Core Python Programming

You could try starting with "How to Design Programs" at http://htdp.org (or buy the dead tree version). That book has been very helpful for some people. The programming language environment used in HTDP can be downloaded from http://racket-lang.org. If you'd prefer Python, a real gem of a book is Core Python Programming by Westley Chun. Python btw, is an excellent choice for a first programming language.

I found Core Python Programming by Wesley J. Chun is the best python book so far that I requested the university library to get it (among couple other books) for my research. I started with Beginning Python: From Novice to Professional. Extremely helpful and easy to follow book, since I already have few languages in my repertoire. After you are comfortable with python and its syntax then get some python cookbooks. Good Luck