This book distinguishes itself from other Java books in that it does not assume prior programming experience and introduces object-oriented techniques early and explored them extensively. The book is interspersed with step-by-step exercises illustrating the concepts as they are explained.
Joyce Farrell was formerly a Professor of Computer Information Systems at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois. Prior to joining Harper College, Farrell taught Computer Information Systems at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, Illinois. She is the author of many Programming books for Course Technology, a part of Cengage Learning[1]. Her books are widely used as textbooks in higher education institutions.
"When I write my books I use the same language, examples, analogies, and entertaining exercises that made my class sessions fun and made the lessons stick. I was always thrilled when former students would return for a visit and tell me how they were able to solve problems at their new jobs when others were stumped because of the thorough programming backgrounds they got in my courses." -Joyce Farrell
The book is a learn by doing. Gives follow along demos in the chapter and plenty of exercises at the end of chapter to make sure that the lesson was understood.