First, make sure you have the Second Edition (Matthew Scarpino)
I own it, and I have written quite often about this book at the ranch.
I don't recommend it. First version received many good reviews, but second edition is no good. It looks like and quick and dirty update to the new exam.
The main flaw is that tag definitions are old.
Servlet 2.3 instead of 2.4, and TLD were not updated either.
Don't forget to have a look at the Author's Online, at Manning's homepage.
Good luck.