Beginning SQL Server2005 Programming (Programmer to Programmer)

Microsoft SQL Server(TM) 2005 Administrator's Pocket Consultant (Pro-Administrator's Pocket Consultant)

SQL Server 2005 T-SQL Recipes: A Problem-Solution Approach

Professional SQL Server 2005 Integration Services (Programmer to Programmer)

Sql

Beginning Transact-SQL With SQL Server 2000 and 2005

Format: Paperback
Author: Paul Turley
ReleaseDate: 31 October, 2005
Publisher: Wrox
Rating:

Does not cover the important new features
The implication was that this book covers the new features of SQL Server 2005. I bought the book, based on previous positive critics here (Amazon). Well, the first one that I was looking for, the PIVOT (crosstab) is not even mentioned, let alone covered even briefly. I did not search all the new features, but if you want a book that cover both old and new features, this one is certainly NOT the one that you should look for.
The publisher rep tried to tell me that no one book could cover all subjects. This is true, but for a book that specialize in T-SQL and T-SQL only, the features should have been covered, or, at least mentioned briefly.
I've found books that cover the new features only, or the old features only. The quest is not over for me, yet.
ZA.

Practical and Usable
Essential concepts and techniques are explained clearly without talking down to the reader. The authors have experience both as T-SQL developers and trainers, and it shows. There's thorough coverage of the most commonly used T-SQL elements, in an easy-to-read style. It's well organized and includes appendices and a good index, making it easy to use as a reference. I work with both SQL Server 2000 and 2005, so it's ideal that the book covers both environments.

There are tons of code samples; most of them use the AdventureWorks database so reproducing them is easy. The exercises at the end of each chapter are good practice - not too difficult, but still good at reinforcing the content (answers are in the back of the book). Parts of my work involve reporting, so I found the chapter on doing Reporting Services development helpful as well. The biggest drawback I've found to this book is that my copy keeps getting borrowed.

Good for non-techie beginners!
I found the structure, content and style of this book to be very useful in my quest to teach myself the program. I don't consider myself a techie but recently became interested in learning more about SQL and how it can help me do my job more efficiently. It was easy to understand and helped me to learn the basics with a hands-on approach. My lack of experience caught up to me in some of the later chapters but overall I found the book extremely informative and I've benefited greatly from reading it. .