I've tried many used Java Programming text books but they haven't been as user-friendly as this one is. I only gave it 4 stars because I haven't gotten very far in the book. I'm taking it slowly and trying to remember what I learn; I want to really understand what this programming language is all about. I would recommend this book only if it comes with the CD. Previous text books that I have purchased without the CD are actually useless - at least they were to me.