>>I have a client who's interested in learning SQL, for use with a direct query tool that comes with SAP Business One, which is running on a SQL Server 2005 backend.
>>
>>She's very bright and technically oriented, but not a programmer and doesn't know SQL at all. She already went to a local bookstore and bought the following books:
>>
>>"SQL In Easy Steps" - Mike McGrath. Beginner's book, using MySQL for its examples
>>
>>"SQL Visual Quickstart Guide - 3rd Edition" - Chris Fehily. Beginner's book. Well-regarded title with examples that can be used against various backends, including SQL Server
>>
>>"SQL Bible - 2nd Edition" - Kriegell/Trukhnov. Looks like an all-round reference with some introductory material. This new edition claims to include info for some of the latest databases including SQL Server 2008.
>>
>>I'm thinking she might be better served by a learning guide that specifically uses some version of SQL Server and the associated tools. To that end, I searched Amazon for Microsoft Press titles that are SQL Server 2005-specific, but they all seem advanced. So, my questions:
>>
>>1. Anyone know of any Microsoft title that is for learning SQL? It no doubt would use some version of SQL Server, but one using 2005 would be ideal.
>>
>>2. Any other recommendations for good, beginner's SQL books?
>
>
>Finding good ones is easy but it is hard to determine what is "easy":)
>She may try and/or by discounted ebooks at these links (valid till 2009)
>
>http://microsofteref.books24x7.com/promo/mvptry499
>http://microsofteref.books24x7.com/promo/mvpbuy499
>
>PS: I think self paced training kits about SQL server (not necessarily for 2005) are quite easy. Also there are virtual lab tutorials on microsoft site AFAIK.

Thanks, Cetin - I'll pass this info along.

I also just found an O'Reilly book that seems tightly focused on the task at hand:
http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596102159/