to know what subjects are needed to pass the certification. There are other books that go into greater detail, but you will pay 2x more. If you have the $, go for the others, but for the cost, this is a great buy!!
Rating:
Summary: Run Away -- Run Away
Review: This book is only worth purchasing as a doorstopThere are numerous errors in the test areas. The result is that you can not determine whether or not you are indeed prepared. It will waste your time to use these materials; to speak much less of your money!
Rating:
Summary: Run Away -- Run Away
Review: This book is only worth purchasing as a doorstop There are numerous errors in the test areas. The result is that you can not determine whether or not you are indeed prepared. It will waste your time to use these materials; to speak much less of your money!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Java book to clear concept, but not for newbies.
Review: This is a very good Java book for not only the certification exam but also the one which helps you to get clear concept. I have experience in programming Java and now decide to go certified. I do feel this book help me quite a lot in the exam preparation. It serves as a very good review for the Java knowledges I have. The price of the book is also very nice. I can say that you get far more than you paid. One thing I would like to mention is this book probably a little bit tough for the newbies. If you are new to Java and do not have much OOP experience, I will not recommand you this one. Although most of comments here are negative, I still want to give this book a high rating.
Rating:
Summary: OK at best
Review: What's Good:
1. Gives you good overview of what to expected on the exam.
2. Questions at the end of each chapter and their answers (not all answers are clear but overall it's acceptable).
3. Quick summary at the end of each chapter. What's Bad:
1. Tons of errors. Just look at the book's webpage. The lack of professionalism on the publisher's part is quite evident. Let me put it this way, if I had know it had this much errors prior to purchasing this book, I wouldn't have purchased it. 2. Very weak in area's where explanation IS necessary. It really annoys the hell out of you after a while. This is definitely not a book for beginners, but even if you are an expert some statements in the book will make you say "huh, what the heck are they talking about?"
3. The accompanying CD is worthless! Just go to "JavaRanch.com/maha" for mock exams. What's Ugly:
1. The book's index is just horrible! You can hardly find what you are looking for even though something pertaining to it is discussed in the book.
2. No glossary. What's an exam book without a glossary? The book make's it nearly impossible to do last minute check on things you don't fully comprehend. If the back of the book index was good the lack of a glossary would have been acceptable but it isn't. I would recommend that you go to your local library and check it out rather than purchase it. You definitely shouldn't rely on this book alone to prepare you for the exam.
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