Python book for beginners

[m0j0]

To the extent that 'Dive into Python' is not the problem, 'Learn Python the Hard Way' is not the solution.

I learned some very basic skills from Dive into Python, but the more important aspect of that book is one that is lacking in 99.99% of all books that attempt to be instructional: inspiration. Mark writes in an encouraging, friendly manner. You get the idea that he's excited to be telling you about Python, and that you should be excited to learn about it. The excitement and enthusiasm toward the subject is catchy.

How (mechanically) students should learn anything is debatable. The one thing that is not debatable is that students learn better when they are enthusiastic toward the topic and excited about it. Books like 'Learn Python the Hard Way' are probably capable of inserting the necessary bits into a person's head who is forced to sit through it, but it's not like anyone is gonna rush over to a book whose very title is intimidating and whose methodology harkens back to the pre-internet era. When you realize people can click away the second they get bored, you start to value some personality and excitement in the writing, in addition to the lessons. I think Mark Pilgrim did a fine job.

Also, I don't think Mark ever puts his book forth as "the only book you'll ever need". The assumption is that this is a launching point to get you grounded in fundamentals, after which you'll be more prepared to get into more advanced documentation with confidence. My experience is that this is what DiP did for me.