What are your favorite Java books? I'd like something that goes from the ground up. It doesn't have to be for a beginner programmer, but someone new to Java.

Hey,
Don't know about books but I follow tutorials from The New Boston on YouTube, and that guy is amazing at explaining programming.
Plus if you need any other languages his channel have a shit ton of free and complete tutorial playlists.
Anyway that's my 2cents I personally learn much more easily with video but that's me, can't help you with books unfortunately.

Heard good stuff about Head First Java and Effective Java series... Personally, I found the OCA/P book to be quite good and informative especially if you already know another programming language

@dantheman +1 for Effective Java. Fantastic book.

thinking in Java .The book is not updated till Java 8 but still covers a lot topics

Mastering Javascript from oreilly.