Targeted at Oracle professionals who need fast and accurate working examples of complex issues, Oracle In-focus books target specific areas of Oracle technology in a concise manner. Plenty of working code is provided without a lot of theory, allowing database managers to solve their problems quickly without reviewing data that they already know. All code scripts are available for instant download from a companion web site.
I read the first edition of this book a few years ago. It contains a lot of useful information, but sometimes it not covers the concepts in the right detail. Mr. Burleson is a respected Oracle professional, so I suggest to read this book because it explains a lot of concepts anyway. But my personal opinion is that if you want a book with a lot of details about the Oracle optimizer you have to read "Cost-Based Oracle Fundamentals" by Jonathan Lewis. Great!