Hello,
Except for Appendix C "Getting Started with Android", my book doesn't teach Android programming. The rationale for this book's existence is to teach Java (language and key APIs, such as Collections) as a prerequisite to getting into Android app development.
You can freely download Appendix C (a 96-page PDF file) from
http://www.apress.com/9781430264545. The PDF file is located in the book's code file. The code file also includes the example Android apps presented in Appendix C.
Note: Chapter 1 introduces Eclipse and also introduces Android. Appendix C shows how to develop the apps using command-line tools or Eclipse.
Regarding your side question, I've written about Corona (in a separate series of articles), which also simplifies creating Android apps. I've found that these tools, although very helpful (especially to beginners), are also limiting -- you don't have access to every last feature that you might want for your apps. Creating portability requires some sacrifice.
All the best.
Jeff