Peter van der Linden's Guide to Linux(R) (Paperback) by Peter van der Linden
Here is what I wrote on Amazon about it.."This book is outstanding and important! I've been using Linux since 2001. During that time I have explored many books for people relatively new to Linux. Most of them lack one key ingredient that Peter van der Linden grasps wonderfully....balance. Balance between how to's, the culture of open source, the history, and still being entertaining and readable. He has not only accomplished balance, but he has excelled at it. You do not have to read his book cover to cover, but you can. His entertaining style and injection of humor (yes, humor) will keep you reading. As a reference, the book is wonderful. It will not collect dust on my bookshelf, this book will rest beside my computer and likely become dog eared from use. Entertaining, informative, and useful are words that I rarely use to describe a book. In this case, it has earned the accolade. It is also a book I wish had been published in 2001.

What does he do well?
He uses the Linspire 5-0 Operating System to introduce you to Linux. This is a great starting point for people to springboard from with its ease of use and familiar interface. It really is the World's Easiest Desktop Linux.
He not only tells you how things work the way they do, but why they work the way they do. Sometimes, he even gives you background information on certain aspect ranging from how an application came to be to landmark court decision.
He uses a logical progression in his topics. So many "newbie" Linux books start you off with how to install Linux. Your brain is so scrambled with partitioning and BIOS that the rest of the book is intimidating. Peter van der Linden starts with concepts that everyone can grasp such as surfing the web and using e mail. He then takes you on a tour of tasks like adding software, networking, and finally takes you into installation and booting.
He breaks down intimidating concepts such as networking and encryption to easily understood and applicable realities for any user.
The appendix is actually useful! This may sound trite, but it is true. I cannot tell you how many books I have read and never committed more than a cursory glance at the appendix. His are useful and consistent with the rest of the book.
It's easy to read. Again, this too may sound trite. But I have seen many a book on Linux that is not written with the real user in mind. There are other times where I have read books on Linux written at so simplistic a level it speaks down to the reader as if they were infants barely able to grasp a mouse. Peter van der Linden has shown an understanding of not only Linux, but the needs of real people without going over their heads or insulting their intelligence.

Moving to Linux, Second Edition : Kiss the Blue Screen of Death Goodbye! (2nd Edition) (Paperback) by Marcel Gagné
Marcel, a regular columnist in Linux Journal Magazine not only raised the bar, but set the standard for book for linux newbies. I have bought his first edition for 6 people and all 6 of those now use Linux. Which book is better...Marcel's or Peter's? It really is a coin toss. Buy them both.

Linux Desktop Pocket Guide (Paperback) by David Brickner -
It is $10 and if you get it with a 15-20% coupon, it is worth it. It has some helpful tips in it.

CaptainTux's Book Nook-Culture Club Collection

So, you are now at the cross roads where you are no longer a noob and not yet a guru...what to read?

Moving to the Linux Business Desktop (Paperback) by Marcel Gagné
Marcel hits another home run with this masterpiece. It contains alot of information from the Moving to Linux book, but it also adds in a little more high lever migration stuff such as

• Deploy Linux with your existing PCs, printers, and IT/network infrastructure
• Centrally manage users and security through Webmin's convenient Web interface
• Deliver reliable email services with Postfix, or integrate Linux mail clients with Microsoft Exchange servers
• Configure Windows file sharing with Samba, and Linux file sharing with NFS
• Secure network communications with Linux firewalls and OpenSSH
• Plan and deploy LTSP thin clients and diskless workstations and the server support for them
• Provide LDAP directory services to all your clients
• Support users by "remote control"—without leaving your desk

This is a great starter book into the intermediate world.

The Linux Cookbook, Second Edition (Paperback) by Michael Stutz
This book is wonderful. It does not really go into the logic of how things work, but it answers the "how do I do.....this?" In much the same was a good cookbook explains how to make something. You get the ingredients and steps. This is tips and tools for every day use and will make you realize the command line is not to be feared...it is a FEATURE!!!!

Linux Cookbook (Paperback) by Carla Schroder
Slightly different title, different author, different publisher. Same idea only a little more high level. Great book. Buy the other one first.

Linux Timesaving Techniques For Dummies by Susan Douglas, Korry Douglas
The only dummies book I love for Linux. It comes in book form or you can pay for and digitally downlod it in .pdf format and save some money.Over 60 techniques that help you save time by…

• Controlling time-consuming tasks
• Improving your system security
• Getting the most from your file system
• Automating repetitive tasks
• Tweaking the kernel on your Linux system
• Networking like a professional

Hacking Knoppix (ExtremeTech) (Paperback) by Scott Granneman
...far better than Knoppix hacks.

• Knoppix is an innovative Linux distribution that does not require installation, making it ideal to use for a rescue system, demonstration purposes, or many other applications
• Shows hack-hungry fans how to fully customize Knoppix and Knoppix-based distributions
• Readers will learn to create two different Knoppix-based live CDs, one for children and one for Windows recovery
• Teaches readers to use Knoppix to work from a strange computer, rescue a Windows computer that won't boot, repair and recover data from other machines, and more
• Includes Knoppix Light 4.0 on a ready-to-use, bootable live CD

In other words....make that live cd a swiss army knife you can weild like a pro!

Linux in a Windows World (Paperback) by Roderick Smith
I am copy pasting from amazon for this one...it is a great book, but I cannot describe it well.

Linux's unparalleled functionality and adaptability have made it the main alternative to Unix and Microsoft Windows operating systems. And with good reason. System administrators realize that this robust alternative can greatly improve their operating system's reliability and save them money, too. Linux systems are even less vulnerable to attacks by computer viruses and worms. Not surprisingly, businesses, government agencies, schools, and a wealth of other institutions are all looking to Linux to replace the Windows desktop for these same benefits. Linux in a Windows World takes an in-depth look at exactly how Linux can be brought into an organization that's currently based on Microsoft Windows systems. Featuring a litany of insider tips and techniques, Linux in a Windows World dispenses all the practical advice you need to migrate to this revolutionary open source software. Author Roderick W. Smith, himself a renowned system administrator and Linux convert, understands that the skills required to install, deploy, and maintain Linux are not easy to find. That's why he has tapped the absolute best source of information available: the Linux server experts who have made it their life's work to build and manage the Linux system. The latest in O'Reilly's line of bestselling Linux titles, Linux in a Windows World is an invaluable companion for any system administrator interested in integrating Linux into their Windows environment.

If I were to strongly urge you to own two books on this list...
The Linux Cookbook is a MUST HAVE (the first one I listed)!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Captain'sTux Book Nook-Supertramp Collection

CaptainTux's Book Nook-Various Artists Collection