I think as soon as I get that python book, I'm going to put C++ on hold. I think the ivor horton's book is great, but I'm getting too far ahead of myself. I like the complexity of the book, and you can really learn the language at a fast pace. I think this book should be supplemental to CS classes in college because you need to further your understanding of the topics. I noticed that the book builds on the previous chapters, so If you don't quite understand or retain the knowledge, you will be lost in the next. I just started learning C++ 2 weeks ago and I'm on chapter 7 now. Looking at the classes offered in a BA degree, I see they spend more time on the learning the topics. I think this book does a good job of getting you up to speed on C++ and also has information about using visual studio. It also does a good job introducing the information to beginners or those with little experience. The book is also a good reference, I just wish it had an expanded index; I had a hard time finding the page numbers of where to find functions in the standard library. Maybe the standard library chapter covers how to look up functions. I like the way they broke up classes into 3 chapters; the information seemed overwhelming, but with practice and further examples it seems a little bit more clear.