Rating: 

Jessica, however, not only explains underlying concepts and why some techniques should be preferred over others, but also tells the reader, and SHOWS the reader, exactly what to do. The book is logically organized so that chapters build on one another, allowing the reader to progress from basic to advanced -within conceptual frameworks, step-by-step. Got something you wanna know how to do? It's here.

But wait, there's more: Mantaro writes with a sense of humor, nicely anticipating how a reader's brain will compare technical material to everyday life (parent-child relationships, for example). The frequent (but not too frequent) chuckles make everything more digestible. Beginner or pro, you'll find much of value in this "missing manual," and in no case have I mumbled to myself, "...but what does THAT mean?"

What's missing? Some Msoft gotcha's and bugs and the work-arounds for them as well as some "tips 'n tricks." But she had to stop SOMEwhere. I hope a website based on her book emerges, where users (and hopefully she) will add suplementary material which will become the basis of the NEXT edition.

Don't MAKE me come over there...BUY THIS BOOK! Really.