Rating: 
Summary: A good book,... with a few complaints
Review: I just passed the Java 2 programmer test, and I could not have done it without this book. It's straight and to the point. However, my complaints about the book are: (1) there was a question on the test about native methods, but this book did not cover native methods; (2) the practice questions in the book are only multiple choice, whereas the real test had 4 or 5 text entry questions; (3) the chapter on threads could have been expanded a bit; and (4) adding some illustrations in the AWT chapters would have been nice. Overall, this is a good book, and I do recommend it.
Rating: 
Summary: Not a good 'Prep' book
Review: A prep book is supposed to 'prepare' a student for the test. Unfortunately, this book doesn't do a very good job of it.The initial chapters on syntax etc. are easy and reasonably good. But as soon as you get into heavier concepts, like inner classes, the book starts getting brief, abrupt, and even vague at times. I couldn't even return the book because I had opened the CD. Also the tests in this book are simplistic and don't illuminate concepts well. So of course I went hunting for a good book, and the book that came through shining in all respects was 'A Programmer's Guide to Java Certification by Khalid Azim Mughal and Rolf Rasmussen'. I guarantee it, after you've checked out this book, Mr Brogden's book is just not worth it. Mughal-Rasmussen do an extremely good job of preparing you in the language. The test is just the end result. Also, the tests and solutions are all available online. So if for some strange reason you don't like the book, you can always return it and I would gladly sell you my copy of Mr Brogden's book, CD and all! I give three stars to this book since its not a bad book inherently. It does the job it sets out to do. There just happens to be a better book out there.
Rating: 
Summary: Essential book to pass the exam
Review: I passed my exam last week. This is not your first book for exam preparation. Use this book with Robert's book. If you solve the test at the end of the book carefully. And review all the incorrect answers. I grantee you the success in the exam. Also for the correct answers, you must know why it is correct. Actual test is bit easier than the test in the book. Good Luck
Rating: 
Summary: Sun Certified Java Programmer
Review: "Don't buy this book, it is a trash and expensive" - thebook is poorly written. - the concepts are not well explained - youdon't learn the tricks that you need to know before going to the exam.
Rating:
Summary: Very effective.
Review: Not a book for childrens. Allows to quickly prepare the exam, and learn some useful details. Check last minute changes on his web site.
Rating:
Summary: A very well organized study guide
Review: Overall, an excellent exam preparation guide. This book is laid out in an intuitive and logical manner and the example code is easy to understand. I was very surprised with the depth of knowledge that this book presented. I scrounged around the Web for some mock exam questions and was always able to find information in this book that would have helped me. This book does a great job of pointing out topics likely to come up on the exam. A word of advice however, I believe the section on Threads could have been done a little better. I found this chapter a bit confusing and think that some better example code could have been used. Also, Bill writes an introduction which includes a section on who he thinks is the appropriate audience for this book. I don't agree that this book is for beginners in programming. Besides, why would someone with little experience in programming be studying for the Sun Certification Programmers exam? Rather, I think this book is best suited for those already have a good grounding in the Java fundamentals and are looking to cement the cracks in their knowledge of the language. The strength of this book lies in its well organized "point-by-point" written fashion complimented with concise easy to understand explanations. For those looking for a study guide that presents material in a straight forward fashion and avoids long drawn out discussions, this is the ideal book.
Rating:
Summary: High-Density value
Review: I read Robert's and Heller's Java 1.1 certification study guide but decided to take the Java 2 exam when it was released. I bought this book to bring me up to speed on the changes from 1.1 to Java 2. I was pleased to find the book was succinct yet readable. Each page is crammed with essential information. I don't think you could learn very much from this book if you weren't pretty familiar with Java to begin with, but as exam revision, it's invaluable. I found the questions very useful, often more tricky than the actual exam. Thanks in part to this book, I scored 90% on the exam.
Rating:
Summary: A good book
Review: I read this book before I took the test. There are a lot of examples in this book that are very useful for a beginner. I sadly didn't have time to go through them properly. Therefore I think that this book would serve well as a beginners book as well.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: A book in small format, but packed with useful information. My recommendation must be that you buy this book. If you have a question that needs to be answered when you prepare for the test. Then with high probability you will find it here.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent review of Java 2 Programmer Exam Questions
Review: This book delivers on exactly what it promises, a good review from multiple aspects of the kind of questions you will get on the exam. As the author recommends, do not buy this book to learn Java; those will some practical experience in Java will appreciate that the author doesn't waste time with 'HelloWorld' applets and other rookie nonsense. This book makes an excellent compliment to the big purple Java 2 Certification review (co-written by one of the exam authors). Reading both books with effectively prepare you for the exam. Good Luck.
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