Both books were a good read and I am happy to recommend either. Please note that opinions are those of the individual reviewers. Buying Books, Sending Money Wisely C Vu is published six times a year. All the contents are written by programmers but with differing perspectives and levels of expertise. One thing they share is a highly critical view of what is being offered in books.
Books are expensive, and computing books are extremely expensive.
It is not unusual for a book on programming to cost more than an elegantly produced glossy full colour coffee table production. If such books were accurate and accurately described we might excuse the cost. Unfortunately many are inaccurate to the point of being dangerous. Among the reviews on these pages you will find bluntly critical comments. Some of these addressed to books by well-known authors whose knowledge is far from current.