In the event the OP is looking for other good books from which to learn Java, I have always liked the books from Deitel & Deitel. They cover a very wide range of topics, and do so seemingly well. I've not read Head First Java, but do have Head First
Servlets &
JSP, and if it's anything like it, Head First Java would be well worth getting.
I would concur with a reply about staying active on the forums. Troll through this section (Beginner) and even if you have no idea about the solution you'll learn a lot from the replies of the more enlightened ones.