Rating: 

After finishing Head First Java I can say that I am well on my way to fully grasping many of the OO concepts that have thus far seemed fairly elusive.

I can also honestly say that this is the BEST programming book that I have ever read -- Java or otherwise. Many books make the claim that theirs is the most innovative / unique method for learning a particular topic. In my opinion, this one actually lives up to that and more.

The conversational writing style makes the presenation of the most technical material in the book easy to understand and relate to. In addition, the ample use of pictures (some very funny) is extremely effective at clarifying and emphasizing the point being made.

I'm a little embarrassed to admit it, but I actually laughed out loud at least twice while reading this book. Now, for fear of even more embarrassment, I won't say what made me laugh -- but I'm willing to bet that I'm not the only one who did this. (At least I hope I'm not)

For anyone considering this book -- you should ask yourself what the last programming book was that made you do that. For me, it was a first.

I know my above comments make me sound like a HeadFirst cheerleader -- but the book really is that good.

Congratulations to Kathy and Bert for an outstanding resource.