beginner Java books?

My general Java book, tutorial and library recommendations are right here. It's a bit over a year out of date, but not all that much has changed in Java land in that time period. There are a few books, like Thinking in Java, you can download freely.

Killer Game Programming in Java by Andrew Davison.

A good resource for game specific development. Read this after you have read a book about general java programming. It is a few years old, but it covers a lot of topics such as 2D, 3D, particle generation, and online multiplayer.

Hands down "Head First Java", by Sierra and Bates. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Head-First-Java-Kathy-Sierra/dp/0596009208/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371822637

Hands down "Head First Java", by Sierra and Bates. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Head-First-Java-Kathy-Sierra/dp/0596009208/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371822637

It is. It's so easy to understand that even 5th grader could pick it up, and start programming. One of the writers is professional educator, so he knows how to get stuff into your brain quickly. It even has tips on how and when should you read the book. For example, before reading you should take a glass of water, because hydrated brain works better than dehydrated, and more tips. It is very visual book so if you have visual memory then it also helps with learning. Also it has exercises at the end of chapters.

So if you are looking for really good book for beginners, this is the best choice.