Topics such as multithreading, streams, and networking seemed to be just a bunch of nonsense to me until I picked up this book. I would say that the Head First series is probably one of the best things that happened in the history of computer literature publishing. What I admire about the series most is the unprecedented clarity. The humor was alright. The graphics didn't only look great and funny but they CERTAINLY were VERY EFFECTIVE as far as getting the point across to my brain dead smack clear.
As far as content and formatting is concerned, I really appreciated the handwritten annotations alongside the written codes. I would say that I have NEVER seen this EXTREMELY VALUABLE method in any other computer book. I also like the use of ample white space - another feature that most books neglect. From an educational standpoint, I see that the crossword puzzles, quizzes, and small assignments are dead smack relevant to the material presented. Despite Academia's opinion that this series may be unprofessional or even absurd, I would surely use this book as the text since I see its unparalleled effectiveness in teaching concepts that are not the easiest to grasp.
Now, on the downsides. I was hoping that the Head First Java book explained the INFAMOUS GridBagLayout and its SINISTER partner GridBagConstraints. I imagine that the Head First explanation of this extremely complex and confusing layout manager would just do the trick of DEMYSTIFYING this SICKLY AGONIZING part of the Java AWT/Swing. Perhaps there should be a second "Head First Java II" book that would include such topic, along with the difficult JTree and JTable, and other topics not covered in the first Head First Java book.
All in all, the Head First series is WAY easier than the Idiot's or Dummy versions (at least for Java). It surely slaughters Deitel & Deitel's Java books more intended for high school or college text. It even trumps the allegedly easiest Visual ("Read Less, Learn More.") series in EASE, CLARITY, PRACTICALITY, DETAIL, and IN-DEPTHNESS.
I would REALLY like to see the following topics CLARIFIED in future Head First publications:
1. JavaScript/CSS/DHTML
2. JSP/Tomcat
3. PHP/MySQL/Apache
4. C++
5. Data Structures and Algorithms (Lists, Trees, Sorting, etc.)
6. Assembly Language (Various processors)
7. XML
8. ASP/IIs
9. Game Programming
10. Web Design/Usability
11. TCP/IP and Network Administration
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Every single computer-related topic DESERVES to have a Head First publication for it! To whoever is responsible for the publication of the Head First series, THANK YOU SO MUCH! You've done a WONDERFUL job!
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