it would be appreciated if anyone who has an opinion or experience relating to using programming books would chime in the replies,
cuz i've always thought they are interesting and would be a useful way to learn as someone who's not an absolute noob to things, and also so i can progress at my own pace, unlike a video series. so i'm curious if anyone has anything to say or infodump on them. yes 
@tajoma I usually read the official manuals, sometimes an official book (online), sometimes a draft of an official standard (or a PDF of the real thing if it's nice like for Scheme). I don't want yet another big book that assumes no prior programming experience, although some are ok with that.
The ones I have physically are LaTeX, TeX and related manuals; and a Daniel P. Friedman book (very unusual and engaging style, but I read it to be aware of new concepts, not to program).
The languages I program in now are the ones I've learned from the online official manuals.
I can't usefully focus on programming videos.
tajoma
Lukyan