How I study

I really study hard "MYSQL 5 Certification Study guide" by Paul Dubois, the material is difficult because new concept suddenly pops in without explanation until later in the chapters. But like a ant drilling tunnels here and there the hard cheese finally falls apart. And finally the pieces are put together and become enjoyable.

Sams teach yourself in 21 days and Mysql: Your visual blueprint are the supplementary books, not enough info. The main book is the certification study guide. 

I study like this with the analogy of battlefield strategy:

1. Survey: Read lightly each chapter to know what the book is trying to  achieve. If stuck just skip. This is the first reading.

2. Shoot aerrows: Start reading each chapter to fully understand concepts. BUT DONT MEMORIZE.

3. Meelee: This is the close bone to bone combat. Start taking short notes recording key words.

4. Memorize : From the notes. 

SSMM   :p