>What book will you be recommending? Is it good to have the books intended for certification exams?

I found that books intended for certification exams are too focus on exam and not enough on VB basics. So you often miss the points that are not covered by the exams.

One of my favorite books when I was learning VB was the "Programmer's guide". Yes the book that comes with VB! It covers a lot of things to help you start the right way.

After you read (and understand) this one, you need other books of course but these will be focused on specific topic:
-For database (SQL Server + DAO + RDO + ADO): Bill Waughn at MS-Press (Hitchicker's guide to ...)
-For API: the book of Dan Appleman
-For object oriented: Deborah Kurata or Rockford Lotka