[YooLi]

Since you say you are a novice, I'd recommend Head First Design Patterns:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0596007124

Do not jump in with the GoF Design Pattern book. :)

[abecedarius]

I thought that book was very well done, in terms of getting its lessons into your head -- but the lessons gave poor advice on the subject. (I don't remember specifics, it's been years.)

[brudgers]

I'd suggest starting a little closer to the beginning:

Head First C# [1st choice because the program exercises are far more interesting] or Head First Java [which is pretty dull]

Learn Python the Hard Way would be my choice for learning old school style. http://learnpythonthehardway.org/index

[duck]

The Head First books are a great idea, but to me they force too much of their way to learning instead of just presenting the information. I'm sure that is helpful to some... but it just gives me a headache when I try to read through them.