Rating: 
Summary: Perfect companion to the GoF classic
Review: Unlike so many other books on this subject, "Design Patterns Java Workbook" is very careful and precise in its usage of words, it is considerably insightful, it is fun to read, and has a unique style that does not try to immitate the GoF book. The challenges are also a great way to keep you on your toes.This is, hands down, the best design patterns book for java developers that I've come across so far and now sits right next to GoF in my library.
Rating: 
Summary: Should be called "swing patterns on windows"
Review: Virtually all 23 examples are based on swing and awt. The discussions are mostly a swing lovefest. This for me is a huge distraction. Patterns are a big enough challenge in addition to learning java client programming, which I have no interest in. Events and listeners, in my view, are very specialized and leave me wondering where these patterns may fit into the type of programming I do (xml/xsl, ejb, servlets). The Windows format, glaring for the rmi example(fortunately already did it on unix), was only a minor short comming in comparison. However, I found "design patterns explained" to be one of the best programming books I have ever read.
Rating:
Summary: A must-have...
Review: Well, not really a must-have, but certainly a highly-recommended-have. We use this book for a class on software design, and its' the best thing I've seen on design patterns (apart from Design Patterns, of course). Use them together. Excellent book.
Rating: 
Summary: A good companion to GOF and an excellent brain teaser
Review: While most books are intent on conveying theory with the aid of examples, here's a refreshing book that actually challenges you to use your mind while reading the book. In essence, the concept of a workbook has existed since our schooling days but never applied in the professional world. The workbook concept brings back some school memories, but in this fast paced world where we are conditioned to act and learn instantaneously, it is kinda cool to think a little bit before getting the solution (Math without calculators concept).
The Workbook provides lots of good examples and tries to give readers a good review of the design patterns as described by the GOF book. This book serves as an effective companion to the GOF book as it does extend the knowledge from the GOF book, but would not necessarily substitute for the original on your bookshelf.
I would rate this book as a MUST HAVE for any of the Java programmers out there.
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