Hey, that's cool stuff - check it out. Apparently, O'Reilly have found new way to sell more books. It's a sort of modern version of the "X for complete idiots" series - actually they call it "Head First". The main idea as far as I understand is to set out material in a form of a story abundantly filled with fun weird (while in fact attention-grabbing) images (which are more memorable than words). Here is an official description:
If you've read a Head First book, you know what to expect--a visually-rich format designed for the way your brain works. Using the latest research in neurobiology, cognitive science, and learning theory, Head First Design Patterns will load patterns into your brain in a way that sticks. In a way that lets you put them to work immediately. In a way that makes you better at solving software design problems, and better at speaking the language of patterns with others on your team.Hmmm, neurobiology... loads directly into my brain... I'm not sure if I like it actually. We need some brain-access security here!
Anyway that looks pretty interesting. There are only four books in "Head First" series published already - on servlets/JSP, Java, EJB and Design Patterns. All Java-oriented, but that last one:
is an universal of course, so I just ordered it. Check out sample chapters, especially this one - they are awesome.
PS. Oh, and I think Rory should sue O'Reilly for stealing his idea of presenting tech info along with weird images mixed with hand-written text.
I am currently reading the Design Patterns book.
I like it.