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Rating: 
Summary: Very readable; good preparation for test and work as well
Review: I bought this book since I needed to get a better grip on MySQL, since I got tasked with migrating our data at work from an MS SQL Server that's no longer under support to a new MySQL server coming on line. The book was a pleasure to read, a rarity among technical books. I decided to pursue MySQL Core Certification after reading the book. My tactic was to re-read the first half of the book (the "Core" part), doing about half the exercises. Also, I scribbled notes on data types, etc. (about 10 pages' worth of notes). I'm happy to say that was enough to allow me to pass the Core exam today. The one thing not really covered in the book in adequate detail is stuff on using MyODBC. It's true that the database data used in the book is not given to you, you have to enter it yourself if you want to replicate examples. However, that did force me to get pretty familiar with CREATE DATABASE, CREATE TABLE, INSERT and friends...so it was labor that probably was a good thing, ultimately.
Rating: 
Summary: Essential book to prepare for the exams
Review: I found this an absolutely essential book to prepare for the exams, if only for the fact that it tells you exactly what topics are covered in the exams.I think few people know everything there is to know about MySQL. I find that I'm very good at some parts of MySQL, particularly things I do everyday. Other things, which I rarely (or never) do, I could use improvement. In that case, this book is not a good teaching book. So I turned to another book, Sams' "Teach Yourself MySQL in 21 Days" to cover subject matter I need work on. My only complaints are:
1) The questions at the end of each chapter should be multiple-choice, as the exams are.
2) The book should have come with a CD with the sample data used in the book. That would have saved time, having to manually recreate the data examples.
Rating: 
Summary: No sample data !!
Review: I'm giving this book just 1 star because there is no sample data available. I like MySQL and like the idea of open source but this is a stange inconsistancy. I doesn't make sense. Two thumbs down!!
Rating:
Summary: It's good - and it's "free"
Review: I've read the first couple of chapters, and can only say: Paul DuBois (and his co-authors Stefan Hinz and Carsten Pedersen who, for some reason, aren't listed as authors on Amazon) have done it again: Written an excellent book on MySQL. I have yet to go and actually sit the exam, but I think that this book will have me well prepared by the time I go. I find it frustrating that there are no "real" sample questions -- almost all exercises are open-ended, but what you'll see on the exam are multiple-choice questions. That's why I'm not giving the book the 5 stars that the main text deserves. Oh, and the book is free -- that is, if you're certain you're going to go to the exam anyway. There's a discount voucher inside the book that'll be good for $50.00 (the list price of the book) off of an exam...
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Exam Reference
Review: In the run up to my 'Core' MySQL exam I believed I could survive on exisitng material (the online mannual and other books). However I purchased this book thinking it would be a good decision and was glad I did. Firstly, there are many options and arguments for commands/utilities and the book points you in the right direction for exam relevancy, e.g For utility X, options, Y and Z are important. Secondly, the exam questions at the end of each chapter are excellent. They are a genuine test and challenge of your Mysql knowledge. (...). It has also pointed out that perhaps the exam questions in the book should be multiple-choice, however as per the 'candidate guide', exam questions may appear as text box's for you to enter commands. Overall, this book which was an essential purchase for me and without it I would not have passed the challenging exam. N.B The book is split in two parts, the 'Core' certification and the 'Proffesional' certification. I took the 'Core' exam which is the first half of the book. I have not yet read the second part.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best MySQL books around
Review: This book is not only an excellent source for prepping for the Core and Professional exams, it's also great for teaching good MySQL usage in general. This should be no surprise: Paul DuBois is the main author, and anyone even remotely in touch with MySQL know his reputation.
Now that I'm certified, I will soon be teaching courses in MySQL. I plan to use this book as course material, and I would strongly encourage other instructors to do the same.
Many authors and publishers never follow up on a book once it has been published. Not so here: In the best of Open Source tradition, the authors are extremely keen on following through on the book and have published thorough errata (in the few places it has proved necessary) for the book on the MySQL web site. This shows a commitment to their work rarely seen in other places.
Other reviewers have pointed to a lack of sample data. This is not correct. True, some data is missing but for the most part the data used is the "world" database freely available for download from the MySQL web site. This fact is admittedly somewhat hidden in the introductory pages, and easy to miss.
Some also complain that the exercises are not in the same (multiple-choice) format as you will see on the exam. At first it does look strange, but after completing my studies I fully support the authors' choice in doing what they did. You get a much better knowledge of the subject areas with the format chosen, and learn a lot more about the many inticacies of working with the software.
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