Head First Java

+1 for head first java, I also recommend effective Java once you've read hfj

I can't recommend Head First Java enough - initially I thought it was too whimsical and lacked depth, but it goes over key points simply and repeatedly until you understand them. If you have OOP experience then a lot of the first half of the book will be pretty familiar, but it's useful enough for the syntax/quirks etc

I love the Head first series books. Even though I already had experience with other languages when I started, Head First Java explained things clearly and enjoyably! http://amzn.to/ybDBJv