Rating: 
Summary: I Love It
Review: As an intermediate-level Java programmer, this book has helped me tremendously. Reading it from front to back like a novel, I was able to immediately apply almost every lesson learned. Brett Spell has a wonderfully readable writing style and does a fantastic job of explaining a wide array of sticky topics that apply to almost every Java programmer. The book's diagrams and example code are also excellent. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: I Love It
Review: As an intermediate-level Java programmer, this book has helped me tremendously. Reading it from front to back like a novel, I was able to immediately apply almost every lesson learned. Brett Spell has a wonderfully readable writing style and does a fantastic job of explaining a wide array of sticky topics that apply to almost every Java programmer. The book's diagrams and example code are also excellent. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Good coverage of many Java topics
Review: As its generic title implies, this book doesn't really focus on a single Java topic. Instead, it covers many different topics, most of which area relatively advanced, and does a decent job with almost all of them. Some of the chapters were on topics that are pretty basic, such as event handling and layout managers, but even in those areas I found lots of useful tips and tricks.My one complaint is that some of the examples were a bit contrived. On the other hand, the code samples were extremely clear and easy to understand, and I suppose that there's a tradeoff there between realism and simplicity. That's why I'm still giving this book five stars -- because even if the examples weren't "realistic", they were at least effective. Since the topics are largely unrelated to one another (with the obvious exception that they're all relevant to Java programmers), this isn't a book that I'd recommend someone read from cover-to-cover. However, I do consider it a very good reference for most of the subjects that it covers, and a good starting point for the remainder.
Rating:
Summary: Java Programming in One Book
Review: Best book I have read, so far, that is clear and CONCISE on all the programming aspects of Java, i.e., class design, threads, event handling, etc. Each chapter covers what you NEED to know about each topic and gives great examples.
Rating:
Summary: First rate reference for advanced Java topics
Review: Despite covering advanced topics, this book is surprisingly clear and easy to read. You won't find any lengthy, irrelevant ramblings about the history of this or that or anecdotes about the author's pet in Professional Java Programming -- it gets to the point and covers the topics thoroughly. Another thing I liked is that unlike a lot of programming books these days, this one is written by a single author, which means that there's little or no duplication of information and the writing is consistent throughout the book. That's not to say that this is a title that you'll want to read from cover to cover, but it does provide terrific information on lots of topics.
Rating:
Summary: Professional Java Programming
Review: Excellent choice for a Java programmer already familiar with the basics. This book is a superb example of what a professional Java programmer would find useful. I especially found the JDBC chapter very informative and easy to understand. The chaper on Event Handling was insightful and well written. A great follow up to Beginning Java 2 from WROX. I highly recommend this book as a must for the serious Java professional.
Rating:
Summary: Professional Java Programming
Review: Finally, a well written Java guide for professionals. I am enjoying Brett's insight and knowledge of a wide range of topics covered in this book. The chapter on JDBC was very easy to understand and apply. The JTree chapter was also very informative and helpful. Bravo!
Rating:
Summary: Professional Java Programming
Review: Great clear and practical advice for the aspiring or even the professional java programmer.
Rating:
Summary: A very good Java book worth reading
Review: I almost did not buy this book because someone tell me that it is mostly about client side but that is not true. It also cover many server topics like threads, XML, distributed objects, JDBC, performance and more... The book is very easy to read and the chapters are stand-alone which mean that I can pick it up and read without reading the whole way through and get the information I need. I also enjoy the chapter on OO design very much.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Book for Java Programmers
Review: I am a Sun Java Certified Programmer and I have read and used Spell's book with profit.
It is a book addressed more to people that already have a good grasp of Java and some programming experience.
It is not a book for learning Java as it does not cover Java basics but only advanced topics.
It is more focused on applications programming than on client-server enterprise programming.
It is not a book to use for passing Java certifications as it contains some errors that can confuse you more than help you.
Nevertheless it is a worth-reading book for Java programmers that want to enhance their skills.
Rather overpriced though for what it gives.
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