Well, check out my take on Hibernate books here:
What are the best books for learning Hibernate?
I own Java Persistence with Hibernate (JPWH), and it's a great 800 page reference, but I wouldn't wish it upon anyone to try and learn Hibernate from that book. It really is a reference, and it covers everything, so if you are using Hibernate intensely, you really need to have it. But trying to learn hibernate with that book is like trying to learn how to drive a car by starting off by studying everything about an internal combustion engine. You're going to get
alot of information that won't be immediately useful.
JPWH is what motivated me to write "Hibernate Made Easy." Hibernate really is easy and powerful, and if you learn the basics, you'll find that all of the advance stuff is easy to pick up because it just starts to make sense. So, if you're trying to learn Hibernate, and you want to get productive and effective at it in a hurry, without getting frustrated, pick up a copy of my book as well. Most people say that they can actually finish it in a weekend, so they leave work on Friday and know nothing, and come in on Monday morning and know more than anyone else on their team. Plus, it's a fun read.
Keep in mind that I am the author, so my opinion is obviously biased. Read the reviews on amazon for various Hibernate books and come to your own conclusions.
Good luck. Even if you're interested in learning some Hibernate stuff right away, check out my signature links. I've got a bunch of free tutorials on Hiberante as well
Kindest regards,
-Cameron McKenzie
