Non Java Algorithms in C++ Robert Sedgewick Addison-Wesley 0-201-51059-6 658 46.25 Buy It This is the best book I know about basic algorithms and data structures. I refer to it frequently. The Design and Evolution of C++ Bjarne Stroustrup Addison-Wesley 0-201-54330-3 461 Buy It A fascinating look at why C++ is what it is, for better or worse, by the man who invented it. Even though Java is never mentioned, this book should convince convince you that C++ and Java really are two very different languages.